Hey everyone! I'm curious about when I'll be able to tackle Leetcode problems. I just gave it a shot today, starting with the Two Sum problem, and honestly, I felt completely lost before I even really tried. Just to give you some background, I'm not a computer science major – I'm self-studying because I want to apply for a CS major next year when I finish my degree. I've been learning Java for about two months, but I haven't dedicated a ton of time to it. I thought I could solve at least the easiest problems, but I was mistaken. Am I lacking talent, or is this a normal feeling for someone at my level? Also, apologies if my English isn't perfect!
4 Answers
One tip is to try solving problems without code at first. Think through the problem, then create some pseudocode to break it down into logical steps. Finally, convert your pseudocode into actual code. This can make the process smoother!
When tackling Leetcode, I recommend setting a timer for about five to ten minutes per problem. If you're not getting anywhere by then, look it up online. You're aiming to understand the algorithm or pattern being tested, not just the answer. Knowing the basic concepts like Big O notation is essential as well. Strive to master the easy and medium questions from a list of top interview questions to build your skills!
How did you learn Java? Did you follow any tutorials? I was in a similar boat when I started university, and it was tough. I'd recommend reading a book or some documentation about Java syntax first, then try those easier problems one step at a time. Everyone learns differently, so find what works for you. You might just need a month or two more for it to really click!
Don’t let your ability to solve Leetcode define your talent. Focus on building something useful, like simple applications or scripts. Leetcode is mostly for interviews, and not all companies will even emphasize it. Concentrate on making projects, and you'll end up learning the necessary data structures and algorithms naturally during your studies.
Thanks for the suggestion! I really appreciate it. Why didn't I think of that?