Is it normal to not be able to solve LeetCode?

Yes, it is completely normal to struggle with LeetCode problems, especially when you're starting out or tackling more complex problems. LeetCode is designed to challenge your problem-solving skills, and even experienced developers often find certain problems difficult. Struggling is part of the learning process, and it helps you grow as a programmer. Here are a few reasons why you might find LeetCode challenging and why it’s perfectly okay.

1. LeetCode Problems are Designed to Be Difficult

LeetCode problems, especially Medium and Hard ones, are often crafted to test your understanding of algorithms, data structures, and optimization techniques. Many problems require you to come up with an efficient solution rather than just a brute-force approach, which can make them feel overwhelming, even if you have some experience.

a. Different Difficulty Levels

• Easy Problems: These are more straightforward and focus on basic algorithms and data structures, but they still require logical thinking and a clear approach.
• Medium Problems: These require more thought and often involve multiple steps, more complex algorithms (like dynamic programming or graph traversal), and a strong understanding of various data structures.
• Hard Problems: These are difficult for almost everyone, and they often involve advanced algorithms, optimizations, and deep knowledge of problem-solving techniques.

Struggling with these problems is normal because they’re meant to push your boundaries and improve your skills over time.

2. LeetCode is a Learning Tool, Not a Test of Intelligence

It's important to remember that LeetCode is a practice platform. The goal is to learn and improve, not to measure how smart you are or whether you’re a "good" programmer. Failing to solve a problem doesn’t reflect your overall abilities—it simply highlights areas where you can grow.

a. Growth Mindset

• Approach each problem with a growth mindset. Instead of feeling discouraged when you can’t solve a problem, think of it as an opportunity to learn something new.
• Over time, you’ll notice improvement in your ability to recognize patterns, apply algorithms, and solve problems efficiently.

3. Many Developers Struggle with Certain Problems

Even seasoned developers sometimes struggle with LeetCode problems, especially if they’re tackling unfamiliar topics. For example:

• Dynamic Programming: This is a topic many find tricky at first, and it takes time to develop an intuition for solving problems in this domain.
• Graphs and Trees: Problems involving graph traversal (BFS, DFS) or tree manipulation can be conceptually difficult for beginners.

a. Struggling is Normal

• If you find yourself unable to solve certain problems, know that you’re not alone. Many others go through the same experience, and the more you practice, the more patterns you’ll recognize and the easier it will become.

4. Time and Practice Are Key

Problem-solving is a skill that takes time and consistent practice to develop. If you’re new to coding challenges, you shouldn’t expect to be able to solve difficult problems right away. Instead, approach it gradually:

a. Start with Easier Problems

• If you’re struggling, it’s a good idea to start with Easy problems on LeetCode and work your way up to Medium and Hard problems. This will help you build a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures.
• Consistency is more important than solving a huge number of problems quickly. Solving 1-3 problems daily will lead to long-term progress.

b. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Solving

• Don’t rush to solve problems. Take your time to understand the problem, break it down into smaller steps, and learn the underlying concepts before jumping into coding.

5. How to Approach LeetCode Problems When You’re Stuck

a. Break Down the Problem

• Carefully read the problem statement and ensure you fully understand the input, output, and constraints.
• Break the problem into smaller, manageable parts. This helps reduce the complexity and allows you to solve the problem step by step.

b. Try a Brute-Force Solution First

• When you’re stuck, try to implement a simple or brute-force solution, even if it’s not optimal. This often helps you understand the structure of the problem.
• Once you’ve solved it with brute-force, you can work on optimizing it by using more efficient algorithms.

c. Look for Patterns

• Many LeetCode problems share similar problem-solving patterns (e.g., sliding window, two-pointer techniques, dynamic programming). As you practice more, you’ll start recognizing these patterns, making problems easier to solve.

d. Learn from Solutions

• If you’ve tried your best and still can’t solve the problem, it’s okay to look at the solution. Just make sure to fully understand the solution and reimplement it on your own to internalize the approach.

6. Long-Term Learning Approach

a. Review Problems You Struggled With

• Go back to problems you couldn’t solve after a few days or weeks. Try solving them again without looking at the solution. This reinforces your understanding and helps you retain what you’ve learned.

b. Focus on Specific Topics

• If you notice you’re struggling with certain types of problems (e.g., dynamic programming or tree traversal), dedicate time to studying that specific topic. You can use tutorials, YouTube videos, or books to deepen your understanding.

7. Use LeetCode as a Learning Tool, Not Just a Measure of Skill

LeetCode is a tool to improve your coding and problem-solving skills, not a metric to measure your abilities. If you find yourself struggling to solve problems, remind yourself that you’re in the process of learning, and every problem solved (or attempted) brings you closer to mastery.

Conclusion

It’s perfectly normal to struggle with LeetCode, and you’re definitely not alone. Coding challenges are meant to be difficult, and it’s through these struggles that you improve your problem-solving skills. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t solve a problem right away—it’s all part of the learning process.

To make progress, start with easier problems, give yourself time to understand the concepts, and don’t be afraid to learn from solutions when necessary. Over time, as you continue practicing consistently, you’ll develop the skills needed to tackle even the hardest problems with confidence.