7 Problems To Solve Per Hour On Leetcode For Better Coding Skills

Improving your coding skills is a journey that requires both practice and the right approach. One of the most effective ways to elevate your problem-solving abilities is by tackling coding problems on platforms like LeetCode. If you're looking to sharpen your skills, the goal of solving 7 problems per hour is both ambitious and achievable. In this post, we'll discuss helpful tips, common mistakes to avoid, and advanced techniques to make the most out of your LeetCode experience. 🚀

Understanding the Importance of Problem Solving

Before we dive into the practical steps, it’s important to recognize why focusing on problem-solving is crucial. When you solve coding challenges, you not only learn new algorithms and data structures but also enhance your logical thinking and coding fluency. These skills are vital for technical interviews and your overall development as a software engineer.

Setting the Stage: Preparing for 7 Problems an Hour

To solve 7 problems within an hour, you need to establish a structured approach. Below is a simple table to help you plan your problem-solving session:

<table> <tr> <th>Time Slot</th> <th>Activity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>0-5 min</td> <td>Select Problem</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5-40 min</td> <td>Work on Problem (35 min)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>40-45 min</td> <td>Submit and Review Solution</td> </tr> <tr> <td>45-60 min</td> <td>Reflect and Plan Next Problem</td> </tr> </table>

Step-by-Step Guide to Problem Solving

1. Select Your Problems Wisely: Start with a mix of easy and medium-level problems. This balance helps build confidence while still pushing your limits.

2. Set a Timer: Time management is key. Use a timer to ensure you stick to the allotted time for each problem. This will teach you to think and code efficiently under pressure.

3. Understand the Problem Statement: Take a minute to read through the problem statement carefully. Make sure you understand what is being asked before jumping into coding.

4. Plan Before You Code: Spend a few minutes devising a plan or pseudo-code. This will help you clarify your thoughts and reduce the likelihood of errors when you start coding.

5. Code It Out: Once you have a plan, start coding. Don’t worry about making it perfect on the first try; focus on getting a working solution.

6. Test Your Code: After you write your solution, test it against various test cases, including edge cases. This is crucial for ensuring your solution is robust.

7. Review and Optimize: After submitting your solution, take the time to review other top solutions provided by the community. Look for ways to optimize your code or different approaches to the problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While practicing on LeetCode, you might encounter some common pitfalls:

• Skipping the Planning Phase: Jumping straight into coding can lead to errors and wasted time. Always take a moment to plan your approach.

• Ignoring Edge Cases: Make sure to consider edge cases in your testing to avoid surprises after submission.

• Not Reviewing Other Solutions: Learning from others can offer new perspectives and techniques that you may not have considered.

Advanced Techniques to Boost Efficiency

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, here are some advanced techniques to refine your problem-solving skills:

• Use Tags: LeetCode allows you to filter problems by topic. Focus on one topic at a time (e.g., dynamic programming, trees) to deepen your understanding.

• Mock Interviews: Pair up with a friend or use platforms offering mock interviews. This will simulate the pressure of a real coding interview.

• Daily Challenges: Commit to daily challenges where you solve a problem each day consistently. Consistency beats intensity!

• Code Review Sessions: Share your code with peers for feedback. A second pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I choose which problems to solve?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Start with problems that match your current skill level and gradually increase the difficulty as you become more confident. Look for problems that align with the topics you need to study.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if I can’t solve a problem in the allocated time?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Don’t stress! Move on to the next problem and revisit the challenging one later. It’s important to maintain a positive mindset and learn from the struggle.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I keep track of my progress?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can create a personal log or spreadsheet to track the problems you've solved, their categories, and any notes on techniques you learned.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is it okay to look at solutions after trying a problem?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, looking at other solutions is a great way to learn. Just make sure to try the problem first and then analyze the solutions critically.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How often should I practice coding on LeetCode?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Try to practice consistently. Daily challenges can help; even solving a few problems a week can make a significant difference over time.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Recapping what we've covered, focusing on solving 7 problems per hour on LeetCode can significantly enhance your coding skills and prepare you for real-world challenges and interviews. Remember to keep practicing, learn from mistakes, and adapt your strategy as needed. The journey of coding is a marathon, not a sprint.

<p class="pro-note">🚀Pro Tip: Set a realistic goal and gradually increase your target as you become more comfortable.</p>