Single Number

Problem

Given a non-empty array of integers nums, every element appears twice except for one. Find that single one.

You must implement a solution with a linear runtime complexity and use only constant extra space.

Example 1:

Input: nums = [2,2,1]
Output: 1
Example 2:

Input: nums = [4,1,2,1,2]
Output: 4
Example 3:

Input: nums = [1]
Output: 1

Constraints:

  • 1 <= nums.length <= 3 * 10^4
  • -3 10^4 <= nums[i] <= 3 10^4
  • Each element in the array appears twice except for one element which appears only once.

Solution

Relies on that xor trick. Related.

class Solution {
    public int singleNumber(int[] nums) {
        var counter = 0;
        for (var n : nums) {
            counter ^= n;
        }
        return counter;
    }
}

Recent posts from blogs that I like

Reading Visual Art: 183 Sewing for a purpose

Sewing for Garibaldi's redshirts, the flag of a castle, Sir Lancelot, fishermen and sailors, Pentecost costumes, and other purposes.

via The Eclectic Light Company

DeepSeek-R1 and exploring DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Llama-8B

via Simon Willison

FOSDEM '25 protest

Last week, I wrote to object to Jack Dorsey and his company, Block, Inc., being accepted as main track speakers at FOSDEM, and proposed a protest action in response. FOSDEM issued a statement about our plans on Thursday. Today, I have some updates for you regarding the planned action. I would like t...

via Drew DeVault