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How to Solve Shortest Distance to a Character Problem
Master the Shortest Distance to a Character 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 WindowsEasy#821
LeetCode ProblemShortest Distance to a Character
Given a string s and a character c that occurs in s, return an array of integers answer where answer.length == s.length and answer[i] is the distance from index i to the closest occurrence of character c in s. The distance between two indices i and j is abs(i - j), where abs is the absolute value function.
ArrayTwo PointersString
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Shortest Distance to a Character Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
Given a string s and a character c that occurs in s, return an array of integers answer where answer.length == s.length and answer[i] is the distance from index i to the closest occurrence of character c in s. The distance between two indices i and j is abs(i - j), where abs is the absolute value function.
EasyProblem #821
LeetCodeShortest Distance to a Character
Related Topics
ArrayTwo PointersString
How Phantom Code Helps
Get real-time assistance for Shortest Distance to a Character problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.
Examples
# Example 1
Input
s = "loveleetcode", c = "e"
Output
[3,2,1,0,1,0,0,1,2,2,1,0]
# Example 2
Input
s = "aaab", c = "b"
Output
[3,2,1,0]
Constraints
1 <= s.length <= 104
s[i] and c are lowercase English letters.
It is guaranteed that c occurs at least once in s.
How Phantom Code Helps with LeetCode Problems
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Solve Shortest Distance to a Character — Given a string s and a character c that occurs in s, return an array of integers...
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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Google Meet
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HackerRank
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CodeSignal
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CoderPad
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Undetectability and technical details
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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 Shortest Distance to a Character and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.
How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Shortest Distance to a 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 Shortest Distance to a 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 Shortest Distance to a 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 Shortest Distance to a 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 Shortest Distance to a 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 Shortest Distance to a 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 Shortest Distance to a 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 Shortest Distance to a 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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