Is it just me or recent Leetcode contests have gotten very difficult?
Is It Just Me, or Have Recent Leetcode Contests Gotten Very Difficult?
If you’ve been participating in Leetcode contests lately, you might have noticed a trend that’s leaving many of us scratching our heads: the last two questions seem to be getting increasingly difficult. As someone striving to improve their coding skills, I can’t help but feel that no matter how much I practice, I’m unable to elevate my level when it comes to tackling those challenging problems. This begs the question—how do others consistently solve the fourth problem?
The Struggle is Real
It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed during these contests. The pressure of the clock ticking down while you’re faced with complex problems can be daunting. Many participants share my sentiment, expressing frustration at their inability to solve even half of the problems presented. For instance, one commenter humorously stated, “Lol @ solving 4 problems. I’m glad if I can solve 2/4. Don’t really give a shit about my rating anyway it’ll keep dropping ¯_(ツ)_/¯.” This sentiment resonates with many of us—sometimes it feels like just making it through the contest is a victory in itself.
A Shift in Difficulty
Another recurring theme in the discussions around recent contests is the shift in the types of problems that are being presented. It seems that we’re now seeing configurations like “1 Easy, 1 Medium, 2 Hard” or “2 Medium, 2 Hard” as the new norm. This is a stark contrast to previous contests which often followed the format of “1 Easy, 2 Medium, 1 Hard.” One commenter pointed out, “It seems to be 1E 1M 2H or 2M 2H now, definitely more difficult than 1E 2M 1H last time.”
This shift indicates that contestants are now expected to have a stronger grasp of more challenging concepts, which can be a bit disheartening for those of us still working on our problem-solving skills.
Strategies for Improvement
So how do we tackle this growing difficulty? Here are some strategies that could help you improve in solving those tougher problems consistently:
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Focus on Harder Mediums and Hards: As mentioned in the comments, it seems that practicing harder medium and hard problems will be essential to adapting to the new contest format. Try to identify the common patterns and algorithms that frequently appear in these types of problems.
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Join a Study Group: Collaborating with others can be a great way to learn new techniques and approaches. Discussing problems with peers can provide different perspectives that might help you understand solutions better.
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Analyze Past Contest Problems: After each contest, take the time to analyze problems you couldn’t solve. Understand the solutions and the thought processes behind them. This will help you build a mental library of strategies to draw from in future contests.
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Consistency is Key: Regular practice is essential. Whether it’s solving a few problems a day or dedicating specific time blocks each week for intensive practice, consistency will help reinforce your skills.
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Stay Positive: Lastly, remember to keep a positive mindset. It’s easy to get discouraged, but every problem you encounter is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re feeling the heat from the increasingly difficult Leetcode contests, you’re certainly not alone. Many of us are navigating the same challenges, and it’s important to share our struggles and strategies. By focusing on learning and practicing consistently, we can all work towards improving our performance in these contests. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Happy coding!