3Sum
Detailed guide and Python implementation for the '3Sum' problem.
1. Concept Overview
The '3Sum' problem is a key challenge in the Two Pointers 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 3Sum.
4. Prerequisites
5. Step-by-Step Thinking
1. Understand the problem
Read the problem statement for 3Sum 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
Given an integer array nums, return all the triplets [nums[i], nums[j], nums[k]] such that i != j, i != k, and j != k, and nums[i] + nums[j] + nums[k] == 0.
Notice that the solution set must not contain duplicate triplets.
Write a function threeSum(nums: List[int]) -> List[List[int]].
- •3 <= len(nums) <= 3000
- •-10^5 <= nums[i] <= 10^5
Examples
nums = [-1, 0, 1, 2, -1, -4]
[[-1, -1, 2], [-1, 0, 1]]
nums[0] + nums[1] + nums[2] = -1 + 0 + 1 = 0. nums[1] + nums[2] + nums[4] = 0 + 1 + (-1) = 0. nums[0] + nums[3] + nums[4] = -1 + 2 + (-1) = 0. The distinct triplets are [-1,-1,2] and [-1,0,1].
nums = [0, 1, 1]
[]
No triplet sums to 0.
nums = [0, 0, 0]
[[0, 0, 0]]
The only possible triplet sums to 0.
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 three_sum_opt(nums):
res = []
nums.sort()
for i, a in enumerate(nums):
if i > 0 and a == nums[i - 1]:
continue
l, r = i + 1, len(nums) - 1
while l < r:
threeSum = a + nums[l] + nums[r]
if threeSum > 0:
r -= 1
elif threeSum < 0:
l += 1
else:
res.append([a, nums[l], nums[r]])
l += 1
while l < r and nums[l] == nums[l - 1]:
l += 1
return resBrute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
def three_sum_brute(nums):
res = set()
nums.sort()
n = len(nums)
for i in range(n):
for j in range(i + 1, n):
for k in range(j + 1, n):
if nums[i] + nums[j] + nums[k] == 0:
res.add((nums[i], nums[j], nums[k]))
return [list(t) for t in res]Algorithm Pattern Checklist
When dealing with Two Pointers data patterns.
Core Prerequisites
Revision Key Notes
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
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