Leetcode #2586: Count the Number of Vowel Strings in Range
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2586 Count the Number of Vowel Strings in Range 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 array of string words and two integers left and right. A string is called a vowel string if it starts with a vowel character and ends with a vowel character where vowel characters are 'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', and 'u'.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Premium: No
- Tags: Array, String, Counting
Intuition
We need to scan characters while tracking positions or counts.
A simple state machine keeps the logic precise.
Approach
Iterate through the string once and update the state for each character.
Use a map or array if you need fast lookups.
Steps:
- Iterate through characters.
- Maintain necessary state.
- Build or validate the output.
Example
Input: words = ["are","amy","u"], left = 0, right = 2
Output: 2
Explanation:
- "are" is a vowel string because it starts with 'a' and ends with 'e'.
- "amy" is not a vowel string because it does not end with a vowel.
- "u" is a vowel string because it starts with 'u' and ends with 'u'.
The number of vowel strings in the mentioned range is 2.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def vowelStrings(self, words: List[str], left: int, right: int) -> int:
return sum(
w[0] in 'aeiou' and w[-1] in 'aeiou' for w in words[left : right + 1]
)
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.