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HomeLeetCode ProblemsCompare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character
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How to Solve Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character Problem

Master the Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.

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Medium#1170
LeetCode Problem

Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character

Let the function f(s) be the frequency of the lexicographically smallest character in a non-empty string s. For example, if s = "dcce" then f(s) = 2 because the lexicographically smallest character is 'c', which has a frequency of 2. You are given an array of strings words and another array of query strings queries. For each query queries[i], count the number of words in words such that f(queries[i]) < f(W) for each W in words. Return an integer array answer, where each answer[i] is the answer to the ith query.

ArrayHash TableStringBinary SearchSorting

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Problem Breakdown

Understanding the Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character Problem

Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.

Problem Statement

Let the function f(s) be the frequency of the lexicographically smallest character in a non-empty string s. For example, if s = "dcce" then f(s) = 2 because the lexicographically smallest character is 'c', which has a frequency of 2. You are given an array of strings words and another array of query strings queries. For each query queries[i], count the number of words in words such that f(queries[i]) < f(W) for each W in words. Return an integer array answer, where each answer[i] is the answer to the ith query.

MediumProblem #1170
LeetCode

Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character

Related Topics

ArrayHash TableStringBinary SearchSorting

How Phantom Code Helps

Get real-time assistance for Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.

Examples

# Example 1

Input
queries = ["cbd"], words = ["zaaaz"]
Output
[1]

# Example 2

Input
queries = ["bbb","cc"], words = ["a","aa","aaa","aaaa"]
Output
[1,2]

Constraints

1 <= queries.length <= 2000
1 <= words.length <= 2000
1 <= queries[i].length, words[i].length <= 10
queries[i][j], words[i][j] consist of lowercase English letters.

How Phantom Code Helps with LeetCode Problems

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Solve Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character — Let the function f(s) be the frequency of the lexicographically smallest charact...

Here's the optimal approach using Array:

def solve(input):
# Optimal O(n) solution
return result

Time: O(n)  |  Space: O(n)

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Undetectability and technical details

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Platform compatibility and limitations

We work with Zoom, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad and other web-based platforms. Check the compatibility note and request a browser link if a specific desktop app is unsupported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about solving Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.

How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character during interviews?
Phantom Code generates complete solutions instantly with proper complexity analysis, letting you focus on explaining your approach and demonstrating problem-solving skills rather than getting stuck on implementation details during high-pressure situations.
What if the interviewer asks follow-up questions or modifications to problems like Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character?
Phantom Code adapts in real-time. Screenshot the modified problem or use audio mode to capture the interviewer's follow-up, and get an updated solution within seconds — including edge cases and optimizations.
Can Phantom Code help me communicate my solution for problems like Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character?
Yes. Phantom Code provides step-by-step approach explanations with 3 progressive thoughts, so you can walk through your solution naturally. It also provides time and space complexity analysis to discuss trade-offs.
How does Phantom Code assist with different programming languages for Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character type problems?
Phantom Code supports 11 programming languages including Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust, Ruby, Swift, Kotlin, and C#. Set your preferred language and get idiomatic solutions.
What coding mistakes does Phantom Code help me avoid during Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character interviews?
Phantom Code catches common mistakes like off-by-one errors, missing edge cases, incorrect base conditions, and suboptimal approaches. It provides clean, well-structured code that handles all edge cases.
Is Phantom Code detectable when solving problems like Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character during live interviews?
No. Phantom Code runs as an invisible desktop overlay that doesn't appear in screen shares, recordings, or proctoring software. It works with Zoom, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad, and all major platforms.
How does Phantom Code help when I'm struggling with Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character style questions under pressure?
The AI provides structured guidance: first the approach (what algorithm/data structure to use and why), then the implementation with clean code, and finally complexity analysis. This helps you think clearly even under pressure.
Does Phantom Code work for the coding platforms used in Compare Strings by Frequency of the Smallest Character interviews?
Yes. Phantom Code works with all major coding platforms including LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad, HackerEarth, and any browser-based coding environment.
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