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How to Solve Shortest Completing Word Problem
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LeetCode ProblemShortest Completing Word
Given a string licensePlate and an array of strings words, find the shortest completing word in words. A completing word is a word that contains all the letters in licensePlate. Ignore numbers and spaces in licensePlate, and treat letters as case insensitive. If a letter appears more than once in licensePlate, then it must appear in the word the same number of times or more. For example, if licensePlate = "aBc 12c", then it contains letters 'a', 'b' (ignoring case), and 'c' twice. Possible completing words are "abccdef", "caaacab", and "cbca". Return the shortest completing word in words. It is guaranteed an answer exists. If there are multiple shortest completing words, return the first one that occurs in words.
ArrayHash TableString
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Shortest Completing Word Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
Given a string licensePlate and an array of strings words, find the shortest completing word in words. A completing word is a word that contains all the letters in licensePlate. Ignore numbers and spaces in licensePlate, and treat letters as case insensitive. If a letter appears more than once in licensePlate, then it must appear in the word the same number of times or more. For example, if licensePlate = "aBc 12c", then it contains letters 'a', 'b' (ignoring case), and 'c' twice. Possible completing words are "abccdef", "caaacab", and "cbca". Return the shortest completing word in words. It is guaranteed an answer exists. If there are multiple shortest completing words, return the first one that occurs in words.
EasyProblem #748
LeetCodeShortest Completing Word
Related Topics
ArrayHash TableString
How Phantom Code Helps
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Examples
# Example 1
Input
licensePlate = "1s3 PSt", words = ["step","steps","stripe","stepple"]
Output
"steps"
# Example 2
Input
licensePlate = "1s3 456", words = ["looks","pest","stew","show"]
Output
"pest"
Constraints
1 <= licensePlate.length <= 7
licensePlate contains digits, letters (uppercase or lowercase), or space ' '.
1 <= words.length <= 1000
1 <= words[i].length <= 15
words[i] consists of lower case English letters.
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Solve Shortest Completing Word — Given a string licensePlate and an array of strings words, find the shortest com...
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about solving Shortest Completing Word and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.
How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Shortest Completing Word 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 Shortest Completing Word?
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 Shortest Completing Word?
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 Shortest Completing Word 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 Shortest Completing Word 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 Shortest Completing Word 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 Shortest Completing Word 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 Shortest Completing Word 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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