Contiguous Sequence: Maximum Sum Subarray via Kadane's Algorithm (CTCI 16.17)

TL;DR

• The Problem: CTCI problem 16.17 technical mechanics.
• The Approach: CTCI problem 16.17: find contiguous sequence of integers with maximum sum using Kadane's dynamic programming algorithm.
• Complexity: Optimal Time and Memory bounds.

This article provides a clear breakdown of CTCI problem 16.17.

1. Context and Problem Statement

CTCI problem 16.17: find contiguous sequence of integers with maximum sum using Kadane's dynamic programming algorithm.

2. Technical Code & Mechanics

public static int getMaxSum(int[] a) {
    int maxSum = 0;
    int currentSum = 0;
    for (int i = 0; i < a.length; i++) {
        currentSum += a[i];
        if (maxSum < currentSum) maxSum = currentSum;
        else if (currentSum < 0) currentSum = 0;
    }
    return maxSum;
}

3. Key Takeaways and Edge Cases

Always test boundary conditions and invalid input states.