I've recently started using LeetCode to practice coding problems, but I'm having a tough time since it's been a while since I took my data structures and algorithms course. I'm looking for advice or tips that could help me navigate these challenges. I'm especially interested in strategies others have found useful, and any guidance on learning how to effectively solve the problems would be great. Also, just to mention, I'm trying to solve these challenges using C, in case that's relevant!
2 Answers
If you grasp the essence of problems and their constraints, it’s really about recognizing data structures and common solutions you can tweak. It might be helpful to get a solid programming book. If you're struggling, backing up to computing fundamentals like problem decomposition or understanding space vs. speed would be beneficial. It’s tough to answer "how do I solve problems" on a general level; it's usually easier if you share a specific problem and your attempt because then we can walk through it together!
Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the LeetCode method. When I was learning, similar platforms weren't around. I feel that solving isolated problems doesn't teach you the broader picture of programming. It's crucial to focus on:
* Writing clean and readable code.
* Creating complete solutions for problems, not just algorithms.
* Finding a structured problem set from basics to advanced and tackling it systematically.
* Repeating problems you’ve already solved to build muscle memory.
The aim should be to become comfortable with programming as a craft—not just memorizing interview patterns. Just my two cents!
I learned about building real-world projects first, but I think grinding through LeetCode later on was beneficial. It made me realize that AI can generate efficient solutions, and I understand concepts like the LRU cache in Redis much better now after working on LeetCode.
But hey, your advice is outdated for today’s job market! He won’t even land an interview without working on bigger projects that showcase his coding skills.
What book do you recommend? Any specific titles that would be helpful for someone just starting with these concepts?