Breaking Into Problem Solving: My LeetCode Journey

Problem-solving is an essential skill for any programmer, and platforms like LeetCode provide an excellent way to hone this skill. As a beginner, I found the idea of solving algorithmic challenges both exciting and intimidating. In this post, I want to share my experience, strategies, and tips that helped me navigate through my initial LeetCode journey.

Why I Started

My journey began with a clear goal: to strengthen my problem-solving skills and prepare for coding interviews. I realized that platforms like LeetCode not only help you practice algorithms and data structures but also teach you how to approach problems systematically.

How I Approached It

Here are some key strategies that worked for me:

1. Start Small:
   I began with the "Easy" problems in popular topics like Arrays, Strings, and Hash Maps. This helped me build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Consistency Over Quantity:
   Instead of attempting 10 problems in a day, I committed to solving 1-2 problems daily. This consistency made a huge difference over time.

3. Understand the Problem Thoroughly:
   I took time to read the problem statement carefully and understand the input/output requirements before jumping into coding. Visualizing examples helped me grasp the edge cases.

4. Learn from Others:
   After solving (or failing to solve) a problem, I explored other users' solutions. Reading optimized code gave me insights into alternative approaches and better practices.

5. Focus on Patterns:
   Over time, I noticed recurring patterns in problems. For example, sliding window techniques for subarray problems or two-pointer strategies for array manipulations. Recognizing these patterns improved my problem-solving speed.

Staying Motivated Through Setbacks

There was a point during my journey when I lost my streak due to a busy schedule of football tournaments and exams. It felt discouraging, but I realized that setbacks are part of the process. What mattered was restarting with a fresh perspective and new motivation. Resuming my coding practice helped me regain momentum and reminded me of why I started in the first place.

Lessons Learned

1. It's Okay to Struggle: Every problem you solve, no matter how simple, adds to your learning.
2. Debugging is Learning: Spending time debugging wrong answers helped me understand my mistakes and avoid them in the future.
3. Build a Growth Mindset: Celebrate progress, not perfection. Each solved problem is a step forward.

Final Thoughts

LeetCode is not just about getting the right answers but about developing a structured approach to problem-solving. Whether you're preparing for interviews or simply want to improve your coding skills, the key is to stay consistent and enjoy the process.

Are you just starting with LeetCode? Or do you have any favorite strategies that worked for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!