Have you ever felt the rush of excitement when you crack a complex problem or experience the satisfaction of finding an elegant solution to a tricky puzzle? Welcome to my journey through 100 days of LeetCode—a challenge that transformed my coding skills and problem-solving mindset.
Day 1: The Beginning
I embarked on this journey with zeal and determination. Starting with fundamental algorithms, I solved simple problems involving arrays, strings, and basic data structures. The key was not just finding solutions but understanding their efficiency and optimizing where possible.
Days 2-20: Building Momentum
As days passed, I encountered increasingly intricate problems. Dynamic programming, tree traversal, and graph algorithms became my daily companions. Each challenge brought its own set of learnings—mistakes were made, but each mistake was a step towards improvement.
Days 21-50: Facing Challenges
The middle phase was the toughest yet most rewarding. Problems seemed daunting, requiring hours of brainstorming, sketching out approaches, and debugging code. Yet, with persistence and a positive mindset, I saw gradual improvement. Repeated exposure to different problem patterns honed my intuition.
Days 51-80: Reaping Rewards
By this point, the struggles started to pay off. Familiarity with various problem types led to quicker problem-solving. Concepts that seemed alien initially became second nature. Discussions on LeetCode forums and participating in coding communities provided invaluable insights and support.
Days 81-100: The Summit
Approaching the finish line, I tackled some of the most challenging problems. Advanced topics like backtracking, hard graph problems, and complex data structures were no longer intimidating. Confidence surged as I saw myself not just solving problems but grasping the elegance of efficient solutions.
What I've Gained:
Problem-solving Skills: Learning to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable chunks.
Coding Efficiency: Writing cleaner, more optimized code with improved time and space complexity.
Resilience: Developing patience and perseverance in the face of challenging problems.
Community Engagement: Engaging with coding communities, discussing approaches, and learning from others.
The Takeaway
My 100-day journey on LeetCode was more than just solving coding problems—it was a transformative experience. The skills and mindset cultivated during this challenge extend far beyond coding itself. The discipline, persistence, and problem-solving mindset acquired are invaluable in various aspects of life.
As I conclude this exhilarating journey, I'm reminded that learning is a continuous process. Whether you're a seasoned coder or just starting, the joy of learning and growing never ceases. If you're considering taking on a challenge like this, I highly recommend it. Embrace the challenges, celebrate small victories, and trust the process—the rewards are truly worth it!
So, what's next? More challenges, more learning, and the undying spirit of growth!