How to Actually Problem Solve in Programming

Summary

This video provides essential techniques for improving problem-solving skills in coding interviews. It introduces the Fast and Slow Brain method, which emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice in mastering new concepts before relying on intuitive, fast thinking. The Rubber Duck technique encourages explaining code to clarify your thought process, while the 10-Minute Primer helps you break down problems efficiently. Finally, the Lighthouse Method guides you in tackling complex problems by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts. Together, these strategies aim to train your brain to solve coding problems quickly, effectively, and confidently.

Takeaways

• 😀 Train your brain to solve coding problems by engaging both the fast and slow brain modes.
• 😀 The fast brain is quick and intuitive, solving familiar problems automatically, while the slow brain learns new patterns and problem-solving techniques.
• 😀 Start by using the slow brain to deeply understand coding concepts, which allows the fast brain to tackle problems with ease later.
• 😀 Repetition and practice are key to developing pattern recognition in coding, helping the brain respond automatically to similar problems.
• 😀 The Rubber Duck Technique helps you explain your code line by line to an object, improving your problem-solving and debugging process.
• 😀 Verbally articulating your thoughts during coding interviews demonstrates your approach to solving problems, which is crucial for success.
• 😀 Use the 10-minute primer method to prepare for coding problems, spending the first 10 minutes reviewing and mentally organizing your thoughts.
• 😀 The 10-minute timer creates a sense of urgency, helping you avoid overthinking and boosting your focus on problem-solving.
• 😀 Break down large coding problems into smaller, more manageable pieces using the Lighthouse Method, which guides you step by step.
• 😀 Solving smaller problems first builds momentum and gradually leads to solving the entire problem, which helps maintain focus and clarity in complex coding challenges.

Q & A

What is the fast brain and slow brain method?

The fast brain is your intuitive, quick-thinking mode that helps you solve familiar problems quickly. The slow brain is more deliberate and thoughtful, used for solving unfamiliar or complex problems. The slow brain helps you learn and understand new concepts, and once you've mastered them, your fast brain can apply them automatically.

How does the fast and slow brain method apply to coding?

In coding, the fast brain allows you to solve problems quickly if you've encountered similar ones before. The slow brain helps you understand new problems thoroughly, and through practice, the knowledge gained by the slow brain allows your fast brain to recognize patterns and solve problems more easily in the future.

Why is it important to engage the slow brain before the fast brain?

Engaging the slow brain is important because it helps you fully understand new problems and solutions. Only after this understanding can the fast brain recognize patterns and solve problems quickly. Without this foundational understanding, the fast brain may miss key details or struggle with unfamiliar problems.

What is the rubber duck technique, and how does it improve problem-solving?

The rubber duck technique involves explaining your code step-by-step to an object (like a rubber duck) as if you're teaching a beginner. This forces you to slow down and think through each decision, which helps you identify logical errors or gaps in reasoning that might otherwise be missed.

How does verbalizing your thought process in coding interviews help?

Verbalizing your thought process in coding interviews demonstrates your problem-solving approach, the algorithms you consider, and how you analyze trade-offs. It also helps interviewers understand how you tackle problems and whether you can articulate your solutions clearly.

What is the 10-minute primer method, and how does it help improve focus?

The 10-minute primer involves setting a timer for 10 minutes before starting to code. During this time, you review the problem, skim relevant materials, or mentally prepare. This method helps overcome analysis paralysis, improves focus, and creates a roadmap for solving the problem.

Why does setting a timer for 10 minutes improve problem-solving efficiency?

Setting a timer creates a sense of urgency, which prevents overthinking or getting stuck in the planning phase. It also encourages you to start solving the problem by focusing on the most important aspects first, making the task feel more manageable.

What is the lighthouse method in problem-solving?

The lighthouse method involves breaking down a large problem into smaller, more manageable parts. Each smaller problem solved acts as a 'lighthouse,' guiding you closer to the overall solution. This method helps build momentum and provides a systematic approach to tackling difficult problems.

How can breaking down a problem into smaller pieces help in solving complex coding challenges?

By isolating smaller parts of a complex problem, you can focus on solving them one at a time, making the overall challenge seem less overwhelming. Each smaller solution brings clarity and momentum, helping you gradually piece together the full solution.

How do these techniques train your brain for future coding challenges?

These techniques train your brain to approach problems systematically, focusing on understanding before solving, verbalizing thought processes, and breaking complex problems into manageable steps. Over time, this will improve pattern recognition and problem-solving efficiency, making future coding challenges easier to tackle.