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How to Solve Similar String Groups Problem
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LeetCode ProblemSimilar String Groups
Two strings, X and Y, are considered similar if either they are identical or we can make them equivalent by swapping at most two letters (in distinct positions) within the string X. For example, "tars" and "rats" are similar (swapping at positions 0 and 2), and "rats" and "arts" are similar, but "star" is not similar to "tars", "rats", or "arts". Together, these form two connected groups by similarity: {"tars", "rats", "arts"} and {"star"}. Notice that "tars" and "arts" are in the same group even though they are not similar. Formally, each group is such that a word is in the group if and only if it is similar to at least one other word in the group. We are given a list strs of strings where every string in strs is an anagram of every other string in strs. How many groups are there?
ArrayHash TableStringDepth-First SearchBreadth-First SearchUnion Find
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Similar String Groups Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
Two strings, X and Y, are considered similar if either they are identical or we can make them equivalent by swapping at most two letters (in distinct positions) within the string X. For example, "tars" and "rats" are similar (swapping at positions 0 and 2), and "rats" and "arts" are similar, but "star" is not similar to "tars", "rats", or "arts". Together, these form two connected groups by similarity: {"tars", "rats", "arts"} and {"star"}. Notice that "tars" and "arts" are in the same group even though they are not similar. Formally, each group is such that a word is in the group if and only if it is similar to at least one other word in the group. We are given a list strs of strings where every string in strs is an anagram of every other string in strs. How many groups are there?
HardProblem #839
LeetCodeSimilar String Groups
Related Topics
ArrayHash TableStringDepth-First SearchBreadth-First SearchUnion Find
How Phantom Code Helps
Get real-time assistance for Similar String Groups problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.
Examples
# Example 1
Input
strs = ["tars","rats","arts","star"]
Output
2
# Example 2
Input
strs = ["omv","ovm"]
Output
1
Constraints
1 <= strs.length <= 300
1 <= strs[i].length <= 300
strs[i] consists of lowercase letters only.
All words in strs have the same length and are anagrams of each other.
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Solve Similar String Groups — Two strings, X and Y, are considered similar if either they are identical or we ...
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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 Similar String Groups and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.
How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Similar String Groups 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 Similar String Groups?
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 Similar String Groups?
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 Similar String Groups 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 Similar String Groups 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 Similar String Groups 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 Similar String Groups 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 Similar String Groups 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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