Improving LeetCode Skills: Strategies and Tips

Introduction

• LeetCode problems can be challenging.
• Key questions: Which problems to study? How much time to spend? Are paid services worth it?
• Techniques that helped the speaker land internships and a high-paying job.

Strategy 1: Follow the Pareto Problem Set

• Over 3,000 problems on LeetCode.
• Important lists:
  • Blind 75: A list of 75 curated problems.
  • NeetCode 150: An extension of Blind 75 with video solutions.
  • High-Frequency Company List: Company-specific problems.
• Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule): Focus on 20% of problems that yield 80% of results.
• Key Topics:
  • Arrays and hashing
  • Two pointers
  • Sliding window
  • Binary search
  • Linked lists
  • Trees
  • Heaps and priority queues
  • Graphs
• Free PDF guide available at Aman’s website.

Strategy 2: Importance of LeetCode

• LeetCode is crucial for landing tech jobs.
• Treat coding interviews as domain-specific IQ tests.
• Focus on solving mediums consistently.

Strategy 3: Goldilocks Strategy

• Spend 30-45 minutes on problems before checking solutions.
• PBOI Approach:
  • P: Pen & Paper - Solve manually first.
  • B: Brute Force - Write out basic solutions.
  • O: Optimize - Find efficient solutions.
  • I: Implement - Code the optimal solution, ideally in Python.
• Principle of Essential Complexity: Minimize edge cases.

Strategy 4: Post-Solution Techniques (SAND)

• S: Spreadsheet - Memorize quick solutions.
• A: Anki - Use flashcards for retention.
• N: Notion - Detailed note-taking (time-consuming).
• D: Do More Problems - Focus on solving more.

Strategy 5: LeetCode Club

• Form a group to solve problems together.
• Benefits: Social pressure, structure, and peer motivation.
• Keep it small (5-6 people), close friends, around the same skill level.
• Ideal structure: 3 sessions per week, 90 minutes each.

Conclusion

• Consistent practice and targeted problem-solving yield results.
• Resources and further guidance available on Aman’s website.