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Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns in C++

Encode and Decode Strings

Explore how to encode multiple strings into a single string for network transmission and then decode it back. Learn to apply bitwise manipulation and carefully handle ASCII characters, preparing you to solve similar encoding challenges in coding interviews using efficient and reliable methods.

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Statement

Create a method, encode, that converts an array of strings into a single string and then sends it over the network. Create another method, decode, that takes the encoded string and converts it back into the original array of strings.

Constraints:

  • 1≤1 \leq strings.length ≤100\leq 100
  • 0≤0 \leq strings[i].length ≤100\leq 100
  • strings[i] consist of any possible combinations of characters from 256 valid ASCII characters.

Examples

Understand the problem

Let’s take a moment to make sure you’ve correctly understood the problem. The quiz below helps you check if you’re solving the correct problem:

Encode and Decode Strings

1.

What will be the input data type of the encode function?

A.

String

B.

Array of strings

C.

Integer

D.

Boolean

1 / 4

Figure it out!

We have a game for you to play. Rearrange the logical building blocks to develop a clearer understanding of how to solve this problem.

Sequence - Vertical
Drag and drop the cards to rearrange them in the correct sequence.
1
2
3
4
5

Try it yourself

Implement your solution in the following coding playground.

C++
usercode > EncodeDecode.cpp
#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
#include <string>
#include <algorithm>
std::string encode(const std::vector<std::string>& strings) {
    
    // Replace this placeholder return statement with your code
    std::string encodedString;
    return encodedString;
}
std::vector<std::string> decode(const std::string& str) {
    
    // Replace this placeholder return statement with your code
    std::vector<std::string> decodedStrings;
    return decodedStrings;
}
Encode and Decode Strings