Maze Traversal (Find a Path in a Grid)

What you’ll build / What this tests

This premium javascript coding focuses on Maze Traversal (Find a Path in a Grid). You’ll apply algorithms and grid thinking with intermediate level constraints. The prompt emphasizes Given a 2D grid of 0/1 (0=open, 1=wall), determine if a path exists from start to….

Learning goals

• Translate the prompt into a clear javascript API signature and return shape.
• Apply algorithms, grid, arrays techniques to implement maze traversal (find a path in a grid).
• Handle intermediate edge cases without sacrificing readability.
• Reason about time/space complexity and trade-offs in javascript.

Key decisions to discuss

• Define the exact input/output contract before coding.
• Choose iteration vs higher-order methods for readability.
• Prioritize predictable edge-case handling over micro-optimizations.

Evaluation rubric

• Correctness: covers required behaviors and edge cases.
• Clarity: readable structure and predictable control flow.
• Complexity: avoids unnecessary work for large inputs.
• API discipline: no mutation of inputs; returns expected shape.
• Testability: solution is easy to unit test.

Constraints / Requirements

• Preserve input order and handle empty arrays safely.
• Do not mutate input arrays; preserve item order.
• Handle empty or missing inputs without throwing errors.
• Keep runtime close to linear time where possible.
• Prefer a pure function: no side effects beyond the return value.

Mini snippet (usage only)

// Example usage
const grid = /* maze traversal (find a path in a grid) input */;
const start = /* config */;
const result = hasPath(grid, start);
console.log(result);

// Edge case check
const empty = grid && start ?? null;
const fallback = hasPath(grid, start);
console.log(fallback);

// Expected: describe output shape, not the implementation
// (no solution code in preview)

Common pitfalls

• Mutating inputs instead of returning a new value.
• Skipping edge cases like empty input, duplicates, or nulls.
• Overlooking time complexity for large inputs.

Related questions

• Capitalize WordsFree
• Check if an Object or Array is EmptyFree
• Check if Two Arrays Are EqualFree
• Create an LRU Cache (Bounded Memory)Free
• Falsy BouncerFree
• Flatten One LevelFree