Leetcode #303: Range Sum Query - Immutable
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #303 Range Sum Query - Immutable 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
Given an integer array nums, handle multiple queries of the following type: Calculate the sum of the elements of nums between indices left and right inclusive where left <= right. Implement the NumArray class: NumArray(int[] nums) Initializes the object with the integer array nums.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Premium: No
- Tags: Design, Array, Prefix Sum
Intuition
Range queries become simple once we precompute cumulative sums.
We can transform subarray conditions into prefix comparisons.
Approach
Compute prefix sums and use a map to find matching prefixes.
This avoids nested loops while keeping the logic clear.
Steps:
- Compute prefix sums.
- Use a map to find valid ranges.
- Update the answer.
Example
Input
["NumArray", "sumRange", "sumRange", "sumRange"]
[[[-2, 0, 3, -5, 2, -1]], [0, 2], [2, 5], [0, 5]]
Output
[null, 1, -1, -3]
Explanation
NumArray numArray = new NumArray([-2, 0, 3, -5, 2, -1]);
numArray.sumRange(0, 2); // return (-2) + 0 + 3 = 1
numArray.sumRange(2, 5); // return 3 + (-5) + 2 + (-1) = -1
numArray.sumRange(0, 5); // return (-2) + 0 + 3 + (-5) + 2 + (-1) = -3
Python Solution
class NumArray:
def __init__(self, nums: List[int]):
self.s = list(accumulate(nums, initial=0))
def sumRange(self, left: int, right: int) -> int:
return self.s[right + 1] - self.s[left]
# Your NumArray object will be instantiated and called as such:
# obj = NumArray(nums)
# param_1 = obj.sumRange(left,right)
Complexity
The time complexity is O(n). 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.