🧩 Mastering Insert Interval: Your Guide to Tackling a Blind 75 LeetCode Problem 🧩
Tags: java, career, programming, algorithms
Published: 2023-08-15 11:38:31


Welcome to another coding adventure, fellow enthusiasts! 🚀 Today, we're tackling a challenge from the famous [Blind 75](https://www.teamblind.com/post/New-Year-Gift---Curated-List-of-Top-75-LeetCode-Questions-to-Save-Your-Time-OaM1orEU) LeetCode Problem set: [Insert Interval](https://leetcode.com/problems/insert-interval). This medium-level problem involves manipulating intervals within a sorted array. So, let's dive right in and decode the puzzle piece by piece.

📚 **Understanding the Challenge:**
Imagine you're handed a sorted array of non-overlapping intervals, each represented as [start, end]. Your task? Insert a new interval while preserving the order and ensuring no overlaps exist. Here's how to approach it:

**Example 1:**
```
Input: intervals = [[1,3],[6,9]], newInterval = [2,5]
Output: [[1,5],[6,9]]
```

**Example 2:**
```
Input: intervals = [[1,2],[3,5],[6,7],[8,10],[12,16]], newInterval = [4,8]
Output: [[1,2],[3,10],[12,16]]
```

🔍 **Unraveling the Approach: Demystifying the Algorithm**

Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind the "Insert Interval" algorithm? Let's dive into a step-by-step breakdown to ensure you grasp every nuance:

1. **Initialize the Stage:**
   We're armed with an empty ArrayList, eager to host our merged intervals. Think of it as a blank canvas ready to come to life.

2. **Traverse and Append:**
   As we traverse through the existing intervals, we have a straightforward rule: if the interval's end is smaller than the start of our new interval, we're in the clear. We can confidently append these intervals to our pristine ArrayList, preserving their non-overlapping beauty. 

3. **Merge in Motion:**
   Now, picture this: we've encountered an overlapping interval. Fear not, for our trusty while loop steps in. This loop dances through the array, methodically merging intervals. But how? We compare the current interval's start and end with our new interval's start and end. With each dance move, we adjust our new interval's boundaries, ensuring we encompass all overlapping intervals. The goal? To reach the point where the overlapping tango concludes and the rhythm shifts to non-overlapping.

4. **The Merged Arrival:**
   Our mission isn't complete until we add our merged or updated new interval to the ArrayList. This interval has seamlessly absorbed all overlapping companions, elegantly preserving the non-overlapping harmony.

5. **Final Flourish:**
   We're almost there! Our grand finale involves traversing through any remaining intervals, gently adding them to our enchanting ArrayList. They might not have been part of the overlapping extravaganza, but they deserve their place in our interval symphony.

And there you have it—the algorithm demystified! With each step, we sculpt a sorted, non-overlapping masterpiece, ready to impress even the most intricate coding connoisseurs.

💡 **Turning Words into Java Code:**

```java
class Solution {
    public int[][] insert(int[][] intervals, int[] newInterval) {
        List<int[]> result = new ArrayList<>();
        int i = 0;

        // Append non-overlapping intervals to result
        while (i < intervals.length && intervals[i][1] < newInterval[0]) {
            result.add(intervals[i]);
            i++;
        }

        // Merge overlapping intervals
        while (i < intervals.length && intervals[i][0] <= newInterval[1]) {
            newInterval[0] = Math.min(newInterval[0], intervals[i][0]);
            newInterval[1] = Math.max(newInterval[1], intervals[i][1]);
            i++;
        }
        result.add(newInterval);

        // Add remaining intervals
        while (i < intervals.length) {
            result.add(intervals[i]);
            i++;
        }

        return result.toArray(new int[result.size()][]);
    }
}
```

By unraveling this algorithm, you've unlocked the key to inserting intervals seamlessly, maintaining order, and conquering yet another coding challenge. Remember, every intricate dance step—every comparison, every append—is vital to crafting your solution.

🌟 **Embrace the Challenge:**
This problem isn't just a coding challenge; it's a gateway to honing your skills, boosting your problem-solving prowess, and mastering interval manipulation like a pro.

Are you ready to dive into the world of interval arrays? Embrace the challenge, keep coding, and let's embark on another coding journey together! 🌟🔮