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In this approach, we iterate through the first half of the string and try to replace the first non-'a' character with 'a'. This ensures that we're making the lexicographically smallest change as early as possible in the string. If we can't find a character that is not 'a' in the first half, we replace the last character with 'b' to ensure it's not a palindrome.
Time Complexity: O(n)
Space Complexity: O(1)
1#include <string.h>
2#include <stdio.h>
3
4char* breakPalindrome(char* palindrome) {
5 int len = strlen(palindrome);
6 if (len == 1) return "";
7
8 for (int i = 0; i < len / 2; ++i) {
9 if (palindrome[i] != 'a') {
10 palindrome[i] = 'a';
11 return palindrome;
12 }
13 }
14
15 palindrome[len - 1] = 'b';
16 return palindrome;
17}This C code checks each character in the first half of the string and replaces the first non-'a' character with 'a'. If no such character is found, it makes the last character 'b'.
This approach focuses on changing the center character if possible, because altering the center in an odd-length palindrome often results in a non-palindrome quickly. For even lengths, alterations must be controlled to preserve lexicographical order.
Time Complexity: O(n)
Space Complexity: O(1)
1#include
Focuses on odd-length palindrome to modify the center character, transforming it to 'a' if possible, ensuring not a palindrome.