How to improve LeetCode Problem Solving in 5 min | 10X Better at Leetcode

Summary

The video discusses strategies for improving problem-solving skills to land high-paying IT jobs in India. It highlights the challenges average engineers face, earning only 2-3 lakhs annually unless they enhance their problem-solving abilities. The speaker offers a 5-point formula for mastering competitive coding on platforms like LeetCode, CodeChef, and CodeForces. Key points include practicing time-bound solutions, learning efficient algorithms, focusing on problem-solving patterns, and using the 80/20 rule to target frequently asked interview questions. The video emphasizes quality over quantity in coding practice for career success.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍💻 India's IT sector struggles with average engineer salaries ranging between 200,000 to 300,000 INR, and to earn 2 to 2.5 million INR, one must excel in problem-solving.
• 💡 Improving problem-solving skills is essential for a better career, especially through platforms like LeetCode, CodeChef, Codeforces, and GeeksforGeeks.
• ⏳ Start by setting time limits. Spend 45 minutes attempting a problem before moving to review solutions from the top-rated ones on the discussion section.
• 📝 Don’t look for the most exotic or shortest solution, but instead, focus on approaches that can help you clear real interview questions.
• 🔍 Identifying patterns in data structures and algorithms (DSA) questions is crucial for solving problems and improving concepts.
• 📜 Solving random problems isn’t efficient; instead, follow a curated list like Blind 75, NeetCode 150, or company-specific recent interview questions.
• 🎯 The 80/20 rule for LeetCode is key: 20% of the problems are asked in 80% of interviews, so focus on the most frequent ones.
• 📊 Study the frequency of the types of questions asked in the last six months, focusing on the most common question patterns.
• ⚖️ Prioritize quality over quantity—solving many LeetCode questions doesn’t help unless the solutions improve your understanding of fundamental concepts.
• 🧠 Focus on medium-level questions, as most interview questions fall into this category, and avoid spending time on too easy or too hard problems.

Q & A

What is the current state of the IT sector in India according to the script?

The script suggests that the IT sector in India is in a poor state, with average engineers not receiving job offers that pay more than 2 to 3 lakhs, and to earn 20-25 lakhs, one has to become a 'hacker' engineer.

What does the term 'hacker' engineer mean in the context of the script?

In the script, a 'hacker' engineer refers to someone who has exceptional problem-solving skills and is capable of earning a high salary due to their ability to solve complex problems efficiently.

What are the five points mentioned in the script to improve problem-solving skills?

The five points mentioned are: 1) Time Bound, 2) Find the Right Solution, 3) Look for Actual Solutions, 4) Understand Patterns, and 5) Follow the 80/20 rule.

Why is it important to read the problem statement and examples carefully according to the script?

The script emphasizes that understanding the problem statement and examples is crucial because it helps in identifying the correct approach and matching it with the provided examples to ensure the solution is accurate.

What is the significance of the 80/20 rule in the context of the script?

The 80/20 rule in the script refers to focusing on 20% of the problems that are asked in 80% of the interviews, which can significantly increase the chances of clearing interviews.

How does the script advise approaching the solutions section on platforms like LeetCode?

The script advises not to look for the shortest or the exact solution but to find a solution that clears the review process, indicating a focus on understanding and learning from the process rather than just copying solutions.

What is the importance of identifying patterns in problem-solving as per the script?

Identifying patterns is important because it helps in recognizing similar problem types and solving them efficiently, which is the basis of learning and improving problem-solving skills.

Why should one focus on medium difficulty problems according to the script?

The script suggests focusing on medium difficulty problems because most interviews ask medium difficulty questions, and solving these can boost confidence and improve problem-solving skills without causing demotivation.

What is the advice given in the script regarding the quantity versus quality of problems solved?

The script advises focusing on the quality of problems solved rather than the quantity, as solving a large number of problems without understanding them does not improve problem-solving skills.

How does the script suggest preparing for interviews?

The script suggests preparing for interviews by following a curated list of problems instead of random ones, focusing on the frequency of questions asked in the last six months, and understanding the patterns of questions asked by specific companies.

What is the final advice given in the script for improving problem-solving skills?

The final advice is to consistently practice solving problems, focus on understanding the concepts, and not just the count of problems solved, and to seek clarification if any point is not clear.