Lecture: Efficient LeetCode Problem-Solving and Interview Preparation

Introduction

• Current trend: Obsession with solving hundreds of LeetCode problems
• Background: Internship at Amazon, Software Engineer at media.net, cleared interviews for Facebook and Google, currently at Google
• Main Point: Quality over quantity in problem-solving

Key Points

1. Avoid Redundant Problem-Solving

• Do not solve problems you already know: It doesn't help in upskilling. Solve problems you're unsure about.
• Examples: Aim was to solve 250 quality problems before Amazon internship
• Focus on solving quality problems that challenge you

2. Broader Interview Preparation

• Need more than solving problems: Build projects, give mock interviews, polish resume, and secure referrals
• **Use resources like preplace: **Mentors offer personalized roadmaps, mock interviews, resume polishing, and referral assistance
• Referral Code: Thrive 1000 for extra credits

3. Learn Patterns, Not Problems

• Focus on learning patterns in each topic: Example: Binary search has 10-12 patterns
• Understand each pattern in-depth, quickly move to next
• Efficient learning: Binary search playlist made pattern-wise

4. Participate in Contests

• Importance of contests: Simulate coding rounds with time constraints
• Essential for practice under pressure, especially in competitive environments like India
• Post-contest practice: Review and solve problems you couldn't during the contest

5. Diversify Topics

• Cover advanced topics: Beyond basic ones like binary search, arrays, linked lists, etc.
• Do not aim to master one topic entirely before moving on
• Diversify and ensure understanding across all topics
• Use contests to identify weak areas for improvement

Resources

• Striver's A to Z DSA Course: Comprehensive set of video solutions, articles, and code in different languages (C++, Java, Python, JavaScript)
• Importance of integrating DSA and project work for interviews
• Preplaced: Platform for mentoring, offering mock interviews and resume reviews

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway: Focus on quality and diversification in problem-solving, use mentorship and contests for comprehensive preparation
• Links to resources mentioned in the lecture for further study