LEETCODE: The Challenge of a Lifetime—Will It Ever Change?

As someone who has dedicated a significant portion of their life to the study of mathematics and holds both a degree and a PhD in chemical engineering, it may come as a surprise to many that I find myself struggling with the challenges posed by LeetCode. Despite my mathematical prowess, solving even the simplest problems can take me an agonizing 20 hours. This has led me to question whether my experience will ever change.

The Mathematical Paradox

From an early age, I have been passionate about mathematics. I’ve studied advanced mathematics extensively, and I’ve even memorized pi to 2,000 digits. Yet, when faced with LeetCode problems, my mind often spirals into overthinking, searching for convoluted mathematical tricks that turn each problem into a complex maze. It’s as if I’m trying to apply high-level mathematics to problems that simply don’t require it.

The crux of my struggle lies in the disconnect between pure mathematics and algorithmic problem-solving. While my background has equipped me with a strong logical foundation, the skills needed for coding interviews and platforms like LeetCode are fundamentally different. Instead of relying on abstract theories and proofs, I need to focus on practical problem-solving techniques. This realization has been frustrating, but it also opens up a path for improvement.

The Long Road Ahead

In the comments section of my earlier post, several experienced LeetCode users weighed in with insightful advice. One user noted that for most people, it takes 6-12 months of consistent and directed study to even have a shot at passing big tech interviews. Many give up before reaching their goals, but perseverance is key.

It’s important to remember that mathematics is often overrated in the context of LeetCode challenges. A common sentiment among seasoned users is that the math behind the problems rarely exceeds the complexity of exponents or modular arithmetic. Instead, what truly matters is understanding programming fundamentals and recognizing patterns across different problems.

Learning Through Patterns and Intuition

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was to avoid spending excessive time—like 20 hours—on a single easy problem. Instead, the suggestion was to limit my attempts to 1-2 hours, after which I should review the solution to internalize the underlying intuition. This approach emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns and understanding how to apply them effectively.

It’s easy to become disheartened when progress feels slow, but the key is to remain disciplined and focused. As one commenter pointed out, while daily progress may be minimal, reflecting on where you started can reveal significant growth over time.

The Importance of Discipline

Ultimately, the journey through LeetCode is not just about solving problems—it’s about developing a mindset. The challenges may seem daunting, but the skills acquired will benefit one’s career in the long run. The ability to problem-solve with clarity and efficiency can lead to job opportunities that offer not just financial stability, but also personal satisfaction.

In this light, it’s critical to evaluate your motivations. Do you genuinely want to improve? Are you willing to commit to the process, even when the going gets tough? For many, the journey becomes more rewarding than the destination, and it’s this mindset that can make all the difference.

Conclusion

As I continue to navigate the challenging world of LeetCode, I remind myself that every setback is an opportunity for growth. While my mathematical background may not provide the immediate advantages I had hoped for, it has instilled in me a unique problem-solving perspective.

The road ahead may be long, but with consistent effort and a willingness to adapt, I believe that I can overcome these challenges. So, to anyone else struggling with LeetCode—whether you’re a seasoned mathematician or a coding novice—know that you’re not alone. Embrace the process, learn from each problem, and remember: perseverance is key.