How to use Leetcode in 2020
NeetCode
11 min, 7 sec
A guide to efficient problem solving for coding interviews with a focus on LeetCode.
Summary
- Explains the importance of problem selection and solving order on LeetCode, emphasizing a list of 171 curated problems.
- Suggests starting with easier problems then progressing to harder ones, and grouping similar problems to recognize patterns.
- Advises visualizing problems by drawing them out, especially for complex problems like linked lists or binary trees.
- Encourages revisiting unsolved problems to ensure understanding and internalization of solutions.
- Compares improvement in problem-solving skills to Goku's increasing speed in traversing Snake Way.
Chapter 1
The speaker begins by setting the context of quarantine and the challenges of job searching.
- The speaker imagines the listener is unemployed, fresh out of college with a CS degree, and seeking a software engineering job.
- Job hunting involves getting through interviews which requires problem-solving skills.
Chapter 2
The speaker introduces LeetCode and the overwhelming number of problems available.
- The speaker mentions LeetCode as a popular site for interview prep with over 1500 problems.
- Choosing where to start is challenging; many start with 'Two Sum' but there's debate on whether it's the best first problem.
Chapter 3
Emphasizes the importance of problem selection and solving order.
- Solving problems in a specific order is crucial, as random selection can be discouraging and inefficient.
- The speaker introduces a curated list of 171 problems ideal for beginners, which starts with easy problems and progresses in difficulty.
Chapter 4
The speaker explains the benefits of solving grouped similar problems to recognize patterns.
- Grouping similar problems like dynamic programming or linked lists helps in understanding common patterns.
- The list includes easier versions of complex problems to help build up to the harder ones, e.g., 'Two Sum II' before 'Three Sum'.
Chapter 5
The speaker argues for the importance of visualizing problems to aid understanding.
- Drawing pictures for problems, especially for complex ones like linked lists, can significantly aid in understanding.
- Many people try to visualize in their head but drawing can clarify complex manipulations.
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
The speaker motivates by comparing problem-solving skill growth to Goku's improvement.
- As you solve more problems, you become faster and more efficient, similar to Goku's increasing speed on Snake Way.
- The initial problems may take longer, but as you learn and recognize patterns, subsequent problems will take less time.
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