Leetcode #1430: Check If a String Is a Valid Sequence from Root to Leaves Path in a Binary Tree
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #1430 Check If a String Is a Valid Sequence from Root to Leaves Path in a Binary Tree in Python and focus on the core idea that makes the solution efficient.
You will see the intuition, the step-by-step method, and a clean Python implementation you can use in interviews.
Problem Statement
Given a binary tree where each path going from the root to any leaf form a valid sequence, check if a given string is a valid sequence in such binary tree. We get the given string from the concatenation of an array of integers arr and the concatenation of all values of the nodes along a path results in a sequence in the given binary tree.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: Yes
- Tags: Tree, Depth-First Search, Breadth-First Search, Binary Tree
Intuition
We need to explore a structure deeply before backing up, which suits DFS.
DFS keeps local context on the call stack and is easy to implement recursively.
Approach
Define a recursive DFS that carries the necessary state.
Combine child results as the recursion unwinds.
Steps:
- Define a recursive DFS with state.
- Visit children and combine results.
- Return the final aggregation.
Example
Input: root = [0,1,0,0,1,0,null,null,1,0,0], arr = [0,1,0,1]
Output: true
Explanation:
The path 0 -> 1 -> 0 -> 1 is a valid sequence (green color in the figure).
Other valid sequences are:
0 -> 1 -> 1 -> 0
0 -> 0 -> 0
Python Solution
# Definition for a binary tree node.
# class TreeNode:
# def __init__(self, val=0, left=None, right=None):
# self.val = val
# self.left = left
# self.right = right
class Solution:
def isValidSequence(self, root: TreeNode, arr: List[int]) -> bool:
def dfs(root, u):
if root is None or root.val != arr[u]:
return False
if u == len(arr) - 1:
return root.left is None and root.right is None
return dfs(root.left, u + 1) or dfs(root.right, u + 1)
return dfs(root, 0)
Complexity
The time complexity is O(V+E). The space complexity is O(V).
Edge Cases and Pitfalls
Watch for boundary values, empty inputs, and duplicate values where applicable. If the problem involves ordering or constraints, confirm the invariant is preserved at every step.
Summary
This Python solution focuses on the essential structure of the problem and keeps the implementation interview-friendly while meeting the constraints.