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Compute nearest-exit distances in a grid

Last updated: Mar 29, 2026

Quick Overview

This question evaluates proficiency in graph traversal and shortest-path concepts applied to grid-based problems, including handling obstacles, Manhattan distance computation, and extensions to multi-layer (3D) grids and weighted movement.

  • Medium
  • DoorDash
  • Coding & Algorithms
  • Software Engineer

Compute nearest-exit distances in a grid

Company: DoorDash

Role: Software Engineer

Category: Coding & Algorithms

Difficulty: Medium

Interview Round: Onsite

You are given a 2D grid representing a building floor with three cell types: -1 for walls, 0 for exits, and a large sentinel value for empty rooms. Update each empty room with the Manhattan distance (4-directional moves) to its nearest exit; if unreachable, leave it as the sentinel value. Solve it efficiently and analyze time and space complexity. Follow-ups: extend to a 3D grid (multiple floors) and to weighted movement costs.

Quick Answer: This question evaluates proficiency in graph traversal and shortest-path concepts applied to grid-based problems, including handling obstacles, Manhattan distance computation, and extensions to multi-layer (3D) grids and weighted movement.

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DoorDash logo
DoorDash
Jul 28, 2025, 12:00 AM
Software Engineer
Onsite
Coding & Algorithms
3
0

You are given a 2D grid representing a building floor with three cell types: -1 for walls, 0 for exits, and a large sentinel value for empty rooms. Update each empty room with the Manhattan distance (4-directional moves) to its nearest exit; if unreachable, leave it as the sentinel value. Solve it efficiently and analyze time and space complexity. Follow-ups: extend to a 3D grid (multiple floors) and to weighted movement costs.

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