Greedy on grid
Last updated: June 14, 2026
Quick Overview
Given a grid of integers, implement a greedy algorithm to find the maximum sum of values collected while moving from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner, only being allowed to move right or down. The input will be a 2D array of integers, and the output should be a single integer representing the maximum sum.
Netflix
June 14, 202630
5
2,452 solved
Given a grid of integers, implement a greedy algorithm to find the maximum sum of values collected while moving from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner, only being allowed to move right or down. The input will be a 2D array of integers, and the output should be a single integer representing the maximum sum.
Netflix uses this problem in the Onsite to evaluate your algorithmic thinking. They expect you to discuss multiple approaches, analyze trade-offs between them, and implement the optimal solution with clean, readable code.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Recognize the underlying problem pattern (sliding window, two pointers, BFS/DFS, etc.)
- Discuss multiple approaches and trade-offs before coding
- Implement an optimal solution with clean, production-quality code
- Handle all edge cases including boundary conditions and invalid input
- Optimize both time and space complexity with clear justification
- Test your solution systematically with well-chosen examples
Key Topics to Cover
How to Approach This
- Clarify input constraints and edge cases before writing code.
- Walk through your approach verbally and confirm with the interviewer before coding.
- Start with a brute force solution, then optimize. Mention time and space complexity.
- Test your solution with examples, including edge cases like empty input or duplicates.
- Consider common patterns: sliding window, two pointers, hash map, BFS/DFS, dynamic programming.
Possible Follow-up Questions
- What happens if the input contains duplicates?
- What if the input doesn't fit in memory?
- How would your solution change if the input was sorted?
- How would you modify your solution to handle streaming input?
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Practice DSA ProblemsSample Answer
Problem Analysis
The problem requires finding the maximum sum of values collected while moving from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner of a grid. The only allowed moves are right and down. This suggests a ...
Approach
- Define a DP Table: Create a 2D list
dpwheredp[i][j]represents the maximum sum that can be collected from the top-left corner (0,0) to cell (i,j). - Base Case: Initialize `dp[0][0]...
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