Fun with Algorithms

yshean

Tired of feeling lost when people talk about arrays, linked lists, or binary search? Whether you're just starting your coding journey or prepping for technical interviews, this podcast breaks down data structures and algorithms in a way that actually makes sense. Each episode, we take one concept or problem and explain it from the ground up - no computer science degree required. We help you understand the "why" and "how" behind each algorithm. Perfect for: - New programmers who want to build a solid foundation - Anyone preparing for coding interviews at tech companies - Experienced developers who want to refresh their knowledge - Students who need these concepts explained in plain English We cover all the classics you'll see in interviews: sorting algorithms, searching techniques, tree traversals, dynamic programming, and more. But don't worry - we keep things conversational and break everything down into bite-sized pieces you can actually digest. Whether you're cramming for a FAANG interview next week or just want to level up your programming skills, we've got you covered. Subscribe now and start turning those confusing algorithms into your secret weapons. New episodes every week, because mastering this stuff takes practice - and we're here to guide you through it, one algorithm at a time.

Episodes

  1. Remove Duplicates from Sorted List

    JUN 21

    Remove Duplicates from Sorted List

    Welcome to an in-depth explanation of Leetcode problem 83: Remove Duplicates from Sorted List! In this episode, we delve into an "easy" LeetCode challenge focusing on basic data structures, specifically sorted linked lists. Our task is to efficiently remove any duplicate values from a given sorted linked list, ensuring that each unique value appears exactly once and the list remains sorted. We'll start by exploring the core intuition behind the solution: since the list is already sorted, all duplicates of a particular value will be adjacent. This allows for a straightforward traversal where we compare a current node's value with its next node's value. If they are identical, we've found a duplicate and can remove the next node by rerouting the current node's next pointer to skip over the duplicate. If the values differ, we simply move to the next node. Join us for a step-by-step walkthrough of this classical algorithm, from initialisation of a pointer (cur) to traversing the list and handling duplicates. We'll illustrate the process with a concrete example, showing how a list like 1 -> 2 -> 2 -> 3 -> 3 -> 4 -> 4 -> 4 -> 5 transforms into a clean 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5. Finally, we'll break down the solution's impressive time complexity of O(n) and optimal space complexity of O(1), demonstrating why this approach is highly efficient. Master this essential linked list pattern and enhance your algorithm skills!

    11 min
  2. Longest Consecutive Sequence

    JUN 19

    Longest Consecutive Sequence

    Discover how to tackle the 'Longest Consecutive Sequence' problem! This episode delves into finding the longest run of consecutive numbers in an unsorted array, with the goal of an O(n) time complexity solution. We'll explore an efficient approach using hash tables (sets) for quick O(1) lookups. Learn the intuition behind identifying sequence starts and extending them to achieve overall O(n) time and space complexity. Perfect for anyone preparing for tech interviews or looking to master algorithmic patterns!

    12 min
  3. The Knight's Tour

    JUN 18

    The Knight's Tour

    Ever wondered if a knight could visit every square on a chessboard exactly once? Welcome to the Knight's Tour problem! This classic algorithmic challenge involves moving a chess knight, which moves in an "L" shape - two squares in one direction, then one perpendicular across an m x n board. Your task is to number each square in the order the knight visits it, starting from zero, ensuring every cell is visited exactly once. We'll dive into how this puzzle is typically solved using a powerful technique called backtracking, a form of Depth-First Search (DFS) that explores all possible paths and "undoes" moves that lead to dead ends. Tune in to understand the strategy behind conquering this intricate chessboard quest!

    12 min
  4. Boats to Save People

    JUN 17

    Boats to Save People

    Ever encountered those classic puzzles about getting people across a river with specific constraints? We're diving into 'Boats to Save People,' a fascinating problem where you're given people's weights and boats with a maximum weight limit, capable of carrying at most two individuals. Your goal is to find the minimum number of boats required. The optimal solution employs a powerful greedy two-pointer technique. We start by sorting all the people by weight. Then, we strategically pair the heaviest person remaining with the lightest possible partner to maximize boat capacity. If they fit, they share a boat; otherwise, the heaviest person gets their own. This clever approach guarantees the minimum number of boats, running efficiently in O(n log n) time and O(1) space. Tune in to discover how this elegant algorithm solves the challenge!

    16 min
  5. The Valid Anagram Problem

    JUN 16

    The Valid Anagram Problem

    What's an anagram? Simply put, it's when you can rearrange the letters of one word to make another word - like "listen" and "silent." Sounds simple enough, right? Well, figuring out if two strings are anagrams of each other is actually one of the most fundamental problems you'll encounter in coding interviews, and it's the perfect way to learn about hash maps. In this episode, we start with the most intuitive approach - the one that probably pops into your head first when you hear this problem. We'll walk through it step by step, and talk about why it works. Then we'll explore a much more efficient solution using hash maps (also called dictionaries in some languages). Don't worry if you've never used a hash map before - we'll explain exactly what they are, how they work, and why they're such powerful tools for solving problems like this. We'll also touch on alternative approach using sorting, and compare all the different methods so you understand when to use each one. This problem is a perfect starting point because it introduces you to: - Hash map fundamentals - Time and space complexity thinking - Multiple solution approaches - The importance of counting and frequency tracking Whether you're preparing for your first technical interview or just want to understand one of programming's most useful data structures, this episode gives you a solid foundation. The anagram problem might seem basic, but the techniques you'll learn here show up everywhere in more complex algorithms. By the end, you'll not only know how to solve the valid anagram problem, but you'll have a new tool in your toolkit that you can apply to dozens of other coding challenges. Perfect for beginners who want to understand hash maps without getting overwhelmed by complex examples.

    10 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Tired of feeling lost when people talk about arrays, linked lists, or binary search? Whether you're just starting your coding journey or prepping for technical interviews, this podcast breaks down data structures and algorithms in a way that actually makes sense. Each episode, we take one concept or problem and explain it from the ground up - no computer science degree required. We help you understand the "why" and "how" behind each algorithm. Perfect for: - New programmers who want to build a solid foundation - Anyone preparing for coding interviews at tech companies - Experienced developers who want to refresh their knowledge - Students who need these concepts explained in plain English We cover all the classics you'll see in interviews: sorting algorithms, searching techniques, tree traversals, dynamic programming, and more. But don't worry - we keep things conversational and break everything down into bite-sized pieces you can actually digest. Whether you're cramming for a FAANG interview next week or just want to level up your programming skills, we've got you covered. Subscribe now and start turning those confusing algorithms into your secret weapons. New episodes every week, because mastering this stuff takes practice - and we're here to guide you through it, one algorithm at a time.

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