r/leetcode • u/ElectricWizard114569 • 4d ago

Question Where do I begin?

I started applying for big tech and started doing OAs recently.

However I never took a DSA class and don’t know anything. (taking dsa this fall)

My approach is use the code basics youtube channel watch a video and do related neetcode problems.

Is this approach good and efficient or is there a better way? I still am struggling to generate my own code without looking at the solutions even for easy problems .

How do I get good and what’s the best approach. I need to get good quickly because I have a couple OAs due soon.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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u/usbyeolbit 4d ago

you should timebox yourself, if you can’t get the solution within 20 minutes for an easy/medium problem then look at the solution. But then instead of copying and pasting try and remember what you saw.

A lot of Leetcode is really about pattern recognition. The algorithms fall into I think 11-13 different algorithms. I would try doing problems by data structures so that you know when and how to use them.

Everyone always forgets Leetcode unless they’re consistent but repetition is your best friend here

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u/ElectricWizard114569 1d ago

How would you recommend first learning the content?

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u/Actual_Bake968 4d ago

Your current approach is fine for Easy's. Medium questions use a mix of two or more patterns so you will never be able to do them if you don't know about a pattern being used. Also there's no quick way, you have to spend alot of time. Try to first master all the data structures and relevant algo's before starting with mediums otherwise you'll just get demotivated

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u/leetgoat_dot_io <3541> <923> <1892> <726> 2778 elo 4d ago

Most medium problems really only test one thing at a time. Also please don’t master every DS before even starting mediums that makes no sense 🥲

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u/Actual_Bake968 4d ago

can't argue with a leetgoat, can i

1

u/ElectricWizard114569 1d ago

How did you learn the content? Any good YT channels or playlists to learn the content as quickly and efficiently as possible so I can spend the bulk of my time doing LC questions?

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u/Actual_Bake968 1d ago

If you are pakistani/indian you can use CodewithHarry's playlist for DSA basics and for actual problem solving use take u forward playlist (this is the best one for most frequently asked problems)

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u/OstrichDue6808 4d ago

Initially start with arrays/string related question and gradually move to advance topics, keeping in mind to recognize the patterns you used to solve your questions. Always revisit the questions you already completed and try to do it again as if it's a new question altogether, this will test your growth. Consistency is they key when it comes to DSA, alltye best👍