Representative Shortest Path problems
Compute the results of division queries from given equations using graph traversal and depth-first search efficiently.
Open problem page#743 Network Delay TimeFind the minimum time for a signal to travel to all nodes in a directed graph or determine if it's impossible.
Open problem page#787 Cheapest Flights Within K StopsFind the cheapest flight from a source to a destination with at most K stops using graph traversal techniques efficiently.
Open problem page#882 Reachable Nodes In Subdivided GraphThe Reachable Nodes In Subdivided Graph problem requires efficiently finding the reachable nodes using graph traversal and heap-based optimization.
Open problem page#1334 Find the City With the Smallest Number of Neighbors at a Threshold DistanceFind the city with the fewest neighbors within a given threshold distance using dynamic programming.
Open problem page#1368 Minimum Cost to Make at Least One Valid Path in a GridDetermine the minimum cost to create at least one valid path from the top-left to bottom-right in a directional grid.
Open problem page#1514 Path with Maximum ProbabilityFind the path with the highest success probability in a graph from a start node to an end node, using edge probabilities.
Open problem page#1786 Number of Restricted Paths From First to Last NodeSolve the problem of finding the number of restricted paths in a weighted undirected graph, leveraging graph algorithms and dynamic programming.
Open problem page#1976 Number of Ways to Arrive at DestinationFind the number of ways to travel from intersection 0 to n - 1 in the shortest time, using a graph-based approach.
Open problem pageShortest Path interview questions usually collapse into a small set of repeatable moves. This page groups those GhostInterview problem pages together so you can stay inside one pattern family, compare representative questions, and practice explanations that transfer across multiple prompts. If you are trying to sharpen one interview weakness instead of browsing the entire library, start here.
Why Shortest Path Matters In Coding Interviews
Interviewers rarely care about the label alone. They care about whether you can recognize when the Shortest Path pattern applies, explain why it applies, and avoid the failure modes that usually show up under time pressure. That is why this page focuses on the family of problems rather than a single isolated example.
Pattern families that show up here
- Array plus Graph
- Graph traversal with breadth-first search
- Graph traversal with depth-first search
Use this page to narrow the session
Start from this topic hub, choose one or two representative problems, and then open the detailed problem pages only after you know which version of the pattern you want to reinforce.
How To Practice This Topic
The best workflow is to keep the prep block narrow. Pick one easy or medium problem to confirm the base pattern, then one medium or hard problem to test whether the explanation still holds when the constraints tighten. Once the logic is stable, move into GhostInterview to rehearse the live explanation flow.
Focus on transfer, not title count
Solving more Shortest Path titles is less useful than understanding how the same move changes across examples. Try to describe what stays the same and what changes from one problem to the next.
Use the problem page when you want the exact breakdown
This topic hub is the discovery layer. The single-problem pages are where you get the answer-first summary, examples, constraints, approach, complexity, pitfalls, and solver CTA.
How GhostInterview Fits
GhostInterview works best after you know which pattern family you are inside. Use this page to choose the right Shortest Path problem, then use the solver to get the answer path, complexity framing, and follow-up support without switching into a generic study flow.
FAQ
What does the Shortest Path topic usually test in interviews?
Shortest Path questions usually test whether you can spot the underlying pattern quickly, explain the trade-offs, and move from intuition to implementation without losing clarity.
How should I use this Shortest Path topic page?
Use it as a pattern hub. Start with the representative problems on this page, compare the common approach, and then open the exact problem page when you want the full breakdown.
How many GhostInterview problem pages are in the Shortest Path group?
This topic page currently groups 29 indexed GhostInterview problem pages under the Shortest Path family.
Should I practice this topic before harder patterns?
That depends on your current gaps. If Shortest Path is already a weak spot in interviews, it is usually better to stabilize it first before moving into more advanced or less frequent patterns.
Where does GhostInterview fit once I pick a Shortest Path problem?
The topic page narrows the pattern family. The problem page gives the exact breakdown. GhostInterview is the solver layer when you need direct help with execution, complexity, and follow-up handling.
Stay close to the same reasoning family
141 overlapping problems
Open topic pageHeap (Priority Queue)169 overlapping problems
Open topic pageArray1,672 overlapping problems
Open topic pageBreadth-First Search197 overlapping problems
Open topic pageDynamic Programming529 overlapping problems
Open topic pageMatrix221 overlapping problems
Open topic pageNeed direct help once you choose a Shortest Path problem?
Use GhostInterview as the solver layer after you select the exact prompt. Capture the question, get the answer path and complexity framing, and keep the workflow inside the same topic family.