# Shortest subsequence of a cyclic string containing a pattern

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Source: https://www.aced.io/questions/4640/shortest-subsequence-cyclic-string
Source observed: 2026-11-05T00:50:41.264Z
Last checked: 2026-11-05T00:50:41.264+00:00
Indexed: 2026-11-07T03:04:52.565+00:00

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# Shortest subsequence of a cyclic string containing a pattern

We publish coding and interview-preparation questions through Aced, formerly Exponent. This question concerns finding the shortest subsequence of a cyclic string `S` that contains all characters of a pattern `k`.

## Problem

Given a cyclic string `S` and a pattern `k`, find the shortest subsequence of `S` that contains every character in `k`.

Example:

- `s = 'abcdefgh'`
- `k = 'fha'`
- Return: `'fgha'`

## Interview details

- **Role:** [Software Engineer](https://www.aced.io/questions?role=swe)
- **Company:** [Salesforce](https://www.aced.io/questions?company=salesforce)
- **Categories:** [Data Structures & Algorithms](https://www.aced.io/questions?type=algorithms), [Coding](https://www.aced.io/questions?type=coding)
- **Reported last asked:** 2 years ago

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## Related question

- [Find the longest alternating subsequence.](https://www.aced.io/questions/1173/longest-alternating-subsequence)

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