Product of Array Except Self
Detailed guide and Python implementation for the 'Product of Array Except Self' problem.
1. Concept Overview
The 'Product of Array Except Self' problem is a key challenge in the Arrays & Hashing 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 Product of Array Except Self.
4. Prerequisites
5. Step-by-Step Thinking
1. Understand the problem
Read the problem statement for Product of Array Except Self 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 an array answer such that answer[i] is equal to the product of all the elements of nums except nums[i].
The product of any prefix or suffix of nums is guaranteed to fit in a 32-bit integer.
You must write an algorithm that runs in O(n) time and without using the division operation.
Write a function productExceptSelf(nums: List[int]) -> List[int].
- •2 <= len(nums) <= 10^5
- •-30 <= nums[i] <= 30
- •The product of any prefix or suffix of nums fits in a 32-bit integer
Examples
nums = [1, 2, 3, 4]
[24, 12, 8, 6]
answer[0] = 2*3*4 = 24, answer[1] = 1*3*4 = 12, answer[2] = 1*2*4 = 8, answer[3] = 1*2*3 = 6.
nums = [-1, 1, 0, -3, 3]
[0, 0, 9, 0, 0]
Any product that includes the 0 at index 2 becomes 0. answer[2] = (-1)*1*(-3)*3 = 9.
Need a Hint?
Edge Cases to Watch
- Empty input structures
- Single element inputs
- Large numerical bounds
Ready to Solve?
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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 product_except_self_opt(nums):
n = len(nums)
res = [1] * n
prefix = 1
for i in range(n):
res[i] = prefix
prefix *= nums[i]
postfix = 1
for i in range(n - 1, -1, -1):
res[i] *= postfix
postfix *= nums[i]
return resBrute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
Brute Force Code (Spoiler Guarded)
def product_except_self_brute(nums):
n = len(nums)
res = [1] * n
for i in range(n):
prod = 1
for j in range(n):
if i != j:
prod *= nums[j]
res[i] = prod
return resAlgorithm Pattern Checklist
When dealing with Arrays & Hashing data patterns.
Core Prerequisites
Revision Key Notes
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
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