Algorithms Skill

Skill Metadata

yaml

skill_config:
  version: "1.0.0"
  category: problem-solving
  prerequisites: [cs-foundations]
  estimated_time: "8-12 weeks"
  difficulty: intermediate-advanced

  parameter_validation:
    pattern:
      type: string
      enum: [search, sort, dp, greedy, backtrack, divide-conquer, graph]
      required: true
    language:
      type: string
      enum: [python, java, cpp, javascript]
      default: python

  retry_config:
    max_attempts: 3
    backoff_strategy: exponential
    initial_delay_ms: 500

  observability:
    log_level: INFO
    metrics: [pattern_usage, solution_complexity, hint_count]

Quick Start

Become a master problem solver through systematic algorithm design.

Common Algorithm Patterns

Searching & Sorting (Week 1)

Linear search O(n)
Binary search O(log n)
Merge sort O(n log n)
Quick sort O(n log n) average
Heap sort O(n log n)

Divide & Conquer (Week 2)

Split problem into subproblems
Solve recursively
Combine results
Analyze with recurrence relations

Dynamic Programming (Weeks 3-4)

Identify overlapping subproblems
Define state and transitions
Memoization vs tabulation
Classic problems: Fibonacci, knapsack, LCS

Greedy Algorithms (Week 5)

Make optimal local choice
Examples: Huffman coding, Dijkstra, activity selection
When to use: optimal substructure + greedy choice property

Backtracking (Week 6)

Explore all solutions
Backtrack when dead end
Pruning branches
N-Queens, permutations, sudoku solver

Problem-Solving Framework

Understand: Read problem, identify constraints, find examples
Plan: Recognize pattern, think brute force, optimize
Code: Write clean code, handle edge cases
Optimize: Improve time/space complexity
Verify: Test, verify analysis

Must-Know Problems

Array Problems: Two sum, max subarray, product of array
String Problems: Longest substring, pattern matching, anagrams
Tree Problems: Traversal, BST, LCA, path sum
Graph Problems: Shortest path, cycle detection, topological sort
DP Problems: Fibonacci, knapsack, coin change, edit distance
Math Problems: Prime numbers, GCD, power

Troubleshooting

Issue	Root Cause	Resolution
TLE	Wrong complexity class	Find better algorithm
WA	Edge case missing	Test empty, single, max inputs
RE	Index out of bounds	Add bounds checking
Stack overflow	Deep recursion	Convert to iteration

Complexity Quick Reference

Problem	Best	Average	Worst
Merge sort	O(n log n)	O(n log n)	O(n log n)
Quick sort	O(n log n)	O(n log n)	O(n²)
Binary search	O(1)	O(log n)	O(log n)
Linear search	O(1)	O(n/2)	O(n)

Interview Tips

Communicate your approach
Discuss time/space trade-offs
Code cleanly on the first try
Test with examples
Optimize if time permits

Search AI Tools

algorithms

Install this agent skill to your Project

SKILL.md