[Solved] Identify the bug in the following code snippet for counting max bitwise-OR subsets: from typing import List class Solution: def countMaxOrSubsets(self, nums: List[int]) -> int:... | Subsets & Combinations

Subsets & Combinations - Count Number of Max Bitwise-OR Subsets

Identify the bug in the following code snippet for counting max bitwise-OR subsets:

from typing import List

class Solution:
    def countMaxOrSubsets(self, nums: List[int]) -> int:
        n = len(nums)
        max_or = 0
        count = 0
        for mask in range(0, 1 << n):  # Note: starts from 0
            current_or = 0
            for i in range(n):
                if mask & (1 << i):
                    current_or |= nums[i]
            if current_or > max_or:
                max_or = current_or
                count = 1
            elif current_or == max_or:
                count += 1
        return count

AThe count variable should be reset inside the inner loop

BThe OR operation should be replaced with AND

CThe loop should start from 1 to exclude empty subset

Dmax_or should be initialized to -1 instead of 0

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Identify that mask=0 represents empty subset
Empty subset OR is 0, which is usually not counted as a valid subset.
Step 2: Recognize that including empty subset inflates count incorrectly
Starting from mask=0 causes counting empty subset, leading to wrong final count.
Final Answer:
Option C -> Option C
Quick Check:
Exclude empty subset by starting mask from 1 -> correct counting [OK]

Quick Trick: Empty subset mask=0 must be excluded to avoid incorrect counts [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Counting empty subset as valid
Incorrect initialization of max_or

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Starting from 0 looks natural but includes empty subset, a subtle bug candidates often miss.

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Checks if candidate understands subset enumeration details and edge cases.

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More Subsets & Combinations Quizzes

Identify the bug in the following code snippet for counting max bitwise-OR subsets:

Step 1: Identify that mask=0 represents empty subset

Step 2: Recognize that including empty subset inflates count incorrectly

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

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