How do you tackle tough problems when usual resources fall short?

Most solutions are usually derived from earlier ideas or concepts you’ve encountered. When you tackle lots of problems, like on Leetcode, you start to see patterns. For instance, I wouldn't know how to create a self-driving car from scratch, and that’s normal. The misconception that you need to come up with ideas out of thin air can be misleading. Sometimes, it’s just about piecing together what you already know, even if you feel overwhelmed.

Problem solving really does get easier with practice. If you're feeling stuck, just dive into solving similar problems repeatedly. Websites like Leetcode can be super helpful. While they might not be exactly what you're working on, they challenge you to think creatively, which can really help stretch your problem-solving skills.

For classic mazes, you could try the 'hugging the right wall' technique to find your way out. But it seems like your main issue is not fully grasping the problem at hand. If you don’t understand it, it’s tough to find a solution. Don’t forget that solving mazes isn’t an obscure topic—there are even competitions for robot mice doing just that! Maybe you’ve left out some details or might need to dig a bit deeper into your research.

How do you think people tackled tough problems before AI tools? It’s all about using the knowledge you have and applying it creatively. Sometimes you just gotta roll up your sleeves and think—how did we do it back in the day?

Seriously, are you pulling our leg? Things like graph traversal are basic topics covered early on in many computer science courses. It sounds strange to me that you'd be struggling with this!