What is the Base Case in DP?

Updated Apr 28, 2026

Short answer

The simplest subproblem where the answer is known without further calculation.

Deep explanation

Dynamic Programming (DP) is an algorithmic paradigm that solves a given complex problem by breaking it into subproblems and stores the results of subproblems to avoid computing the same results again. The simplest subproblem where the answer is known without further calculation.

Real-world example

Cashiers giving change using the minimum number of coins.

Common mistakes

  • Creating a memoization table but forgetting to check it before recursing.

Follow-up questions

  • What is the space complexity of this Fibonacci approach?

More Dynamic Programming interview questions

View all →