Coding (Algo)

Coin change dynamic programming: derive the minimum coin count for every reachable amount

Coin change dynamic programming: Given positive coin denominations and a non-negative amount, return the minimum number of coins needed to make the amount, or -1 when it is impossible. Coins may be reused.

Input: A JSON object { "coins": number[], "amount": number }.

Output: A JSON integer.

Constraints:

0 <= amount <= 100000
Every coin denomination is positive
Coin order does not affect the answer

Read one JSON value from stdin and print exactly one JSON-serialized answer to stdout with no extra text.

Difficulty: EASY. Variant: 19. Expect follow-up questions about complexity, edge cases, and alternative approaches.

Practice context

This coding (algo) exercise trains prompt interpretation, explicit assumptions, a concrete response, and a concise explanation of the decisions made. It is marked easy difficulty.

The signed-in workspace provides the tools required by the roun

What this task practices

This coding (algo) exercise trains the same sequence expected in an interview: understand the prompt, make assumptions explicit, produce a concrete answer, and explain the decisions behind it. The task is marked easy difficulty. The private workspace adds the tools required by this round, such as recording, code execution, diagrams, evidence panels, or structured notes. It also preserves the attempt so later feedback can be compared with previous work. Evaluation is based on task-specific criteria and the candidate seniority selected in the preparation path. Public pages never expose the reference solution, hidden tests, evaluator instructions, or another candidate’s work.