Starting with LeetCode felt like a big step. I’ve been developing for years, but problem-solving platforms have always seemed a little different from real-world coding. LeetCode brings challenges that, while often theoretical, reveal some of the underlying gaps in logic and efficiency that day-to-day work sometimes obscures. So, here’s a glimpse into my early experiences, frustrations, and tiny victories while diving into this journey—and if you’re new to this too, you’re definitely not alone.
Getting Started: The Initial Hurdles
If you’re just beginning with LeetCode, you know that the site itself can feel a bit overwhelming. With over 2,500 problems (and counting), it’s hard to know where to start. I was bombarded with terms like “Two Sum,” “Binary Search,” and “Dynamic Programming.” My first challenge? Figuring out which problems to attempt. Most beginners, including me, start with the “Easy” category, but even these problems can quickly show gaps in your foundational skills.
First Frustration: Misinterpreting Problems
A simple task like reading a problem description turned out to be more complex than expected. Many problems require you to think in a way that’s different from how you’d approach a standard project. For instance, the language is concise and precise, but I found myself interpreting it wrong or missing little nuances. I’d read the problem, think I understood it, only to find out after my first submission that I’d missed something critical. My advice? Read the problem twice, then read it again. Break it down, visualize the input and output, and only then start coding.
Coding: Simple Isn’t Always Simple
Once I started writing code, another issue surfaced: simple logic sometimes wasn’t so simple in practice. For example, the classic “Two Sum” problem sounds straightforward: find two numbers in an array that add up to a target. But without the right approach, even a problem like this can be deceptively tricky.
My initial solution for Two Sum involved a brute-force approach, using nested loops. It worked but was too slow for large input sizes. This was when I realized the importance of optimizing solutions. Understanding that brute force isn’t always the best option took a while to internalize, and it was a wake-up call to revisit some of my basics. LeetCode doesn’t just test coding ability; it’s also a test of how well you understand efficiency.
Handling Test Cases: The Silent Enemy
If you’ve used LeetCode, you’ve probably run into failed test cases. They’re both a curse and a blessing. Sometimes, you submit your code, feeling confident, only to be greeted with a failing test case that you hadn’t considered. There’s nothing quite like seeing the red “Wrong Answer” notification pop up, especially if you’ve spent a long time on a problem. But here’s the thing: each failed test case becomes an opportunity to understand a new edge case.
My biggest advice here? Don’t get discouraged by failed submissions. Each failed test case taught me something, whether it was the value of input validation, handling edge cases, or just reading the question more carefully.
Motivation: Small Wins Matter
At times, the frustration can build up. Spending an hour on a single problem, only to get a wrong answer, makes you question if it’s worth it. But every small win counts. Getting your first “Accepted” solution feels amazing. For me, these moments—no matter how small—were enough to keep me going. I celebrated each victory, even if it was just a simple problem, because it was progress.
When it comes to motivation, I’ve found that LeetCode requires a shift in mindset. Instead of approaching it as a race, think of it as an ongoing journey. Each problem solved is a small step forward, a new skill gained, and a chance to improve. Over time, you start to see patterns in problems and become faster and more efficient.
Realistic Tips for Beginners:
- Start Small: Don’t rush into the hard problems. Start with the basics, like arrays and strings, and work your way up.
- Focus on the Process: Pay attention to why you’re solving the problem the way you are. Look for patterns and try to understand the logic rather than just memorizing solutions.
- Accept Failure: Wrong answers are part of the journey. Each one is a chance to learn, so don’t let them demotivate you.
- Join a Community: Sometimes, it helps to know you’re not alone. LeetCode’s discussions, coding communities, or even a friend can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
Starting with LeetCode can be frustrating and humbling, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. For every tough problem and each failed attempt, there’s growth. If you’re also on this journey, keep going, celebrate the small wins, and don’t give up!
