#0256

Insert Interval

MediumDSA28 min20 XP

Problem

Intervals are sorted and non-overlapping. Insert new_interval, merge if necessary, and return the updated interval list.

Why This Matters

Insert interval tests whether you can split a timeline into before, merge, and after sections without overcomplicating it.

Function Signature

def insert_interval(intervals, new_interval):

Examples

Example 1

Inputintervals = [[1,3],[6,9]], new_interval = [2,5]

Output[[1, 5], [6, 9]]

The new interval overlaps [1,3] and extends it to [1,5].

Constraints

Return the exact requested value.
Handle edge cases cleanly.
Use the intended DSA pattern when brute force would scale poorly.

CodePython

def insert_interval(intervals, new_interval):
    """
    Input example: intervals = [[1,3],[6,9]], new_interval = [2,5]
    Return: [[1, 5], [6, 9]]
    Return the value from the function so the tests can compare it. Do not print unless the prompt asks.
    """
    # write your code here
    return []

def insert_interval(intervals, new_interval):
    """
    Input example: intervals = [[1,3],[6,9]], new_interval = [2,5]
    Return: [[1, 5], [6, 9]]
    Return the value from the function so the tests can compare it. Do not print unless the prompt asks.
    """
    # write your code here
    return []

Visible browser tests run here when available.

Testcases2 visible / 3 hidden categories

Merge one interval

Input[[1,3],[6,9]], [2,5]

Expected[[1, 5], [6, 9]]

The new interval merges with the first interval.

Merge many intervals

Input[[1,2],[3,5],[6,7],[8,10],[12,16]], [4,8]

Expected[[1, 2], [3, 10], [12, 16]]

The new interval connects three middle intervals.

Hidden Test Categories

new interval before all intervalsnew interval after all intervalsempty intervals