Greedy Algorithms - Minimum Cost to Connect Sticks
The following code attempts to compute the minimum cost to connect sticks using a min-heap. Identify the bug that causes incorrect results or infinite loops.
The following code attempts to compute the minimum cost to connect sticks using a min-heap. Identify the bug that causes incorrect results or infinite loops.
medium🐞 Bug Identification Q14 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Review the merge loop
The loop pops two smallest sticks and sums their lengths as cost.Step 2: Check if merged stick is reinserted
The merged stick must be pushed back into the heap to continue merging. Missing this causes infinite loop or incorrect cost.Final Answer:
Option D -> Option DQuick Check:
Without pushing merged stick, heap shrinks incorrectly -> infinite loop or wrong result [OK]
Quick Trick: Merged sticks must be pushed back to heap [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Forgetting to push merged stick back
- Incorrect base case handling
- Misordering heap operations
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- The missing push is subtle because code looks almost correct and may pass trivial tests.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests attention to detail and understanding of heap-based merging logic.
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