Bird
Raised Fist0

Identify the subtle bug in the following recursive subset generation code snippet: ```python def subsets(nums): result = [] subset = [] def backtrack(index): if index == len(nums): result.append(subset) return backtrack(index + 1) subset.append(nums[index]) backtrack(index + 1) subset.pop() backtrack(0) return result ```

medium🐞 Bug Identification Q7 of Q15
Subsets & Combinations - Subsets Using Bitmask
Identify the subtle bug in the following recursive subset generation code snippet: ```python def subsets(nums): result = [] subset = [] def backtrack(index): if index == len(nums): result.append(subset) return backtrack(index + 1) subset.append(nums[index]) backtrack(index + 1) subset.pop() backtrack(0) return result ```
AAppending the same subset list reference instead of a copy
BNot popping the last element after recursion
CIncorrect base case condition
DMissing initial empty subset in result
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
  1. Step 1: Analyze base case append

    The code appends 'subset' directly without copying, so all entries in result point to the same list.
  2. Step 2: Consequence of bug

    After recursion, 'subset' changes, so all subsets in result become identical, causing incorrect output.
  3. Final Answer:

    Option A -> Option A
  4. Quick Check:

    Must append a copy of subset, not the reference [OK]
Quick Trick: Always append a copy of current subset [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Forgetting to copy subset before appending
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates miss that lists are mutable and appending reference causes all subsets to be same.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests understanding of mutable state and backtracking correctness.
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