I've been trying to solve problems on LeetCode and it's been really tough for me. I've attempted five problems, but I found them too challenging. I even used AI to help me understand and solve them, but I still struggled. So, I decided to try NEETCode, and while I managed the first three problems on my own, I got stuck on the fourth. I'm starting to feel like I'm not smart enough. Do I need to have more knowledge to tackle these problems? Is all of data structures and algorithms (DSA) really this hard? Some people say they've solved hundreds of problems, but I can't even complete five. Do I really need to solve that many problems to land a good job? I'm putting in a lot of effort, but it feels overwhelming, especially with the thought of AI possibly taking over my job.
3 Answers
It's fine to struggle a bit while practicing. But remember, using AI to solve these problems is like bringing a calculator to a test; it defeats the purpose. LeetCode is meant to challenge you and sharpen your skills, so try to solve the problems independently instead of relying entirely on AI.
LeetCode can feel difficult because it's all about knowing the right patterns and algorithms to apply. It's similar to solving a Rubik's Cube—if you don’t know the algorithms, you won't get very far. So, a big part of success is familiarizing yourself with common solutions and patterns. DSA isn't inherently hard; it's just about understanding which structures work best for different problems. Focus on learning the principles rather than memorizing code snippets.
Very good point!
Should I just keep grinding NEETCode until I know every pattern and then do LeetCode?
Try approaching these problems as a fun challenge rather than a race. It's competitive programming, and while it can be tough, no one is judging your speed. The skills you learn from solving these problems don’t directly translate to real-world coding, but they can help you think critically and improve your problem-solving skills. So just enjoy the process and take your time!
That's why I switched to NEETCode; it feels more manageable.