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How to Solve Open the Lock Problem
Master the Open the Lock LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.
Phantom Code generates complete solutions and debugging hints that you can use while explaining your approach, so you stay calm and in control.
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Start Free for WindowsMedium#752
LeetCode ProblemOpen the Lock
You have a lock in front of you with 4 circular wheels. Each wheel has 10 slots: '0', '1', '2', '3', '4', '5', '6', '7', '8', '9'. The wheels can rotate freely and wrap around: for example we can turn '9' to be '0', or '0' to be '9'. Each move consists of turning one wheel one slot. The lock initially starts at '0000', a string representing the state of the 4 wheels. You are given a list of deadends dead ends, meaning if the lock displays any of these codes, the wheels of the lock will stop turning and you will be unable to open it. Given a target representing the value of the wheels that will unlock the lock, return the minimum total number of turns required to open the lock, or -1 if it is impossible.
ArrayHash TableStringBreadth-First Search
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Open the Lock Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
You have a lock in front of you with 4 circular wheels. Each wheel has 10 slots: '0', '1', '2', '3', '4', '5', '6', '7', '8', '9'. The wheels can rotate freely and wrap around: for example we can turn '9' to be '0', or '0' to be '9'. Each move consists of turning one wheel one slot. The lock initially starts at '0000', a string representing the state of the 4 wheels. You are given a list of deadends dead ends, meaning if the lock displays any of these codes, the wheels of the lock will stop turning and you will be unable to open it. Given a target representing the value of the wheels that will unlock the lock, return the minimum total number of turns required to open the lock, or -1 if it is impossible.
MediumProblem #752
LeetCodeOpen the Lock
Related Topics
ArrayHash TableStringBreadth-First Search
How Phantom Code Helps
Get real-time assistance for Open the Lock problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.
Examples
# Example 1
Input
deadends = ["0201","0101","0102","1212","2002"], target = "0202"
Output
6
# Example 2
Input
deadends = ["8888"], target = "0009"
Output
1
# Example 3
Input
deadends = ["8887","8889","8878","8898","8788","8988","7888","9888"], target = "8888"
Output
-1
Constraints
1 <= deadends.length <= 500
deadends[i].length == 4
target.length == 4
target will not be in the list deadends.
target and deadends[i] consist of digits only.
How Phantom Code Helps with LeetCode Problems
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Solve Open the Lock — You have a lock in front of you with 4 circular wheels. Each wheel has 10 slots:...
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 Checklist
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about solving Open the Lock and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.
How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Open the Lock 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 Open the Lock?
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 Open the Lock?
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 Open the Lock 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 Open the Lock 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 Open the Lock 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 Open the Lock 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 Open the Lock 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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