Solve N-Queens Efficiently | Dataford Interview Questions

How would you solve the N-Queens problem efficiently under a 20-minute time limit?

Implement a function that counts the valid ways to place n queens on an n x n chessboard so that no two queens share a row, column, or diagonal. Use efficient backtracking, such as bitmasks, rather than constructing every board.

Input is an integer n; return the number of valid arrangements as an integer. The required signature is def total_n_queens(n):.

Constraints

1 <= n <= 14
Return the total number of valid arrangements
Queens may not share a row, column, or diagonal

Function Signature

def total_n_queens(n):

Your question is Solve N-Queens Efficiently. Start with the requirements in the Question tab.

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Problem

How would you solve the N-Queens problem efficiently under a 20-minute time limit?

Input is an integer n; return the number of valid arrangements as an integer. The required signature is def total_n_queens(n):.

Constraints

1 <= n <= 14
Return the total number of valid arrangements
Queens may not share a row, column, or diagonal

Function Signature

def total_n_queens(n):

Your question is Solve N-Queens Efficiently. Start with the requirements in the Question tab.

Run and submit as often as you like. When you're ready, talk me through your approach or go straight to the code.