NeetCode Algorithms and Data Structures for Beginners (progress 25/35)

Progress has been slow and steady, but I’m back at it full time and will push forward with gusto. The first few days returning were rough, but I quickly fell back into the groove and realized how much I’ve missed the puzzle solving aspect of programming.

NeetCode 150 (progress 21/150)

Generally I can solve the easy problems on my own, and the occasional medium. However, my solution is often far from the optimal. More than once I’ve managed a “working” solution only for it to time out because my big O is off. It’s a tad discouraging, but I’m reassuring myself that with time, dedication, and practice it’ll work itself out.

When I move onto the next course, I’ll circle back and resolve the leetcode problems daily until I can deeply understand the patterns underlining the algorithm implementation, and ideally write an easy solution in <5 minutes and a medium solution in <10 minutes. At which point I’ll consider the concept solved. Unless I’m writing a memorized solution to the exact answer.

Obviously I should understand the basic algorithm, such as BFS, and be able to write it instantly, but most of the problems require some level of modification. And if I end up memorizing that solution, rather than core algorithm and pattern recognition, that would not count as solved.

Day Job

I’ve reached another pause point for the next month, and will be able to dedicate 30+ hours a week toward programming.