How Many LeetCode or Similar Coding Challenges Did You Finish Before Getting Hired?

The number of coding challenges someone completes before getting hired can vary widely based on individual preparation and the job requirements. Many candidates might complete anywhere from 50 to over 200 LeetCode problems or similar challenges as part of their preparation. However, the importance of these challenges can be debated based on personal experience and the industry standards.

Personal Experiences

Some individuals have unique stories where coding challenges were not indispensable. For instance, many developers have achieved successful employment with minimal preparation in this domain. A case in point is an experienced engineer who was hired after a single interview. This candidate had 4 years of hands-on experience working with aircraft as an apprentice in the MoD, which clearly bolstered their resume and contributed to their immediate hire without extensive LeetCode practice.

On the other hand, some interviewers or candidates highly value and regularly use LeetCode. The platform is widely recognized as a tool to filter out applicants and prepare for technical interviews. However, many professionals argue that such problems are often artificial and not reflective of real-world coding scenarios. The value of LeetCode problems is thus questioned by long-term industry practitioners.

Preparation Strategies

For those who do choose to prepare, there are various strategies that can be employed to enhance their readiness for software interviews. One effective method is to focus on a range of problems including data structures, algorithms, and system design, often tailored to the specific roles they are applying for. The importance lies in understanding the underlying concepts rather than simply increasing the number of completed challenges.

Personal Strategies

One senior developer advocates for a few key strategies:

Timebox Each Question: For problems that seem challenging, if you cannot find a possible solution within 15 minutes, it is wise to turn to the LeetCode Discuss board for help. Focus on the most upvoted posts for the most useful insights. Category Summarization: After going through a few problems, sort and categorize these by data structures (e.g., HashMap, PriorityQueue) and algorithms (e.g., binary search, 2D matrix). This helps in identifying the core essentials and common patterns for problem-solving.

By adopting these strategies, candidates can prepare more effectively and increase their chances of success in technical interviews.

Conclusion

The debate over the necessity and value of LeetCode and similar coding challenges continues in the software industry. While many find these tools beneficial for honing specific skills, others see them as artificial and irrelevant to real-world coding practices. Understanding your own learning style and the requirements of the role you are applying for can help guide your preparation process.