I've got a background in Applied Mathematics (both BS and MS), and I thought I was a decent problem-solver. I could manage proving theorems and tackling PDEs, and I was comfortable coding in Python and MATLAB. Recently, I started using AI tools like GPT for various tasks, which helped me out initially. However, I noticed a decline in my problem-solving skills as I relied more on these tools instead of thinking through the problems myself. Now, I'm struggling even with Easy to Medium LeetCode challenges and feel like I'm not making progress. I'm looking for effective ways to enhance my problem-solving skills and get back to a comfortable level where I can tackle interview questions confidently. I'm not convinced that just doing hundreds of LeetCode problems is the answer; I need a structured approach similar to how I learned PDEs, but I'm finding programming problems much less organized. How can I develop more intuition and recognize applicable strategies for different types of problems?
5 Answers
Ultimately, practice really does make perfect! Rather than solely relying on LeetCode, try working on real-world projects that motivate you. These projects will be more engaging and relevant, providing lessons that translate directly into your problem-solving growth. The variety of scenarios will enhance your toolkit much more than repetitively solving Sets of problems in isolation.
A lot of effective problem-solving comes down to developing heuristics and strategic thinking. When faced with a tough problem, consider 'working backwards' from the solution or rephrasing the question to look at it in a different way. There’s a fantastic book, ‘How to Solve It’ by G. Polya, that dives into various strategies that will enhance your problem-solving capabilities. Experiment with different techniques, and don't be afraid to fail; each mistake is a step towards understanding!
Building a roadmap can be really helpful! Try using resources like the CodeIntuition roadmap to identify and understand different problem types. This will help you categorize new problems based on similarities to ones you've previously solved. Recognizing patterns is half the battle, and once you see a problem fits a certain category, it will trigger the right strategies to employ.
One of the keys to improving your problem-solving skills is technique over raw memorization. Instead of diving straight into LeetCode problems, focus on mastering a few core algorithms and paradigms. It's helpful to recognize that many problems fit into a small number of categories, so if you learn these fundamental approaches, you can apply them across different problems. Yes, practice is crucial—try doing different problems, but understand the ‘why’ behind the approach, not just the ‘how’. Also, try reimplementing solutions in various programming languages to deepen your understanding.
Don't stress about coming up with algorithms like the fast/slow pointer trick all on your own! That concept comes from shared knowledge in the programming community. While tackling problems, it's important to read and learn from resources like textbooks or tutorials to build that foundational knowledge. So, if you come across a clever solution, try to breakdown the idea behind it and incorporate that into your problem-solving toolbox.
Related Questions
Set Wordpress Featured Image Using Javascript
How To Fix PHP Random Being The Same
Why no WebP Support with Wordpress
Replace Wordpress Cron With Linux Cron
Customize Yoast Canonical URL Programmatically
[Centos] Delete All Files And Folders That Contain a String