How it began

I started competitive programming on codeforces early in my 2nd Semester of college. It showed me where i stood amongst other programmers. Gradually i started spending more and more time on codeforces wether it was in college lectures or at home on vacations.

Transitioning to Leetcode

I joined my university Programming club when i entered my sphomore year (2nd year), and met a lot of cool people. there was a Competitive programming team in the club, the cp-lead suggested me to start leetcode as it would prove to be more useful going ahead. at first i was skeptical since i was a die hard codeforcer, but i gradually started practicing little on leetcode alongside codeforces.

The change

When i entered my 3rd year, reality hit me hard, i was not going to make it to a top CPer, i was probably not cut for it. i decided to give a break to codeforces. i rarely practiced on codeforces throughout the third year. i began grinding leetcode.

• Reached knight
• Solved over 1400 Leetcode problems
• Started guiding people online and at college regarding leetcode and how to make the most out of it.

Sometimes you have to stop doing what you love.

Conclusion

I have gained a lot through grinding Leetcode. Weather its the ability to see patterns or the ability to process multiple approches at a time and choose the best approch possible. Optimizing code, being able to observe tradeoffs. This grind has also played an important role in me cracking my first offer as well.

Closing notes

If you are a college student, please practice DSA daily. you might not see the immediate benifits, but you will observe them after a longer run. you will began to think differently from others. Most companies still ask DSA in interviews. the way you solve the problem your process and how you communicates also matters. while solving a problem, speak it aloud like you are explaining it to the interview.

:)

Jay Shah