How to Solve String Compression Problem
Master the String Compression LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.
Interview Coder generates complete solutions and debugging hints that you can use while explaining your approach, so you stay calm and in control.
String Compression
Given an array of characters chars, compress it using the following algorithm: Begin with an empty string s. For each group of consecutive repeating characters in chars: If the group's length is 1, ap...
Interview Coder will help you solve this problem in real-time during your interview
✨ Get instant solutions, explanations, and code generation
Understanding the String Compression Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
Given an array of characters chars, compress it using the following algorithm: Begin with an empty string s. For each group of consecutive repeating characters in chars: If the group's length is 1, append the character to s. Otherwise, append the character followed by the group's length. The compressed string s should not be returned separately, but instead, be stored in the input character array chars. Note that group lengths that are 10 or longer will be split into multiple characters in chars. After you are done modifying the input array, return the new length of the array. You must write an algorithm that uses only constant extra space. Note: The characters in the array beyond the returned length do not matter and should be ignored.
String Compression
Related Topics
How Interview Coder Helps
Get real-time assistance for String Compression problems during coding interviews. Interview Coder provides instant solutions and explanations.
Examples
chars = ["a","a","b","b","c","c","c"]
Return 6, and the first 6 characters of the input array should be: ["a","2","b","2","c","3"]
The groups are "aa", "bb", and "ccc". This compresses to "a2b2c3".
chars = ["a"]
Return 1, and the first character of the input array should be: ["a"]
The only group is "a", which remains uncompressed since it's a single character.
chars = ["a","b","b","b","b","b","b","b","b","b","b","b","b"]
Return 4, and the first 4 characters of the input array should be: ["a","b","1","2"].
The groups are "a" and "bbbbbbbbbbbb". This compresses to "ab12".
Constraints
1 <= chars.length <= 2000
chars[i] is a lowercase English letter, uppercase English letter, digit, or symbol.
How Interview Coder Helps with Leetcode Problems
Trust anchors reduce friction for conversion. Reinforce undetectability claims, platform compatibility, user counts, and the free trial to remove perceived risk.
See Interview Coder in Action
Watch how Interview Coder helps solve LeetCode problems during live interviews
Undetectability Checklist
Platform Compatibility
User results and traction
More than 87,000 developers use Interview Coder and early launch metrics showed rapid adoption. Social proof signals that this approach helps real candidates land offers across a range of companies.
Undetectability and technical details
Our native desktop architecture avoids common detection vectors used by browser extensions. We provide a clear checklist so you can run basic checks and confirm the app will be invisible during live interviews.
Platform compatibility and limitations
We work with Zoom, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad and other web based platforms, with a known list of app version caveats. Check the compatibility note and request a browser link if a specific desktop app is unsupported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about solving String Compression and using Interview Coder during coding interviews.
Interview Coder generates complete solutions instantly with proper complexity analysis, letting you focus on explaining your approach and demonstrating problem-solving skills rather than getting stuck on implementation details during high-pressure situations.
Ready to Get Started?
Download Interview Coder now and join thousands of developers who have aced their coding interviews