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HomeLeetCode ProblemsDelete Duplicate Folders in System
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How to Solve Delete Duplicate Folders in System Problem

Master the Delete Duplicate Folders in System LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.

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Hard#1948
LeetCode Problem

Delete Duplicate Folders in System

Due to a bug, there are many duplicate folders in a file system. You are given a 2D array paths, where paths[i] is an array representing an absolute path to the ith folder in the file system. Two folders (not necessarily on the same level) are identical if they contain the same non-empty set of identical subfolders and underlying subfolder structure. The folders do not need to be at the root level to be identical. If two or more folders are identical, then mark the folders as well as all their subfolders. Once all the identical folders and their subfolders have been marked, the file system will delete all of them. The file system only runs the deletion once, so any folders that become identical after the initial deletion are not deleted. Return the 2D array ans containing the paths of the remaining folders after deleting all the marked folders. The paths may be returned in any order.

ArrayHash TableStringTrieHash Function

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Problem Breakdown

Understanding the Delete Duplicate Folders in System Problem

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

Problem Statement

Due to a bug, there are many duplicate folders in a file system. You are given a 2D array paths, where paths[i] is an array representing an absolute path to the ith folder in the file system. Two folders (not necessarily on the same level) are identical if they contain the same non-empty set of identical subfolders and underlying subfolder structure. The folders do not need to be at the root level to be identical. If two or more folders are identical, then mark the folders as well as all their subfolders. Once all the identical folders and their subfolders have been marked, the file system will delete all of them. The file system only runs the deletion once, so any folders that become identical after the initial deletion are not deleted. Return the 2D array ans containing the paths of the remaining folders after deleting all the marked folders. The paths may be returned in any order.

HardProblem #1948
LeetCode

Delete Duplicate Folders in System

Related Topics

ArrayHash TableStringTrieHash Function

How Phantom Code Helps

Get real-time assistance for Delete Duplicate Folders in System problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.

Examples

# Example 1

Input
paths = [["a"],["c"],["d"],["a","b"],["c","b"],["d","a"]]
Output
[["d"],["d","a"]]

# Example 2

Input
paths = [["a"],["c"],["a","b"],["c","b"],["a","b","x"],["a","b","x","y"],["w"],["w","y"]]
Output
[["c"],["c","b"],["a"],["a","b"]]

# Example 3

Input
paths = [["a","b"],["c","d"],["c"],["a"]]
Output
[["c"],["c","d"],["a"],["a","b"]]

Constraints

1 <= paths.length <= 2 * 104
1 <= paths[i].length <= 500
1 <= paths[i][j].length <= 10
1 <= sum(paths[i][j].length) <= 2 * 105
path[i][j] consists of lowercase English letters.
No two paths lead to the same folder.
For any folder not at the root level, its parent folder will also be in the input.

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Solve Delete Duplicate Folders in System — Due to a bug, there are many duplicate folders in a file system. You are given a...

Here's the optimal approach using Array:

def solve(input):
# Optimal O(n) solution
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Time: O(n)  |  Space: O(n)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about solving Delete Duplicate Folders in System and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.

How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Delete Duplicate Folders in System 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 Delete Duplicate Folders in System?
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 Delete Duplicate Folders in System?
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 Delete Duplicate Folders in System 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 Delete Duplicate Folders in System 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 Delete Duplicate Folders in System 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 Delete Duplicate Folders in System 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 Delete Duplicate Folders in System 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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