Is using LeetCode worth it?

Using LeetCode for practicing coding problems can be highly beneficial, especially for software engineers and computer science students preparing for technical interviews or looking to improve their problem-solving skills. Here are several points to consider regarding the value of using LeetCode:

Advantages of Using LeetCode

1. Comprehensive Problem Set: LeetCode offers a wide range of problems covering various topics, such as data structures, algorithms, databases, and system design. This variety helps users build a broad base of coding skills.

2. Preparation for Technical Interviews: Many companies use coding interviews to assess candidates' problem-solving abilities. Practicing with LeetCode can prepare you for the types of questions asked in interviews with tech companies, including FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, Google).

3. Learning Platform: LeetCode provides detailed solutions and discussions for each problem, allowing users to learn different approaches and best practices. It's also a dynamic platform with new problems added regularly.

4. Community and Competitions: LeetCode has a large community of users. Participating in discussions and competitions can motivate you, help you gauge your progress against others, and expose you to more diverse problem-solving methods.

5. Skill Improvement: Regular practice on LeetCode can significantly enhance your coding skills, logical thinking, and ability to tackle complex problems efficiently.

Challenges of Using LeetCode

1. Overwhelming Set of Coding Questions: One can get overwhelmed by the huge number of coding problems on LeetCode. An alternative approach could be to follow the coding patterns. These patterns help demystify complex coding problems by teaching you to recognize underlying patterns, such as sliding window, two pointers, two heaps, etc. This makes it easier to tackle similar problems in the future.

2. Time Investment: Achieving proficiency through LeetCode requires a significant time investment. It's important to balance this with other studies, work, and personal projects.

3. Learning Curve: Beginners may find some of LeetCode's problems challenging. Starting with easier problems and gradually increasing the difficulty level can help mitigate this.

4. Overemphasis on Algorithmic Puzzles: While LeetCode is excellent for algorithmic practice, real-world software engineering often involves broader skills, including system design, project management, and collaboration. It's crucial to develop these skills alongside algorithmic problem-solving.

Conclusion

Whether LeetCode is worth it depends on your goals. If you're preparing for technical interviews, especially with major tech companies, or if you wish to sharpen your problem-solving skills, LeetCode can be an invaluable resource. However, it's also essential to maintain a balanced approach to learning and development, incorporating practical software engineering skills and other forms of technical knowledge beyond just solving algorithmic problems.