Two Pointer Patterns in DSA

Understanding Two Pointer Patterns in DSA

Overview

LeetCode patterns refer to common problem-solving techniques or approaches that can be applied to a wide range of problems on the platform. By recognizing these patterns, you can solve problems more efficiently and develop a deeper understanding of algorithms.

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫:
One of the common patterns is Two Pointer. The two-pointer technique is a powerful strategy used to solve array and string problems on platforms like LeetCode. It involves using two pointers to traverse a data structure, often in a linear or bidirectional manner, to solve problems efficiently.

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞:
Typically, the two pointers can be:

Left and Right Pointers: These pointers start from the beginning and the end of the array or string, respectively, and move toward each other.

Slow and Fast Pointers: One pointer moves slower than the other (often used in linked lists to detect cycles).
Adjacent Pointers: Two-pointers are used to explore pairs or subarrays.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬:
Finding Pairs: Searching for pairs of elements that…