My Brain after 569 Leetcode Problems

Summary

The speaker shares their journey of solving LeetCode problems, which eventually led to a Google job offer. They discuss the importance of starting with basic data structures and algorithms, progressing in a structured order, and the value of understanding rather than memorizing solutions. The video emphasizes the balance between practice and learning efficiency, suggesting around 150 well-understood problems are more beneficial than solving hundreds without review. It also touches on the practical applications of algorithms in industry and promotes a platform for tech career growth.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker started with easy coding problems and learned the basics of data structures and algorithms, which they believe is enough to start solving problems.
• 💡 They initially used C++ but later switched to Python for its concise code, even though they never used it in a job or internship.
• 🔍 The speaker found that the order in which problems are solved matters and created a roadmap to avoid common mistakes.
• 🚫 They advise against using verbose languages like Java for coding interviews due to time constraints.
• 🕒 The speaker emphasizes the importance of consistent practice over cramming, suggesting solving one or two problems a day.
• ⏱ They learned to recognize when to give up on a problem during an interview, aiming to solve medium problems within 20-25 minutes.
• 🤔 The speaker found that looking at solutions for complex problems can be efficient, as long as one understands why the solution works.
• 📈 They experienced an increase in problem-solving speed as they became familiar with common algorithms and patterns.
• 📊 The speaker believes that the key to passing tech interviews is the ability to apply algorithms to new problems quickly.
• 🔄 They highlight the importance of reviewing past problems for better retention of complex algorithms.
• 📉 The speaker warns of diminishing returns from solving too many problems and suggests focusing on understanding rather than quantity.
• 🎓 Lastly, they argue that while LeetCode isn't the most exciting, it helps with thinking about edge cases and unit testing, which are valuable in industry.

Q & A

What is the speaker's primary goal in solving LeetCode problems?

The speaker's primary goal is to prepare for technical interviews and eventually secure a job offer from a big tech company like Google.

Why did the speaker initially choose C++ for solving LeetCode problems?

The speaker chose C++ initially because it was the first language they learned, but later realized it was not the best choice for the interview preparation process.

What basic knowledge of data structures and algorithms did the speaker have before starting to solve LeetCode problems?

The speaker had basic knowledge of arrays, linked lists, hash maps, trees, sorting, and binary search before starting to solve LeetCode problems.

How many LeetCode problems did the speaker solve before getting an internship at a bank?

The speaker solved around 50 problems before getting an internship at a bank.

Why did the speaker switch to Python for solving LeetCode problems?

The speaker switched to Python because it was concise and had the shortest code length, and they did not need to learn the entire language, just the basic syntax and standard data structures.

What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of the order in which LeetCode problems are solved?

The speaker believes that the order in which problems are solved matters and that problems should be tackled in a specific sequence to build a solid understanding of different concepts.

What is the speaker's recommendation for the frequency of solving LeetCode problems?

The speaker recommends solving one or two problems consistently each day, as opposed to cramming, to ensure that the concepts stick.

What is the speaker's approach to handling problems they cannot solve within 45 to 60 minutes?

The speaker suggests that if they cannot solve a problem within 45 to 60 minutes, they look at a solution as long as they can understand why it works.

What is the speaker's view on the number of LeetCode problems one should solve to be prepared for interviews?

The speaker believes that quality is better than quantity and recommends solving about 150 questions, ensuring a deep understanding of each problem.

Why does the speaker consider reviewing previously solved LeetCode problems important?

The speaker considers reviewing important for the complex algorithms to sink in, as repetition is needed for the concepts to be well understood.

What is the speaker's stance on the usefulness of LeetCode for learning about application development?

The speaker believes that while LeetCode may not directly teach application development, it helps in thinking about edge cases and unit testing, which are applicable in industry.

What is the speaker's suggestion for those who feel they are not fully prepared for big tech interviews?

The speaker suggests that feeling 100% prepared is rare, and that one should aim to solve a medium problem in 20 to 25 minutes to have at least an 80% chance of passing most interviews.