The Ultimate Leetcode Solving Strategy for Coding Interviews

Ever come across LeetCode? It's quite the buzz in the coding world!

Especially when prepping for those nerve-wracking coding interviews at top-notch tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google (MAANG), Quora, LinkedIn, Uber, Goldman Sachs, Twitter, and many more.

LeetCode serves as a vast repository of real interview questions, offering a plethora of algorithmic problems. 

It's more than just a collection of challenges. It's a valuable resource to refine problem-solving skills and gear up for the coding interviews.

However, navigating LeetCode problems can be a bit overwhelming. 

Where do you start? Which problems should you tackle first? And for beginners, is it feasible to dive straight into problems, or is there a better way to begin?

Or…

Have you ever felt so close to mastering LeetCode for interviews but missed the bullseye?"

You've got solutions, yet that elusive optimal one seems just out of reach! Perhaps you're always racing against the clock, especially with those tougher-than-nails questions.

It's like the usual study techniques aren't cutting it anymore!

Solving Leetcode problems back-to-back won't guarantee success if your strategy's offbeat. 

It's like playing music—practice is crucial, but mastering the technique, finding the rhythm, and optimising every practice session make the real difference.

So, how do you bridge that gap? How do you evolve from merely solving problems to acing LeetCode? And, ultimately, how to crack your next coding interview? 

It's all about refining your approach! Master your problem-solving techniques, and try to make every moment of practice count!

Let’s find out the ‘how’ in detail now.

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Pros of LeetCode Problem Solving Practice

1. Customised Difficulty Levels

LeetCode organises problems into different levels—Easy, Medium, and Hard. So, you can pick challenges that match your skill level. 

It's like choosing the right hiking trail. You start with the beginner path and work your way up to the more challenging ones.

2. Multi-Language Support

One of the cool things about LeetCode is its support for various programming languages. 

Whether you're fluent in Python, comfy with Java, or want to dabble in something new, like Go or Ruby, you've got the freedom to solve problems in your preferred language.

3. Focused Topic Selection

LeetCode lets you zoom in on specific topics, like sorting algorithms or linked lists. 

By enabling users to select specific topics, LeetCode facilitates targeted skill enhancement. 

4. Daily Challenges

Try engaging in LeetCode's daily challenges. It would be like a quick workout for your brain. 

This practice will keep your problem-solving skills sharp.

5. Boost in Code Speed

Regular practice on LeetCode leads to increased coding efficiency. 

With exposure to a variety of Leetcode problems, you develop quicker problem-solving abilities. 

You also get to learn to implement solutions more swiftly.

6. Enhanced Refactoring Skills 

Just like editing and improving a draft, LeetCode encourages you to refine your code. 

You'll find yourself making your solutions cleaner and more efficient, much like fine-tuning a piece of writing.

7. Advanced Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving Skills 

Regularly tackling diverse and complex problems sharpens users' analytical thinking and problem-solving approaches. 

It's like solving puzzles that challenge your thinking and help you become better at breaking down complex issues.

8. Proficiency in Algorithms and Data Structures

LeetCode's broad problem set spans various algorithms and data structures. 

With LeetCode's range of problems covering different algorithms and data structures, you not only improve your skills but also build a strong foundation to tackle diverse coding tasks.

9. Confidence Building and Interview Readiness 

As you tackle problems on LeetCode, you gain confidence in your abilities. 

It's like practising a sport—you train, you get better, and soon enough, you feel ready to ace that coding interview!

Suggested reading: How to Improve DSA Skills: Master Problem Solving

Foundational Concepts

Before diving into the intricacies of problem-solving on LeetCode, it's crucial to lay a solid foundation in programming essentials. 

These foundational concepts encompass basic programming principles, data structures, and essential algorithms. 

Mastery of these concepts not only forms the bedrock of coding proficiency but also serves as a stepping stone for navigating LeetCode challenges and honing problem-solving skills.

1. Basic Programming Concepts

• Variables
• Conditionals
• Loops
• Control Flow

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2. Data Structures

• Arrays
• Pointers
• Scope
• HashMaps

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3. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Basics

• Classes and Objects
• Inheritance
• Polymorphism

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4. Essential Data Structures

• Linked Lists
• Trees
• Graphs
• Heaps
• Queues

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5. Fundamental Algorithms

• Searching Algorithms
• Sorting Algorithms

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6. Intermediate Algorithms

• Backtracking
• Branch and Bound
• Brute-Force Search
• Divide and Conquer
• Dynamic Programming
• Greedy Algorithm
• Prune and Search

Developing a Structured Approach

When navigating LeetCode problems or gearing up for coding interviews, having a structured approach can make a world of difference. 

Let's explore some strategies to optimise problem-solving skills and make those practice sessions more efficient:

Solve Leetcode Problems in the Right Order

1. Performance Benchmarking

Start by solving problems without the pressure of time. 

It's like warming up before a marathon! Once you've got a grip, start timing yourself to see how quickly you're progressing. 

