Leetcode #2277: Closest Node to Path in Tree
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2277 Closest Node to Path in 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
You are given a positive integer n representing the number of nodes in a tree, numbered from 0 to n - 1 (inclusive). You are also given a 2D integer array edges of length n - 1, where edges[i] = [node1i, node2i] denotes that there is a bidirectional edge connecting node1i and node2i in the tree.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Hard
- Premium: Yes
- Tags: Tree, Depth-First Search, Breadth-First Search, Array
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: n = 7, edges = [[0,1],[0,2],[0,3],[1,4],[2,5],[2,6]], query = [[5,3,4],[5,3,6]]
Output: [0,2]
Explanation:
The path from node 5 to node 3 consists of the nodes 5, 2, 0, and 3.
The distance between node 4 and node 0 is 2.
Node 0 is the node on the path closest to node 4, so the answer to the first query is 0.
The distance between node 6 and node 2 is 1.
Node 2 is the node on the path closest to node 6, so the answer to the second query is 2.
Python Solution
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.