Binary search is a powerful algorithmic technique that can be used to solve a variety of problems on LeetCode. Here are the steps to solve a binary search problem in LeetCode:
- Understand the problem statement: Read the problem statement carefully to understand what the problem is asking for and what the input and output formats are.
- Identify the search space: Determine the range of values that the solution can take. This will help you determine the boundaries for the binary search.
- Define the search condition: Determine the condition that you will use to determine whether you need to search in the left half or the right half of the search space. This condition should be based on the problem statement.
- Implement the binary search: Use a while loop to perform the binary search. Initialize two pointers (left and right) to the start and end of the search space, respectively. Then, while the left pointer is less than or equal to the right pointer, calculate the midpoint between the two pointers and compare it to the search condition. If the midpoint satisfies the search condition, return the midpoint. If it doesn’t, update the left or right pointer accordingly and continue the search.
- Handle edge cases: Consider any edge cases that may arise, such as when the search space is empty or when there are multiple solutions that satisfy the search condition.
- Test your solution: Test your solution on different test cases, including edge cases, to ensure that it is correct.
Overall, it’s important to carefully read and understand the problem statement, define the search space and search condition, and handle edge cases to solve binary search problems on LeetCode.