CARVIEW |
Intermediate
25h
Updated 1 month ago
Grokking Dynamic Programming Interview in C++
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
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Content
1.
Getting Started
3 Lessons
2.
0/1 Knapsack
9 Lessons
3.
Unbounded Knapsack
6 Lessons
4.
Recursive Numbers
12 Lessons
5.
Longest Common Substring
16 Lessons
6.
Palindromic Subsequence
6 Lessons
7.
Conclusion
1 Lessons
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is dynamic programming, and how does it help in coding interviews?
Dynamic programming (DP) is an optimization technique for solving problems by breaking them into simpler, interdependent subproblems. By solving each subproblem once and storing its result, DP avoids redundant calculations. This approach is crucial for coding interviews because many real-world problems, especially optimization and decision-making, rely on DP to find efficient solutions.
What are some common dynamic programming patterns I should know for interviews?
Some common DP patterns frequently tested in interviews are as follows:
- 0/1 knapsack: Used for selection problems with constraints.
- Unbounded knapsack: Useful when you can use an item multiple times.
- Recursive numbers: Includes problems like Fibonacci, path counting, and combinatorial problems.
- Longest common substring/subsequence: Involves finding similarities or transformations between sequences.
- Palindromic subsequence: Focuses on identifying and analyzing palindrome-related problems.
Why is dynamic programming emphasized in technical interviews?
Interviewers focus on dynamic programming because it tests your ability to break complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. DP questions challenge candidates to think critically, optimize for efficiency, and use resources effectively—skills highly valued in software engineering roles.
How can dynamic programming proficiency enhance my performance in coding interviews?
Being skilled in dynamic programming equips you to tackle a broad range of optimization problems and shows your ability to solve problems efficiently. As DP is frequently used in interview questions, mastering it will increase your chances of impressing interviewers, particularly at top companies like FAANG, where problem-solving ability is key.
How should I explain a dynamic programming solution in an interview?
To effectively explain your dynamic programming approach, identify the brute-force solution and its limitations. Then, explain how DP reduces these limitations by solving and storing subproblems. Walk the interviewer through your thought process—whether memoization or tabulation—ensuring you explain key decisions about space and time complexity optimization.