This way, you'll gradually enhance your speed and efficiency.

2. Time Management

As you gain practice, try wrapping up your problem-solving sessions just like an actual job interview. 

This practice helps you acclimate to the pressure of time constraints, a common aspect to sharpen to ace your coding interviews.

1. Allocate a good 30 to 40 minutes to a problem before seeking solutions, except when you feel completely lost. 
2. Then, limit your time on a single problem to around 1.5 to 2 hours. 
3. Seeking hints when stuck is okay; remember, in real interviews, hints are often given!

In coding interviews, presenting a functional solution matters more than pursuing perfection. 

Even a basic solution - think of it as a rough sketch - demonstrates your problem-solving knack. 

The beauty lies in refining this to make it better. It shows your adaptability and continuous growth, something all employers admire!

3. Curated Lists

Browsing through LeetCode's vast sea of problems without a plan is like diving into the ocean! 

Instead, why not rely on community-upvoted problems or curated lists created by seasoned users? 

These curated lists offer a structured learning path, sparing you from random problem-solving.

4. Zone of Proximal Development

Engage with challenges that stretch your abilities without overwhelming you. Work on tasks slightly above your current skill level.

The habit of choosing problems that aren't too easy but can be solved with some guidance will foster continual improvement.

5. Utilise Problem Tags

Use those nifty tags and categories LeetCode offers to practise specific concepts. (like arrays, strings, dynamic programming) 

Focusing on particular topics allows for a deeper understanding. And, refinement of skills within those domains.

Master one thing at a time!

6. Partner Practice

Collaborating with peers or engaging in mock interviews is highly beneficial. 

Explaining your approach out loud to someone else is like teaching. It sharpens your understanding and gets you in the groove for those interviews. 

Seek guidance, collaborate, and continuously learn from others to enhance overall problem-solving skills.

Plus, you'll learn a ton from others!

Get in touch with me for 1:1 mock interview practice to ace your software engineer interviews.

Solve In a Smart Way

1. Articulating the Problem

Ever heard of the phrase 'talking to oneself'? Well, in this case, it's a good thing! 

Verbalise your thoughts while solving problems on Leetcode. It's like a practice run for a technical interview.

2. Common LeetCode Coding Patterns

Imagine having a treasure map with all the shortcuts marked. 

That's what these patterns are: Sliding window, two pointers, DFS/BFS, DP, greedy algorithms, and divide and conquer techniques are your shortcuts to tackling different problem types.

Apply these established coding patterns to tackle diverse problem types efficiently.

Review Solutions

When solving problems on platforms like LeetCode, it's crucial to revisit and analyse your solutions. 

It helps reinforce your learning and spot areas for improvement in problem-solving.

1. Dive into the Problem Statement

Begin by deeply understanding the problem statement. 

Read it multiple times, ensuring you comprehend its intricacies and constraints. Understanding the problem thoroughly is the first step towards finding an effective solution.

2. Analysing the Problem Statement

Analyse the problem's scope, inputs, constraints, and expected outputs. 

Break it down into smaller components or subproblems. This will help in devising a systematic approach towards a solution. 

This approach simplifies the problem-solving process and allows for better comprehension.

3. Recognizing Patterns and Techniques

LeetCode problems often have similarities or patterns that resonate with previously solved problems. 

Keep a problem log. Note down your progress, various approaches, and insights gained from other solutions. 

This log, is a cheat sheet in helping you notice similar patterns in different problems.

4. Strive for Continuous Improvement

Aim for progress rather than perfection. It's crucial to maintain a growth mindset while solving problems. 

Strive to be slightly better each day, whether by experimenting with new approaches, understanding complex concepts, or optimising your problem-solving strategy.

Why Reviewing Solutions Matters

Going through your solutions solidifies your understanding of the problem-solving process. It reinforces the underlying logic behind the solutions.

By analysing your approaches, you can pinpoint areas for optimization. Whether in terms of code efficiency, algorithmic complexity, or problem-solving techniques.

Recognizing patterns from previous solutions enhances your adaptability in tackling new challenges. Thus, improving your ability to devise efficient strategies.

Wrapping It Up: Your Next Steps with LeetCode

So, that's the lowdown on the strategies of solving LeetCode problems to beef up your coding skills and prep for those nerve-racking coding interviews. 

Those tips we've covered? Consider them your trusty companions on this coding journey.

If you find yourself overwhelmed while solving problems in Leetcode, don't sweat it. 

Just drop me a line, and we can set up a trial session to tackle those tricky bits together. 

And if you're aiming for a long-term mentorship, let's chat further. We'll dig deeper into coding strategies to get you to ace your coding interview!

Remember, coding isn't about mastering everything in a day—it's a step-by-step journey. Consistency is the backbone of mastering LeetCode problems.

Keep at it, stay determined, and watch your coding skills level up.🚀

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Helpful guides:

How to Use a Trial Session to Get Familiar With Your Mentor?

How did I Build SDE-2 Amazon Interview Preparation Routine?