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Multiply Strings

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01 · Problem

You are given two non-negative integers num1 and num2 written as decimal strings. Return their product, also as a decimal string.

You must not convert the inputs directly to integers or use any built-in big-integer library — implement the multiplication on the digits yourself.

The result must not have leading zeros; if the product is zero, return "0".

02 · Examples

Example 01
Input
num1 = "12", num2 = "34"
Output
"408"

12 x 34 = 408.

Example 02
Input
num1 = "305", num2 = "27"
Output
"8235"

305 x 27 = 8235.

Example 03
Input
num1 = "0", num2 = "9876"
Output
"0"

Anything multiplied by zero is zero, returned as the single digit "0".

03 · Constraints

  • 011 <= num1.length, num2.length <= 200
  • 02num1 and num2 consist of digits only
  • 03Neither num1 nor num2 has leading zeros, except the number 0 itself

04 · Optimal complexity

Time
O(m * n)
Space
O(m + n)
05 · Two ways to work on it

Practice it alone or rehearse it as an interview.

Practice Mode gives you an editor and test runs, nothing else. AI Interview Mode puts a voice interviewer on the other side, adds a clock, and ends with a scored summary of the round.