Approach
To design a stack that supports the operations push, pop, top, and retrieve the minimum element in constant time, we can utilize two stacks: one for the main stack operations and another one specifically for tracking the minimum elements. Here's a structured framework for implementing this:
Initialize Two Stacks:
Main Stack: To hold all the elements.
Min Stack: To keep track of the minimum elements.
Push Operation:
Push the element onto the main stack.
If the min stack is empty or the new element is less than or equal to the top of the min stack, push it onto the min stack.
Pop Operation:
Pop the element from the main stack.
If the popped element is equal to the top of the min stack, pop it from the min stack as well.
Top Operation:
Return the top element of the main stack without removing it.
Retrieve Minimum Element:
Return the top element of the min stack.
Key Points
Constant Time Operations: Each of the operations should execute in O(1) time complexity.
Space Complexity: The space complexity remains O(n) for storing elements, where n is the number of elements in the stack.
Data Integrity: Ensure that both stacks maintain their integrity during operations to avoid errors.
Standard Response
Here is a sample implementation of the stack in Python:
Tips & Variations
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Not Handling Empty Stacks: Ensure to check if the stack is empty before performing operations like pop or top.
Incorrect Minimum Management: Always check the current minimum correctly during push and pop operations to avoid inaccuracies.
Alternative Ways to Answer:
Using a Linked List: Instead of using arrays for stacks, a linked list can also be implemented to handle dynamic memory allocation.
Using a Single Stack with Tuple: Store tuples in the main stack that include both the value and the current minimum up to that point.
Role-Specific Variations:
Technical Roles: Emphasize time complexity analysis and edge cases in your explanation.
Managerial Roles: Focus on how this stack design can be applied in real-world scenarios, such as managing tasks or resources efficiently.
Follow-Up Questions:
How would you handle thread safety for this stack implementation?
Can you explain the trade-offs of using two stacks versus a single stack with complex data structures?
What would you do differently if you needed to support additional operations, such as retrieving the maximum element?
This structured response not only provides a solid framework for designing the required stack but also encourages candidates to think critically about their design choices and how to communicate them effectively during interviews