Leetcode #2304: Minimum Path Cost in a Grid
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2304 Minimum Path Cost in a Grid 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 0-indexed m x n integer matrix grid consisting of distinct integers from 0 to m * n - 1. You can move in this matrix from a cell to any other cell in the next row.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Medium
- Premium: No
- Tags: Array, Dynamic Programming, Matrix
Intuition
The problem breaks into overlapping subproblems, so caching results prevents exponential repetition.
A carefully chosen DP state captures exactly what we need to build the final answer.
Approach
Define the DP state and recurrence, then compute states in the correct order.
Optionally compress space once the recurrence is clear.
Steps:
- Choose a DP state definition.
- Write the recurrence and base cases.
- Compute states in the correct order.
Example
Input: grid = [[5,3],[4,0],[2,1]], moveCost = [[9,8],[1,5],[10,12],[18,6],[2,4],[14,3]]
Output: 17
Explanation: The path with the minimum possible cost is the path 5 -> 0 -> 1.
- The sum of the values of cells visited is 5 + 0 + 1 = 6.
- The cost of moving from 5 to 0 is 3.
- The cost of moving from 0 to 1 is 8.
So the total cost of the path is 6 + 3 + 8 = 17.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def minPathCost(self, grid: List[List[int]], moveCost: List[List[int]]) -> int:
m, n = len(grid), len(grid[0])
f = grid[0]
for i in range(1, m):
g = [inf] * n
for j in range(n):
for k in range(n):
g[j] = min(g[j], f[k] + moveCost[grid[i - 1][k]][j] + grid[i][j])
f = g
return min(f)
Complexity
The time complexity is , and the space complexity is . 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.