{"id":"missing-target-returns-neg-one","text":"`shortest_distance` returns `-1` when the target string is absent from the array, not 0 or an exception — the sentinel check `result < n` distinguishes found from not-found.","truth_value":"IN","source":"entries/2026/06/06/shortest-distance-to-target-string-in-a-circular-array-solution.md","source_url":"","source_hash":"","justifications":[],"dependents":[],"metadata":{},"created_at":"","updated_at":"","reviewed_at":"","verified_at":"","retracted_at":"","explanation":{"steps":[{"node":"missing-target-returns-neg-one","truth_value":"IN","reason":"premise"}]}}