Module 1: Object Refresher and Letter Count

Module Overview

Module 1 focuses on solving problems utilizing objects and letter counts. You'll refresh your understanding of Python dictionaries and learn how to apply them effectively to count letter occurrences in strings and solve programming challenges.

This module follows a structured approach through dictionary concepts and letter counting exercises: refreshing Python dictionary fundamentals, then progressing through the problem-solving process of understanding, planning, executing, and reflecting on your solutions.

Learning Objectives

Core Competencies

Python Dictionary Refresher

Letter Count - Part 1 - Understand

Letter Count - Part 2 - Plan

Letter Count - Part 3 - Execute

Letter Count - Part 4 - Reflect

Guided Project

In this guided project, we'll explore Python dictionaries and their practical uses in solving programming problems. You'll learn how to leverage dictionaries for efficient data storage and retrieval.

Module Assignment

To reinforce your understanding of Python objects and letter counting techniques and prepare for technical assessments, complete the following activities:

LeetCode Practice

For this sprint, we'll be using LeetCode to practice our problem-solving skills. You should already have a LeetCode account from Sprint 4.

LeetCode Main Website All LeetCode Problems LeetCode Study Plans

Assignment Tasks

  1. Log in to your LeetCode account
  2. Attempt at least 10 problems on your own, focusing on dictionary usage, character counting, and string manipulation
  3. Complete at least 3 problems from the recommended list below
  4. Start with problems that involve dictionaries, hash maps, character frequency counting, and string analysis
  5. For each problem:
    • Apply the four-step problem-solving framework
    • Document your thought process for each step
    • Implement your solution and test it with the provided test cases
    • After solving, review the Discussion section to see different approaches
    • Analyze the time and space complexity of your solution
  6. Focus on understanding the problem thoroughly before implementing a solution
  7. Reflect on which steps of the framework were most challenging for you
  8. Practice explaining your approach as if you were in a technical interview

Recommended LeetCode Problems

The following medium and hard difficulty problems will help you practice applying dictionary concepts and character counting techniques:

Regular practice is essential for success on the GCA. The more problems you solve, the more comfortable you'll become with recognizing patterns and applying appropriate techniques.

Additional Resources

Python Dictionaries

String Manipulation and Counting