Articles
π’ 15 Most Important LeetCode Patternsβ
Having solved over 1500 LeetCode problems, the author highlights that success on LeetCode is not about the number of problems solved but the patterns learned. Understanding key patterns helps identify solutions quickly, even for unseen problems.
Details
URL: π 15 Most Important LeetCode Patterns
Published: 2024-11-24
Authors: Ashish
Tags:
leetcode
, patterns
, interview-prep
, problem-solving
, algorithms
Key Pointsβ
- Emphasis on patterns: Patterns like Two Pointers, Sliding Window, and Dynamic Programming simplify problem-solving.
- Practical examples: Includes problems for hands-on practice with each pattern.
- Efficiency tips: Focus on understanding when and how to use each pattern, not just solving problems blindly.
Summary of Contentsβ
- Prefix Sum: Efficiently calculate cumulative sums for subarray queries.
Practice: π Subarray Sum Equals K (LeetCode #560) - Two Pointers: Solve problems involving pairs in sorted arrays.
Practice: π 3Sum (LeetCode #15) - Sliding Window: Optimize contiguous subarray or substring problems.
Practice: π Minimum Window Substring (LeetCode #76) - Fast & Slow Pointers: Detect cycles in linked lists.
Practice: π Linked List Cycle (LeetCode #141) - Dynamic Programming: Tackle problems with overlapping subproblems and optimal substructure.
Practice: π House Robber (LeetCode #198)
Additional Resourcesβ
- π LeetCode Practice: Links to curated problems for each pattern.
- π YouTube Channel: Tutorials covering problem-solving strategies and patterns.
π’ How I Mastered Data Structures and Algorithmsβ
This article outlines a practical roadmap to mastering Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), sharing tips and strategies that helped the author secure positions at Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. From choosing the right learning order to optimizing revision strategies, the article emphasizes efficiency and reducing overwhelm.
Details
URL: π How I Mastered Data Structures and Algorithms
Published: 2024-11-24
Authors: Ashish
Tags:
data-structures
, algorithms
, leetcode
, interview-prep
, problem-solving
Key Pointsβ
- Focus on core topics first: Linear data structures like arrays and linked lists, followed by trees, heaps, and graphs.
- Effective learning order: Start with basics, explore real-world applications, implement from scratch, and practice simple problems.
- Reinforce knowledge with patterns: Recognize and apply common problem-solving techniques across problems.
- Revision is key: Revisit previously solved problems to retain knowledge and tackle harder challenges incrementally.
Summary of Contentsβ
- Three Pillars of DSA: Data Structures, Algorithms, and Problem-Solving Techniques form the foundation of learning.
- Learning Strategy: Tackle topics one at a time, starting with basics and progressing systematically to advanced concepts.
- Key Resources: Highlights courses, YouTube playlists, and GitHub repositories for mastering DSA.
- Problem-Solving Patterns: Learn and apply patterns like Divide and Conquer, Dynamic Programming, and Sliding Window.
- Retention Strategies: Regularly revisit and practice challenging problems to build long-term understanding.
Additional Resourcesβ
- π Abdul Bari's Algorithms Playlist: Comprehensive algorithm tutorials.
- π William Fiset's Data Structure Playlist: Deep dive into fundamental data structures.
- π Tushar Roy's Dynamic Programming Playlist: Learn DP techniques from scratch.
- π GitHub: Awesome LeetCode Resources: Curated resources for interview preparation.
π΅ Master Graph Algorithms for Coding Interviewsβ
This article simplifies graph algorithms by focusing on the 10 most common patterns seen in coding interviews. It explains how each algorithm works, when to use it, and how to implement it, with relevant LeetCode problems for practice.
Details
URL: π Master Graph Algorithms for Coding Interviews
Published: 2024-11-24
Authors: Ashish
Tags:
graph-algorithms
, interview-prep
, leetcode
, coding-interviews
, problem-solving
Key Pointsβ
- Covers fundamental algorithms: DFS, BFS, Topological Sort, Union-Find, and more.
- Implementation strategies: Includes both recursive and iterative approaches with time/space complexity analysis.
- Practice problems: Links to LeetCode problems for hands-on learning.
- Real-world applications: Shows where each algorithm is commonly used, like shortest paths and detecting cycles.
Summary of Contentsβ
- Depth First Search (DFS): Traverses graphs by exploring as far as possible along each branch before backtracking.
- Breadth First Search (BFS): Explores graph level-by-level, useful for shortest path in unweighted graphs.
- Union-Find: Manages disjoint sets efficiently for applications like cycle detection and MST construction.
- Shortest Path Algorithms: Covers Dijkstra, Bellman-Ford, and A* for finding optimal paths in weighted graphs.
- Minimum Spanning Trees (MST): Explains Kruskalβs and Primβs algorithms for constructing MSTs.
Additional Resourcesβ
-
π LeetCode Problems for Practice:
- DFS: π Path Sum II
- BFS: π Rotting Oranges
- MST: π Min Cost to Connect All Points
-
π YouTube Channel: Tutorials on graph algorithms and applications.
π΅ 20 Patterns to Master Dynamic Programmingβ
This article introduces 20 essential patterns that make Dynamic Programming (DP) more approachable and efficient for solving a variety of problems. It outlines when to use each pattern and provides direct links to LeetCode problems for practice, arranged from easy to hard. These patterns demystify DP by showcasing how recurring strategies can simplify complex problem-solving.
Details
URL: π 20 Patterns to Master Dynamic Programming
Published: 2024-11-24
Authors: Ashish
Tags:
dynamic-programming
, interview-prep
, leetcode
, problem-solving
, algorithms
Key Pointsβ
- Introduces 20 core DP patterns to simplify learning and problem-solving.
- Covers patterns like Fibonacci, Knapsack, Kadaneβs Algorithm, and more.
- Links to relevant LeetCode problems for hands-on practice.
- Provides a structured approach, from beginner-friendly to advanced topics.
Summary of Contentsβ
- Fibonacci Sequence Pattern: Focuses on problems with solutions dependent on smaller subproblems (e.g., Climbing Stairs).
- Kadane's Algorithm: Optimizes contiguous subarray problems like Maximum Subarray Sum.
- Knapsack Patterns: Includes both 0/1 and Unbounded Knapsack for resource allocation problems.
- LCS and LIS Patterns: Solves sequence alignment and increasing subsequence problems.
- Grid and Graph DP: Applies to pathfinding and optimization in 2D arrays and graph structures.
- Advanced Topics: Bitmasking, State Machine, and Digit DP for handling specialized scenarios.
Additional Resourcesβ
- π YouTube Channel: In-depth tutorials on patterns and DP strategies.
- π LinkedIn Profile: For more updates and posts from the author.
- π GitHub Repositories: Free resources for interview preparation.