0-1 Knapsack
Detailed guide and Python implementation for the '0-1 Knapsack' problem.
1. Concept Overview
The '0-1 Knapsack' problem is a key challenge in the Dynamic Programming section.
This implementation focuses on easy-level logic in Python.
We prioritize technical accuracy and code readability in our provided solutions.
2. Real-World Applications
3. Visual Intuition
Visualizing the logic flow for 0-1 Knapsack.
4. Prerequisites
5. Step-by-Step Thinking
1. Understand the problem
Read the problem statement for 0-1 Knapsack carefully.
2. Formulate brute force
Draft a simple iterative solution.
3. Identify inefficiency
Look for redundant calculations.
4. Optimize search path
Use hashing or sorting to speed up the process.
5. Final Implementation
Clean up the code for production standards.
Problem Statement
Write a function knapsack(W, wt, val, n) that finds the maximum value that can be put in a knapsack of capacity W using items with weights wt and values val. You cannot split items; you either take an item or leave it.
- •1 <= n <= 100
- •1 <= W <= 1000
- •1 <= wt[i], val[i] <= 1000
Examples
knapsack(50, [10, 20, 30], [60, 100, 120], 3)
220
By taking items with weight 20 and 30, the total weight is 50, and the value is 100 + 120 = 220.
knapsack(10, [5, 4, 6, 3], [10, 40, 30, 50], 4)
90
By taking items of weight 4 and 3, the total weight is 7, and the value is 40 + 50 = 90.
Need a Hint?
Edge Cases to Watch
- Empty input structures
- Single element inputs
- Large numerical bounds
Ready to Solve?
Open the problem in PyRun's browser-based Python editor. Your code runs fully offline — no server required.
Interview Insights & Variations
Complexity Analysis Breakdown
Why Time: Directly evaluates all possibilities.
Why Space: Uses standard local memory.
Why Time: Optimized paths reduce total operations.
Why Space: May trade memory for speed.
Optimized Solution Python Code
Optimized Solution Python Code
def knapsack_opt(W, wt, val, n):
dp = [0] * (W + 1)
for i in range(n):
for w in range(W, wt[i] - 1, -1):
dp[w] = max(dp[w], val[i] + dp[w - wt[i]])
return dp[W]Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
def knapsack_brute(W, wt, val, n):
if n == 0 or W == 0: return 0
if wt[n-1] > W: return knapsack_brute(W, wt, val, n - 1)
return max(val[n-1] + knapsack_brute(W - wt[n-1], wt, val, n - 1), knapsack_brute(W, wt, val, n - 1))Algorithm Pattern Checklist
When dealing with Dynamic Programming data patterns.
Core Prerequisites
Revision Key Notes
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
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