Break a Palindrome Algorithm

Q: Break a Palindrome Algorithm

This question evaluates algorithmic reasoning and product decision-making by testing string-manipulation skills, constraint handling, and concise edge-case analysis within the domain of product/decision-making and algorithm design.

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Question

Break a Palindrome to the Lexicographically Smallest Non-Palindrome

Task

Given a palindromic string of lowercase English letters (length 1 to 1,000), replace exactly one character so that:

The result is no longer a palindrome, and
It is the lexicographically smallest possible string among all valid one-character replacements.

Return the resulting string, or an empty string if it cannot be done.

What to Provide

Describe your algorithm.
Call out key edge cases (e.g., single-character input).
Analyze time and space complexity.

Break a Palindrome Algorithm

Break a Palindrome to the Lexicographically Smallest Non-Palindrome

Task

What to Provide

Solution

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