Divide & Conquer: The Strategy Behind the Fastest Algorithms
Divide and conquer is behind merge sort, binary search, and fast power. Master the split-solve-merge pattern and the Master Theorem for complexity analysis in one focused post.
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Divide and conquer is behind merge sort, binary search, and fast power. Master the split-solve-merge pattern and the Master Theorem for complexity analysis in one focused post.
Greedy algorithms are easy to implement but hard to justify. Learn the exchange argument, the 5 greedy patterns, and when greedy fails so you know to reach for DP instead.
DP is not about memorizing problems. Recognize two signals — optimal substructure and overlapping subproblems — then apply 6 patterns that make DP finally approachable.
Every recursive solution is secretly a tree traversal. Once you see that, pruning becomes obvious. Master the backtracking template and 4 problem types found in every interview.
Sorting and binary search hide inside half your interview solutions. Master every sort variant, binary search on answer space, and the 3 patterns that turn O(n²) into O(n log n).
Graphs intimidate more than any other topic — but most problems use just 4 techniques. Master BFS, DFS, topological sort, and union-find with a clear decision framework.
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