Dynamic Programming vs Greedy
Learn when to use each pattern and make the right choice in your coding interview.
Quick Answer
Use Dynamic Programming when optimal substructure AND overlapping subproblems exist
Use Greedy when local optimal choice leads to global optimal
Side-by-Side Comparison
Dynamic Programming
Best For
Optimization with constraints, counting paths
Time
O(n²) or O(n×m)
Space
O(n) or O(n×m)
Greedy
Best For
Scheduling, interval selection, Huffman coding
Time
O(n log n) or O(n)
Space
O(1) typically
How to Decide
- Can you prove greedy choice property? → Greedy
- Do subproblems overlap? → DP
- Need to consider all possibilities? → DP
- Is there an obvious "best next choice"? → Greedy
Practice Both Patterns
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