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

Kushal Vijay

20 Sept 202405:50

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Enhancing Coding and Problem-Solving Skills

The speaker addresses the challenges faced by IT engineers in India, particularly the difficulty in securing high-paying jobs without becoming exceptional problem solvers. They introduce a five-point formula to improve problem-solving skills through consistent practice on platforms like LeetCode, CodeChef, and Codeforces. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem, attempting to solve it on paper, and then comparing the solution with examples. They also stress the need to look for efficient and effective solutions, not just the shortest or most aggressive ones. The speaker encourages viewers to focus on learning patterns and solving multiple problems based on those patterns to improve their coding skills and problem-solving abilities.

05:02

🚀 Boosting Interview Success with Strategic Preparation

The speaker provides guidance on how to prepare for coding interviews effectively. They suggest starting with basic problems to build a strong foundation and then focusing on medium-difficulty problems, which are commonly asked in interviews. The speaker advises against solving too many hard problems initially, as they can be demotivating. They also discuss the importance of mental health and maintaining a consistent practice routine. The speaker recommends following a curated list of problems and focusing on the frequency of questions asked in the last six months to increase the chances of solving similar problems in future interviews. They conclude by encouraging viewers to practice regularly and consistently, and to seek clarification if any points are unclear, offering additional resources and a list of problem patterns for further study.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡IT Sector

The IT Sector refers to the segment of the economy that encompasses all businesses involved in the production of software and services related to information technology. In the video's context, the IT sector is discussed in relation to the challenges faced by engineers, such as limited job opportunities and the need for exceptional problem-solving skills to earn higher salaries, which is a central theme of the video.

💡Average Engineer

An 'Average Engineer' is a term used in the script to denote a typical engineer in the IT sector who may not earn more than 2 to 3 lakhs. The video emphasizes the need for such engineers to improve their problem-solving skills to break this average and achieve higher income levels.

💡Problem Solving

Problem Solving is a critical skill discussed in the video, essential for engineers in the IT sector. It involves the ability to analyze a problem and find effective solutions. The script suggests that improving problem-solving skills can significantly enhance an engineer's career prospects and earning potential.

💡Lead Code

Lead Code is mentioned as a platform or resource where engineers can practice coding and problem-solving. The video suggests using such platforms to improve coding skills, which is integral to the theme of enhancing one's IT career.

💡CodeChef

CodeChef is an online competitive programming platform mentioned in the script. It is used as an example of a platform where engineers can participate in coding challenges to improve their problem-solving skills and prepare for job interviews.

💡Coding Forces

Coding Forces, like CodeChef, is another platform referenced for practicing coding and problem-solving. The video encourages engineers to utilize such platforms to enhance their skills and increase their chances of success in the IT sector.

💡Pattern Recognition

Pattern Recognition is a key concept in the video, referring to the ability to identify common structures or solutions in different coding problems. By recognizing patterns, engineers can more efficiently solve a variety of problems, which is crucial for success in competitive coding and job interviews.

💡Data Structures

Data Structures are fundamental in computer science and are discussed in the video as a basis for learning and improving problem-solving skills. The script suggests that mastering various data structures is essential for engineers to solve complex problems in the IT sector.

💡80/20 Rule

The 80/20 Rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, is mentioned in the context of focusing on the most effective problems for interview preparation. The video suggests that by concentrating on a small subset of problems (20%), one can cover a large portion (80%) of interview questions, which is a strategic approach to problem-solving and interview preparation.

💡Consistency

Consistency is highlighted as a key factor in improving problem-solving skills and achieving success in the IT sector. The video emphasizes the importance of regular practice and consistent effort in solving coding problems to see progress and improvement over time.

💡Quality over Quantity

The video stresses the importance of focusing on the quality of problems solved rather than the number. It suggests that solving a smaller number of high-quality problems can be more beneficial than solving a large number of easy or low-quality problems, which aligns with the theme of effective learning and skill enhancement.

Highlights

India's IT sector is struggling, with average engineers not getting jobs paying more than 2 to 3 lakhs.

To earn 20-25 lakhs, one must become a hotshot engineer, capable of problem-solving and improving.

The speaker has taken various coding platforms like LeetCode, CodeChef, CodeForces, and GFG to solve problems.

The speaker has identified five key points to significantly improve problem-solving skills.

The first point is understanding the time bound, which is crucial for problem-solving.

One must read and understand the problem statement thoroughly before attempting to solve it.

After understanding the problem, one should try to solve it on paper before implementing it in code.

If the approach doesn't fit within the constraints, one should try for 45 minutes and then move on.

The second point is to find the right solution by looking at the top solutions in the discussion section.

One should not look for the shortest solution but the one that clears the actual review process.

The speaker suggests focusing on simple and efficient approaches rather than the shortest solutions.

The speaker provides a list of multiple DSA patterns to understand and solve suggested problems.

The third point is to focus on basic problems to improve pattern recognition and problem-solving.

The fourth point is the 80/20 rule, which means focusing on 20% of the problems that cover 80% of the interviews.

One should prepare a curated list of problems instead of randomly picking topics for interviews.

The speaker emphasizes focusing on the frequency of questions asked in the last six months.

The fifth and most important point is to focus on quality over quantity when solving problems.

The speaker advises starting with medium difficulty questions and not getting demotivated by hard ones.

Consistent practice and solving problems regularly will improve problem-solving skills within 30 days.