The Key to Effective Leetcoding is ChatGPT
Maximizing Your Coding Interview Preparation with Smart Strategies
With over 3,340 problems on Leetcode as of today, attempting to solve them all is neither practical nor efficient. If you spent just 20 minutes per problem, dedicating 8 hours a day without breaks, it would take you approximately 140 days to get through them all. Clearly, this isn't the best use of your time or resources when preparing for coding interviews.
There's a smarter way to leverage Leetcode in your preparation, and it involves combining foundational skills with the power of ChatGPT.
Before You Dive into Leetcode
Before jumping into Leetcode problems, it's crucial to build your foundational Algorithmic Problem-Solving Skills (APSS). This doesn't require deep knowledge of algorithms and data structures beyond basic constructs like loops, arrays, conditionals, and perhaps hash tables.
Focusing on strengthening your APSS ensures that you can approach problems logically and creatively, setting a solid foundation for learning more advanced topics later on. You can find a list of problems to build your foundational APSS in the article below.
Leveraging ChatGPT + Leetcode
Once you've established a strong foundation in APSS, it's time to dive into theory and practice. Here's how you can effectively use ChatGPT alongside Leetcode to optimize your preparation.
Step 1: Learn the Theory with ChatGPT
Use ChatGPT to learn and understand key concepts in algorithms and data structures.
Example Prompt:
"I'm preparing for my coding interviews and I want to learn the stack data structure. Explain this data structure to me as the best teacher in the world would and show me how to use it with a few basic problems."
ChatGPT can provide clear explanations, examples, and answer any follow-up questions you might have. This interactive learning helps solidify your understanding before you tackle actual problems.
Step 2: Get a Curated List of Problems
After grasping the theory, ask ChatGPT to provide a list of Leetcode problems related to the topic.
Example Prompt:
"Give me a list of 10 Leetcode problems of increasing difficulty that must be solved using stacks."
This approach ensures that you're practicing problems directly related to the concept you've just learned, reinforcing your understanding through application.
Solving Problems on Leetcode
Now that you have a tailored list of problems, it's time to put your skills to the test.
Time Management
Set a Timer: Start the built-in timer on Leetcode.
Allocate 20 Minutes: Spend up to 20 minutes devising an approach to the problem.
Problem-Solving Approach
Doodle and Diagram: Sketch out examples and think through the problem visually.
Relate to Examples: Consider how the problem relates to the examples provided by ChatGPT.
Identify Patterns: Look for patterns or similarities with problems you've solved before.
When You Get Stuck
If you can't find the right approach after 20 minutes, it's a sign that you may need more practice or that the problem is currently too challenging.
Option 1: Seek Intuition
Prompt ChatGPT for guidance without requesting the full solution.
Example Prompt:
"Explain the intuition for the Leetcode problem 'Evaluate Reverse Polish Notation' without providing any code or the solution."
This helps you gain insights into the problem while still allowing you to work through the solution independently.
Option 2: Adjust the Difficulty
If you've successfully solved a few problems but are struggling with the next one, the difficulty jump might be too steep.
Example Prompt:
"I was able to solve 'Valid Parentheses' and 'Min Stack,' but I'm struggling with 'Largest Rectangle in Histogram.' Can you suggest a couple of other Leetcode problems that are slightly easier but will help me prepare for this one?"
This way, you can progressively build up to more challenging problems.
Achieving Mastery
Continue this process until you can solve at least five consecutive medium-level problems on the topic on your own. This consistency indicates a strong grasp of the topic.
How to Save Time
Once you're comfortable with a topic and have solved several problems independently, you can optimize your practice sessions.
Selective Implementation
Outline Solutions: For every other problem, read the problem statement and outline your approach without coding.
Verify with Solutions: Compare your approach with the official solutions or discussions.
Code When Necessary: If your approach differs or you feel uncertain, take the time to implement the solution.
Note: Only adopt this strategy if you're confident in your coding abilities. If you need to improve your coding skills, it's advisable to implement every solution.
Applying Binary Search to Identify Your Level
After covering all the major topics, it's time to simulate the unpredictability of real interviews.
Step 1: Prepare the List
Filter Problems: On Leetcode, filter for unsolved medium-level problems.
Sort by Acceptance Rate (High to Low): This often correlates with difficulty.
Step 2: Binary Search Your Skill Level
Start in the Middle: There are 1,800 medium problems, begin in the middle on page 9. Pick any problem on the page.
Assess and Adjust:
If You Solve It Easily: Move forward by a few hundred problems (page 14).
If You Struggle: Move backward to page 4.
Keep doing this until you find your approximate level.
This method helps you find the range of problems that match your current skill level.
Step 3: Focused Practice
Once you've identified your level:
Solve Problems Down The List: These problems will have slightly lower acceptance rate and are generally considered more difficult.
Track Your Progress: Aim to solve several problems consecutively to build confidence.
Skip Ahead If Needed: As you improve, probe ahead and challenge yourself with problems that have even lower acceptance rates.
What About Blind-75 Or Neetcode-150?
These lists are okay, but they are more useful to folks who have already built strong APSS. Mind you, they do not cover all problem types and they don’t necessarily represent the most frequently asked interview problems. They are there just to provide some structure.
I think you are better off just using ChatGPT to create your own custom problem lists.
How Many Problems Should You Solve?
The number varies depending on individual factors like experience and proficiency.
Minimum Recommendation: Aim to solve at least 10 problems per major topic.
Quality Over Quantity: It's better to deeply understand and internalize solutions to 150 problems than to superficially attempt 500.
Personalize Your Goal: Assess your confidence and readiness rather than fixating on a specific number.
Remember: Some may reach readiness after solving 30 problems, especially with prior experience. Others might need more practice, and that's perfectly okay.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for coding interviews is not about the sheer volume of problems you solve but about effective learning and consistent practice. By leveraging tools like ChatGPT and employing strategic approaches to problem-solving, you can make your preparation more efficient and less overwhelming.
Key Takeaways:
Build a Strong Foundation: Strengthen your APSS before diving into complex problems.
Use ChatGPT Wisely: It's a valuable resource for learning theory and getting tailored practice problems.
Practice Efficiently: Focus on understanding rather than rote memorization.
Assess Your Level: Use binary search on Leetcode to find problems that match your skill level.
Quality Matters: Deep understanding of fewer problems is more beneficial than a superficial grasp of many.
Request For Topics
The topic of today’s issue was kindly suggested by Atman and the previous one was inspired by a question from Pavel. Kudos to you guys!
If there are questions or topics you want to read about in the next issue, comment below or email me.
As always, you can book a free introductory coaching session with me here.
Stay curious and happy coding!
Nurbo