Greedy algorithms are a powerful approach for solving optimization problems, where the goal is to find the best solution under certain constraints. The concept is simple: make decisions step-by-step, always choosing the option that looks best at the moment, and hope it leads to the best overall solution. How Greedy…
Why K-Way Merge is the Algorithm Pattern You Need to Know
If you’ve ever faced a problem involving multiple sorted arrays or lists that need to be combined into one sorted result, you’ve encountered a k-way merge scenario. It’s an essential algorithmic technique, powering systems like search engines, data processing pipelines, and distributed databases. In this post, we’ll break down the…
Invariants 101: The Golden Rule for Reliable Algorithms
Invariants are a powerful tool in programming. They’re conditions that always remain true at specific points in an algorithm, no matter what. Establishing invariants early in the problem-solving process helps you write correct, efficient, and easy-to-understand code. In this blog, we’ll cover how to quickly establish invariants, explain their benefits,…
Recurrence Relations Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to Algorithmic Thinking
Have you ever wondered how recursive algorithms solve complex problems by breaking them into smaller pieces? The answer lies in recurrence relations—the mathematical backbone of recursion and dynamic programming. Whether it’s calculating Fibonacci numbers, optimizing a game strategy, or solving a divide-and-conquer problem like Merge Sort, recurrence relations provide a…
Mastering Adjacency Matrices: A Beginner’s Guide to Graph Representation
Graphs are everywhere—in social networks, navigation systems, and even in coding interviews! One of the most popular ways to represent graphs in programming is using an adjacency matrix. If you’re looking to dive into graph algorithms, understanding adjacency matrices is a critical first step. This article breaks down adjacency matrices…
Mastering Disjoint Sets: A Comprehensive Guide
Disjoint sets, also known as Union-Find data structures, are a foundational concept in computer science. They are used to solve problems related to grouping, connectivity, and partitioning efficiently. In this guide, we’ll break down the key components of disjoint sets, discuss optimizations, and explore their real-world applications. What Are Disjoint…
PriorityQueue in C#: Unlocking the Power of Priority-Based Data Management
We’ve learned about Queues, and discovered that queues are processed First In, First Out (FIFO). Essentially, this means: A priority queue is an abstract data type similar to a regular queue or stack data structure in which each eleemnt additionally has a “priority” associated with it. In a priority queue,…
Mastering HashSet in C#: Efficient Data Storage and Retrieval
A HashSet (sometimes called a “set”) is one the most utilized data structures in LeetCode style interviews and has tremendous power when it comes to optimizing algorithms. Hashsets are popular across all popular languages and fundamental concept to computer science. A set is a collection of distinct objects without duplicated…
From Nodes to Greatness: Understanding Linked Lists in C#
Very similar to an array, a linked list is a data structure that represents a collection of items. While on the surface, they are identical there are big differences under the hood. Memory inside of a computer can be visualized as a giant excel spread sheet. When you store an…
Deep Dive into C# Dictionaries: Performance and Optimization
Imagine that you are coding a program that allows customers to order vapes online. You are tasked with making a menu that displays different types of vapes on a company website. While this array is useful and innocent, this design has many downsides including: O(N) runtime is not exactly the…
