Many of us have tackled LeetCode problems, whether as part of preparing for job interviews or just to level up our coding skills. For those who really devoted a lot of time to it, I'm curious about your experiences. Did you find that it helped you in any specific ways? Looking back, do you feel any regret about the time you spent on it?
9 Answers
I get that it seems outdated, but learning algorithms is like a mental workout. Just like how physical training is vital, keeping our coding skills sharp helps us adapt to tech changes—especially with AI on the rise.
I actually skip the LeetCode grind for my personal projects. I find them interesting, but I’m more engaged with real-world applications. In interviews, I can’t handle the pressure to perform on a coding challenge, especially in a limited time frame. It's a lot like being asked to make a joke on command—just not my style!
I've started doing LeetCode more seriously in the past year, aiming for at least one problem a week, usually more. I have noticed improvements in my problem-solving skills and how I approach challenges. However, I often struggle to remember the solutions after not practicing for a month or so. It's like a constant battle to stay sharp!
That sounds normal! People forget things if they don't use them often. The brain doesn't prioritize niche solutions unless you're regularly dealing with them.
I used LeetCode primarily to get through interviews with big tech companies. In my day-to-day job, I haven't found much use for the advanced algorithms aside from the basics. I try to avoid the grind unless I absolutely have to, so honestly, I don't regret the time spent. The skills I find more rewarding are the practical ones—like backend development and infrastructure. Those are what really matter once you're past the interview stage.
What do you consider to be basic data structures?
Can you explain what building backend and infrastructure really means? What kind of projects are you working on?
LeetCode certainly has helped with interviews, especially in pattern recognition under pressure. After going through a lot of problems, I noticed many of them repeat. I don't regret the grind, but it hasn't done much for my practical coding skills—it feels somewhat disconnected from real-world software engineering.
LeetCode can sharpen problem-solving skills and boost your confidence for interviews, but it can also be overwhelming. It’s essential to balance it with building actual projects that resonate with your interests. Understanding the foundations of programming can often take you farther than memorizing algorithm patterns.
I went pretty hard on LeetCode to find a job, but looking back, I feel like I’ve lost the skills I developed through that grind. Now, I'm focusing on doing at least one problem a day, even if I dislike it. It's frustrating that I’m preparing for interviews instead of honing my job skills, but I guess it’s the reality we face.
It really varies based on what your goals are. For interviews, especially with big companies, it’s often necessary. But for most other positions, a good grounding in practical projects seems to be more beneficial. Knowing when to stop grinding and start building is vital!
I spent months grinding through LeetCode and did around 150 problems before landing a job. It definitely helped with interviews but didn't significantly improve my actual coding practice. Looking back, I wish I had invested more time in practical projects rather than just focusing on algorithm practice.
I can relate to that! It's a relief to see someone with a similar attitude. I think solving actual problems aligns more with my interests.