I'm new to LeetCode and started using C to improve my programming skills as I get ready for placements next year. However, I feel way out of my depth since I see others easily solving medium-level problems while I'm struggling. I've just begun to get a grip on concepts like using Git properly and organizing my code efficiently, but LeetCode feels overwhelming. How can I improve and reach that level of proficiency without feeling like my brain is about to explode?
6 Answers
It might help to take a data structures and algorithms course before diving deeper into LeetCode. Try using Python if you can, as it simplifies many things. When you hit a roadblock, don’t hesitate to check out the solutions. Each problem often has unique tricks, and it's perfectly fine to learn from those.
Feeling overwhelmed is totally normal, especially as you face problems that seem impossible. With practice, you'll gain the confidence that you *can* solve these issues. Once you've tackled several challenges, you'll start recognizing patterns and techniques, which makes it easier over time. Stick with it!
Starting with C may be holding you back from accessing certain data structures that make problem-solving smoother, like hash tables that are more straightforward in languages like Python. This can make many problems unnecessarily complex at first.
LeetCode is more for those preparing for technical interviews rather than beginners. If you're just starting, even the easy questions can be challenging. Stop comparing yourself to others; everyone has their own pace. If someone is doing better, try asking them how they approach problems and learn from their strategies.
I feel confident in building my own programs in C, but I want to be more efficient. I thought LeetCode would help me learn that, given how people write scripts to optimize solutions.
It’s crucial to start with the easy problems and gradually tackle harder ones as you learn the foundational concepts. Every new problem presents itself as a fresh challenge, but as you gain experience, you'll see many are just variations of others. This understanding comes with time and practice.
Is it normal to feel completely out of my depth when I start? I thought I had a decent grasp on programming.
You're probably trying to tackle problems that require a grasp of concepts you haven’t learned yet. Building a solid foundation will make a huge difference once you dive deeper.
Thanks for the advice! I'm focusing on C because I aim to work in embedded systems, so I thought mastering low-level languages would be beneficial.