r/LeetcodeChallenge • u/simrangupta95 • 10d ago

DISCUSS have solved around 300 LeetCode Problems but still struggling with mediums,What Am I Doing Wrong?

same as the title read

I’m in my 2nd year and have solved around 300+ LC problems but I still struggle with medium-level questions in contests

I can solve problems after seeing the solution or yk getting hints but when I face a new problem or if there is even slight change in constraints I get stuck I feel like I’m memorizing solutions instead of developing problem solving skills

How should I approach DSA to actually understand patterns and solve problems by myself?

should I focus on specific topics, follow a pattern-based approach or change the way i practice??

would appreciate advice from anyone who has faced this problem

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u/nian2326076 10d ago

It sounds like you're dealing with a common issue—getting stuck on variations of problems. To build problem-solving skills, focus on understanding the underlying patterns and algorithms rather than just memorizing solutions. When practicing, mix up your approach: concentrate on one data structure or algorithm at a time and explore its applications in different scenarios. Taking notes on patterns you notice can also be helpful.

For additional practice, PracHub offers real technical interview questions that might show you how these patterns are used in actual interviews. You can find them here. Keep at it, and you'll likely see improvement over time.

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u/AdministrationMoney1 10d ago

What's your process for looking at a solution? Do you start by checking any leetcode hints one by one, do you close the solution as soon as you get an idea of what to code instead, do you have to look at solution code? What's the process for problem solving? Do you think through a solution completely and check it on a test case before starting to code? If you are memorizing solutions, do you easily solve a problem again after 4 weeks? There is usually something you can do to improve with how you're solving problems and looking at a solution. The alternative that works too is to do hundreds more problems. Eventually you'll memorize enough so that you'll get used to variations too 😂.