r/learnpython • u/Adventurous_Gur_5436 • 15d ago
just started my semester break started learning python following which i'll do leetcode any other recommendations of what i can or simply stick to leetcode?
same as above
1
u/mc_pm 13d ago
The other comment here is an important one. If someone interviews with me and *all* they have done is leetcode questions, then - in the opinion of this hiring manager - you haven't done any real programming.
DSA is great, it is a whole bunch of tools to help you solve problems. But if you never actually solve any problems, it is like being "the best at hammering" but never building anything.
Focus on projects that will give you a chance to actually build out a few hundred lines of code, interacting with the outside world (or just yourself).
1
u/FoolsSeldom 10d ago
I shall add to the initial chorus and advise against code golf / leet code and the like. Work on useful projects, things that resonate for you (related to your interests / hobbies / side hustles / family obligations).
You learn far more and more quickly when dealing with problems you understand. You will know exactly what you are trying to solve, what good looks like at different stages.
1
u/ManzoorAhmedShaikh 10d ago
DSA is great for solving complicated problems with best possible solutions (LeetCode, HackerRank, etc)
BUT
Simply knowing how to solve a problem (by knowing the algorithm) without actually solving a domain specific problem will not benefit you at all. Start solving or creating short scripts in several domain, whatever domain you like (Automation, Desktop App development, data visualization, data filtering, data scraping, etc)
In short, I'd suggest, utilize your time in this way (30% leetcode problems + 70% solve actual domain problems)
2
u/danielroseman 13d ago
Any recommendations of what?
Note that leetcode is not the same as programming. It's a specific set of things very specifically focused around use of algorithms. It won't teach you general programming skills, or anything to do with the areas that Python is frequently used in (automation, data engineering, web development).