My LeetCode Journey: 200+ Problems and Counting

When I started solving problems on LeetCode, I had no idea how transformative it would be for my programming skills. What began as exam preparation turned into a daily habit that significantly improved my problem-solving abilities.

Why LeetCode?

As a Computer Engineering student, understanding Data Structures and Algorithms isn't optional—it's essential. LeetCode provided the perfect platform to:

• Practice different problem patterns
• Learn optimal solutions
• Prepare for technical interviews
• Track my progress over time

My Approach

1. Start with Easy Problems

I began with easy-level problems to build confidence. Understanding basic patterns in:

• Arrays and Strings
• Hash Tables
• Two Pointers technique

2. Move to Medium Complexity

Once comfortable, I tackled medium-level problems involving:

• Trees and Graphs
• Dynamic Programming
• Binary Search variations
• Recursion and Backtracking

3. Contest Participation

Participating in LeetCode contests taught me to:

• Think under time pressure
• Optimize solutions quickly
• Handle edge cases efficiently

Languages Used

I primarily solve problems in Java and JavaScript, sometimes using SQL for database problems. This multilingual approach helps me understand different language paradigms and their strengths.

Key Takeaways

1. Consistency > Intensity: Solving 2-3 problems daily is better than marathon sessions
2. Understand, Don't Memorize: Focus on patterns, not just solutions
3. Multiple Solutions: Try to find both brute force and optimized approaches
4. Learn from Others: Reading discussions after solving helps discover new techniques

Current Stats

• Problems Solved: 200+
• Topics Covered: Arrays, Hashing, Trees, Graphs, DP, Recursion
• Contest Participation: Regular biweekly contests

The Impact

LeetCode practice directly helped me during my internship interviews and while working on real-world projects. The logical thinking and optimization skills transfer directly to production code.

What's Next?

I'm currently focusing on:

• Advanced Dynamic Programming
• Graph algorithms
• System Design concepts

Check out my profile: leetcode.com/u/PushkarKirange