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How to Solve Shortest Distance to Target String in a Circular Array Problem
Master the Shortest Distance to Target String in a Circular Array LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.
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Start Free for WindowsEasy#2515
LeetCode ProblemShortest Distance to Target String in a Circular Array
You are given a 0-indexed circular string array words and a string target. A circular array means that the array's end connects to the array's beginning. Starting from startIndex, you can move to either the next word or the previous word with 1 step at a time. Return the shortest distance needed to reach the string target. If the string target does not exist in words, return -1.
ArrayString
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Shortest Distance to Target String in a Circular Array Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
You are given a 0-indexed circular string array words and a string target. A circular array means that the array's end connects to the array's beginning. Starting from startIndex, you can move to either the next word or the previous word with 1 step at a time. Return the shortest distance needed to reach the string target. If the string target does not exist in words, return -1.
EasyProblem #2515
LeetCodeShortest Distance to Target String in a Circular Array
Related Topics
ArrayString
How Phantom Code Helps
Get real-time assistance for Shortest Distance to Target String in a Circular Array problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.
Examples
# Example 1
Input
words = ["hello","i","am","leetcode","hello"], target = "hello", startIndex = 1
Output
1
# Example 2
Input
words = ["a","b","leetcode"], target = "leetcode", startIndex = 0
Output
1
# Example 3
Input
words = ["i","eat","leetcode"], target = "ate", startIndex = 0
Output
-1
Constraints
1 <= words.length <= 100
1 <= words[i].length <= 100
words[i] and target consist of only lowercase English letters.
0 <= startIndex < words.length
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Solve Shortest Distance to Target String in a Circular Array — You are given a 0-indexed circular string array words and a string target. A cir...
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 Distance to Target String in a Circular Array and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.
How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Shortest Distance to Target String in a Circular Array 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 Target String in a Circular Array?
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 Target String in a Circular Array?
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 Target String in a Circular Array 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 Target String in a Circular Array 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 Target String in a Circular Array 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 Target String in a Circular Array 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 Target String in a Circular Array 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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