I solved 541 Leetcode problems. But you need only 150.

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey of overcoming initial struggles with coding interviews and Leetcode, highlighting the importance of starting with easy problems to build a strong foundation in Data Structures and Algorithms. They emphasize the need to separate the thought process of problem-solving from coding and suggest practicing under interview-like conditions. The speaker advises learning from others' solutions and striving for efficiency, aiming to solve medium-level problems within 30-35 minutes. They conclude that readiness for interviews is determined by the ability to solve new problems effectively, not just by the number of problems attempted.

Takeaways

• 😅 The speaker initially found coding interviews easy but struggled with the 'Rotate Array' problem on Leetcode, highlighting the gap between perception and reality.
• 📚 Emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in Data Structures and Algorithms before starting on Leetcode, with a recommendation to review the basics in a linked video.
• 🎯 Advising to start with the top 150 interview questions on Leetcode and focusing on the first 37 easy problems to build a problem-solving toolkit.
• 🚫 Warning against starting with medium or hard problems early in the learning process to prevent demotivation and maintain confidence.
• 🤔 Encouraging a two-step problem-solving approach: first, conceptualize the solution in your mind, and second, code it, to improve efficiency and clarity.
• 🌟 Stressing the difference between thinking about the solution and coding it, suggesting that beginners often confuse the two, which can hinder their progress.
• ⏰ Suggesting a time limit of 1 hour to solve a problem during practice, aligning it with the time constraints of a real interview scenario.
• 📖 Recommending to read and understand at least the top three solutions from the Leetcode discussion section, even if you solve the problem, to learn different approaches.
• 🔍 Advising to practice coding the solution even after understanding it from others, as it helps to uncover unseen edge cases and nuances.
• 💡 The readiness for coding interviews is not about the number of problems solved but the ability to solve new problems efficiently, ideally within 30-35 minutes for medium difficulty on Leetcode.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial experience with the 'Rotate Array' problem on Leetcode?

The speaker initially found the 'Rotate Array' problem extremely challenging, spending 6 hours without writing a single line of code and feeling frustrated.

Why did the speaker feel disappointed after seeing a friend solve the problem quickly?

The speaker felt disappointed because they were unable to solve the problem themselves, and seeing a friend solve it in under 15 minutes highlighted their own struggle and made them feel heartbroken.

How many problems did the speaker eventually solve on Leetcode?

The speaker managed to solve 541 problems on Leetcode.

What is the recommended starting point for someone new to Leetcode, according to the speaker?

The speaker recommends starting with the top 150 interview questions on Leetcode, which are considered very important.

Why is it advised to start with easy problems on Leetcode before attempting medium ones?

Starting with easy problems helps build confidence and a 'toolbox' of problem-solving tools, which can then be applied to medium problems, making the learning process more effective.

What is the first step in solving a coding problem according to the speaker?

The first step is to come up with the solution in your head, separate from the act of coding it up in the editor.

Why is it important to differentiate between thinking about a solution and coding it up?

Differentiating between thinking about a solution and coding it up allows for clearer problem-solving and can lead to more efficient coding, as it trains the brain to focus on the logic before the implementation.

What mistake did the speaker make regarding the time spent on a single problem during practice?

The speaker spent too much time on one problem, up to 3-4 hours, which is not reflective of the time constraints in actual interviews.

How does the speaker suggest utilizing the discussion section of Leetcode?

The speaker suggests reading the top 3 most upvoted solutions in the discussion section to understand different approaches and learn from them.

What is the speaker's advice on how to know if you are ready for coding interviews?

The speaker believes that if you can consistently solve Leetcode medium problems in less than 30-35 minutes, you are ready for coding interviews.

What is the significance of having a strong foundational knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms?

A strong foundational knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms is essential for reaching a level where you can consistently solve Leetcode medium problems within the suggested time frame for interviews.