Solved 40 Leetcode Problems In 1 Month

Scott Simon

2 min read

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12-01-2025

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This past month has been a whirlwind of coding challenges, late nights, and the undeniable satisfaction of conquering 40 LeetCode problems. For those unfamiliar, LeetCode is a platform offering a vast library of coding challenges used by software engineers to hone their skills and prepare for technical interviews. My goal wasn't simply to solve problems, but to systematically improve my problem-solving approach and broaden my understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms.

The Methodology: More Than Just Brute Force

My approach wasn't about speed; it was about understanding. I prioritized a deep dive into each problem's solution, exploring multiple approaches before settling on the most efficient and elegant one. Simply achieving a correct solution wasn't enough; I focused on optimizing code for time and space complexity. This meant constantly revisiting my code, analyzing its performance, and refining it based on my understanding of Big O notation.

Key Learnings and Challenges

This journey wasn't without its stumbling blocks. Certain problem types, particularly those involving dynamic programming and graph traversal, initially presented significant hurdles. However, through persistent effort and the invaluable resource of online communities and discussion forums, I was able to overcome these challenges. Some key takeaways from this experience include:

• The importance of a systematic approach: Breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts was essential for effective problem-solving.
• The power of consistent practice: Regular engagement, even if it's just solving one problem a day, significantly enhances understanding and skill retention.
• The value of community: Engaging with online forums and collaborating with others provided valuable insights and helped me overcome challenging problems.
• Mastering fundamental data structures and algorithms: My proficiency in arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, and common algorithms like binary search and sorting improved dramatically.

Beyond the Numbers: Growth and Future Goals

Solving 40 problems is not an end in itself, but a milestone on a much longer journey. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence in tackling complex coding challenges. It highlighted the importance of continuous learning and the satisfaction of overcoming technical hurdles.

Moving forward, I plan to continue tackling more challenging LeetCode problems, exploring more advanced algorithms and data structures, and focusing on refining my coding style to prioritize readability and maintainability. This journey has underscored the value of persistent effort and the rewards of continuous learning in the ever-evolving world of software engineering. The next challenge awaits!