How I Solved 987 LeetCode Problems?

Hi Coding Geek!

Picture me, just a regular girl, hanging out with my computer, munching on snacks🍟, and cracking away at 987 LeetCode problems. 

Yep, that's right, I've tackled nearly a thousand coding questions! 😎 

I often wonder about the green colors and numerous badges people used to have on their leetcode profiles, and now, I have them too.

This is how my LeetCode profile looks now. 😁 

But wait, if you take a look at my 2022 profile, it was almost empty. 😑 

You can see a lot has changed!

Here are some lessons I've learned from LeetCode and mistakes you should avoid to save time and effort. 🔐 

How did I Complete 900 Problems in 200 Days?💪

🌟 987 questions are quite a challenge: You can't do everything in just one day; reaching your goals takes time and effort.

When I began coding, I noticed my friends flaunting their streaks on Snapchat. It got me thinking - why not keep a streak on LeetCode? This streak showcases your commitment and consistency with a simple number.

💡 Diving into Topics: In coding challenges, I'd focus intensely on one topic like graphs, solving 3-4 questions daily. Even after my solution worked, I'd search for better ones, always aiming to improve. For me, it's all about the journey of learning and growth!🌱

💰️ During the hustle of placements: I found myself crafting daily goal sheets to keep me on track. It's like having your roadmap to success! Starting early with this habit can be a game-changer, allowing you to gauge your progress and celebrate those small wins along the way.

👇️ Here's what I used to do during my practice days, and let me tell you, it's a journey worth sharing. Oh, and before you judge, just know that my handwriting skills are... well, let's just say it’s a work in progress. LOL!

🔍Conquer Challenges: One Simple Trick!: I've been there – spending lots of time on a problem only to find it still unsolved. But don't be discouraged. Make a list of those tricky questions and review them each morning. It's made a huge difference for me! By consistently revisiting these tough problems, I've found myself better equipped to handle similar challenges down the road.

💻 Stick with What Works!: No need to jump to different platforms. I used to code on GFG, CodeChef, and Codeforces but found LeetCode suited me best. Its interview-style questions beat out Codeforces' competitive focus. So, find your groove and stick with it! 💪

The Learning Mistakes I've Made 🤦‍♂️

One common mistake new programmers make is spending too much time on the same problem. Starting, you'll forget semicolons, run into runtime errors by dividing by zero, and more.

If you're stuck for 15-20 minutes, check out a hint. If you're still stuck after 50-60 minutes, peek at the solution in the discussion section. Don't let one problem hold you back! 🛠️

Not looking at the optimal solution 🧐: Once I submitted my solution, I'd rush to the next question without checking the optimal approach. Always take a peek! In interviews, they want to see all your approaches, from brute force to the slickest solution.

Skipping Contests? Don't Miss Out!🧠: Once you've nailed your basics and cracked 20-30 LeetCode problems, dive into those contests! They're your ultimate self-check. Master DSA concepts first, then revisit those tough questions you couldn't crack before!

Doing the same kind of questions 🔄: This mistake is super common! I used to tackle tons of easy questions first. Easy ones help to clear your basics but don't get stuck there. Once you nail the easy ones, level up to medium difficulty, and if you can handle the hard ones, move to the next topic.

Remember: Quality > Quantity

LeetCode has been my secret weapon in programming! 🚀 It's packed with cheat sheets, helping me nail those interview questions.

I'll never forget my Microsoft test; both questions were right there in LeetCode discussions! 🤯 Took me just 15-20 minutes to ace them. Keep exploring LeetCode, and watch your chances soar for those big FAANG companies! 💼

I will continue to share my knowledge in the upcoming newsletter. If you have any questions, simply reply to this email. Additionally, you can find more of my content on FavTutor's blogs.