Leetcode #2027: Minimum Moves to Convert String
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2027 Minimum Moves to Convert String 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 a string s consisting of n characters which are either 'X' or 'O'. A move is defined as selecting three consecutive characters of s and converting them to 'O'.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Premium: No
- Tags: Greedy, String
Intuition
A locally optimal choice leads to a globally optimal result for this structure.
That means we can commit to decisions as we scan without backtracking.
Approach
Sort or preprocess if needed, then repeatedly take the best available local choice.
Maintain the minimal state necessary to validate the greedy decision.
Steps:
- Sort or preprocess as needed.
- Iterate and pick the best local option.
- Track the current solution.
Example
Input: s = "XXX"
Output: 1
Explanation: XXX -> OOO
We select all the 3 characters and convert them in one move.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def minimumMoves(self, s: str) -> int:
ans = i = 0
while i < len(s):
if s[i] == "X":
ans += 1
i += 3
else:
i += 1
return ans
Complexity
The time complexity is , where represents the length of the string . The space complexity is O(1) to O(n).
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.