Find the minimum number of allowed operations needed to make a binary string equalized under the problem's operation rules.
You are given a binary string. In one operation, you may choose a valid position or segment as defined by the problem and transform the string according to the allowed rule. Your goal is to determine the minimum number of operations required to make the string equalized, or report that it is already in the desired form.
This is a classic interview-style string problem where the key is to inspect the structure of the binary string rather than simulate every possibility blindly. The optimal answer typically depends on counting transitions, grouping characters, or leveraging parity/greedy reasoning.
Input Format
- A binary string
sconsisting only of characters0and1. - The exact allowed operation is the one specified by the platform problem statement.
Output Format
Return a single integer: the minimum number of operations required to achieve the target equalized form.
Constraints
scontains only0and1.- The string length is within standard interview/online-judge limits.
- The answer fits in a 32-bit signed integer.
Example 1
Input
s = "0101"
Output
2
Explanation
The minimum number of operations depends on the structure of alternating groups. Two operations are enough for this kind of pattern under the usual equalization rules.
Example 2
Input
s = "0000"
Output
0
Explanation
The string is already equalized, so no operations are needed.
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