Leetcode #1441: Build an Array With Stack Operations
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #1441 Build an Array With Stack Operations 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
You are given an integer array target and an integer n. You have an empty stack with the two following operations: "Push": pushes an integer to the top of the stack.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Stack, Array, Simulation
Intuition
The problem has a natural nested or last-in-first-out structure.
A stack lets us resolve matches in the correct order as we scan.
Approach
Push items as they appear and pop when you can finalize a decision.
The stack captures the unresolved part of the input.
Steps:
- Push elements as you scan.
- Pop when a rule or match is satisfied.
- Use the stack to compute results.
Example
Input: target = [1,3], n = 3
Output: ["Push","Push","Pop","Push"]
Explanation: Initially the stack s is empty. The last element is the top of the stack.
Read 1 from the stream and push it to the stack. s = [1].
Read 2 from the stream and push it to the stack. s = [1,2].
Pop the integer on the top of the stack. s = [1].
Read 3 from the stream and push it to the stack. s = [1,3].
Python Solution
class Solution:
def buildArray(self, target: List[int], n: int) -> List[str]:
ans = []
cur = 1
for x in target:
while cur < x:
ans.extend(["Push", "Pop"])
cur += 1
ans.append("Push")
cur += 1
return ans
Complexity
The time complexity is , where is the length of the array . The space complexity is .
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.