LeetCode patterns vs. Coding interview patterns

When it comes to tackling coding interviews, there are two popular methods for interview prep:

  • The LeetCode approach
  • The pattern-based approach

LeetCode is a programming platform offering a wide variety of coding problems, ranging from easy to extremely difficult. The LeetCode approach allows you to practice exhaustively until you can solve any coding problem with confidence.

On the other hand, the pattern-based approach is more like learning the rules of a game. It involves studying common problem-solving patterns, such as the two-pointer technique or sliding window pattern, to understand and apply them to various problems.

In this blog, we’ll break down both methods, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and help you determine which approach best suits your interview preparation. Let’s dive in!

LeetCode: Practice makes perfect

LeetCode is a powerful platform for practicing coding problems. Its extensive library ranges from straightforward to extremely challenging problems, helping you hone your problem-solving skills, solidify your coding proficiency, and become familiar with key data structures and algorithms.

That said, the sheer number of problems can feel overwhelming. If you’re not careful, you might end up grinding through dozens of problems without understanding the underlying techniques—making it harder to adapt when facing new or complex scenarios during interviews. Despite this, engineers continue to rely on LeetCode to enhance their problem-solving skills by tackling problems, participating in coding contests, and engaging in community discussions.

Pros of LeetCode

  • Extensive problem library: You get access to a massive collection of problems across various topics and difficulty levels.
  • Diverse difficulty levels: LeetCode lets you build confidence through problems of various difficulty levels.
  • Real-world problem simulations: Many problems mimic challenges you’ll encounter during technical interviews.
  • Strong community: Discussion forums provide insights and alternative solutions to help you learn from others.

Cons of LeetCode:

  • Overwhelming for beginners: The sheer volume of problems can be daunting.
  • Risk of superficial learning: Without understanding patterns, you may rely on rote memorization rather than true comprehension.
  • Time-intensive: Covering every major problem type can be difficult, given time constraints.

Pattern-based approach: Learning the blueprints

The pattern-based approach involves identifying and applying recurring problem-solving patterns to various coding scenarios. This methodology focuses on a deep understanding of data structures and algorithms, creating a solid foundation for tackling coding challenges.

Coding patterns function like templates for solving specific types of problems. Each pattern comes with its own rules, choices, and best practices, providing developers with a versatile toolbox for addressing a wide range of problems.

By mastering patterns like Sliding Window or Fast and Slow Pointers, you learn repeatable approaches that can help you solve thousands of problems, both familiar and unfamiliar.

Pros of the pattern-based approach

  • Deeper understanding of algorithms: You focus on learning the “why” behind problem-solving techniques, building conceptual clarity.
  • Problem-solving efficiency: Recognizing patterns helps you solve problems faster and with fewer attempts.
  • Adaptability: You’ll be better prepared for unfamiliar problems by applying the patterns you’ve mastered.
  • Strong conceptual foundation: Builds confidence in algorithms and data structures.

Cons of the pattern-based approach

  • Requires a strong theoretical foundation: If you’re not already comfortable with data structures and algorithms, this approach might take longer to adopt.
  • Different from traditional learning: This new problem-solving strategy might require unlearning traditional methods — and makes finding the right resources harder.

Comparing LeetCode and the pattern-based approach

When it comes to interview prep, LeetCode and coding interview patterns serve different purposes:

  • LeetCode excels at breadth: The platform provides exposure to a wide range of problems, ensuring you’re familiar with commonly asked questions.
  • Patterns excel at depth: Mastering patterns builds a deeper understanding of problem-solving techniques, enabling you to adapt to new or unexpected challenges.

If you’ve ever struggled with solving problems on LeetCode, it’s often because you haven’t internalized the underlying patterns. While LeetCode is excellent for practicing problem variations, the pattern-based approach teaches you how to deconstruct problems systematically.

Leetcode vs. Coding Interview Patterns

FeatureLeetCodePattern-based Approach
Problem CoverageExtensiveTargeted
Learning StyleRepetitionConceptual
Suitable for Beginners?Moderate (Risk of overwhelm)High (Guided, focused)
FocusBreadth of problemsDepth of problem-solved techniques
Time CommitmentHighModerate

A combined approach

Both methods have their strengths, and you may even want to consider doing a combined appraoch. By combining both methods, you gain the practical exposure of LeetCode and the systematic problem-solving skills taught by patterns.

Here’s a great strategy combining the two approaches:

  1. Start with patterns: Begin by learning fundamental patterns like Sliding Window, Two Pointers, and Dynamic Programming to build a strong foundation.
  2. Practice with LeetCode: Apply these patterns to curated problems on LeetCode. Use platforms like Blind 75 or Grind 75 to focus on high-impact problems.
  3. Fill in the gaps: For lesser-known patterns, such as Two Heaps or Cyclic Sort, structured resources like Grokking Coding Interview Patterns can provide the depth and clarity you need.
  4. Iterate and adapt: Review your progress, refine your understanding, and adapt your strategy to strengthen weak areas. Be sure to do mock interviews as well to get used to a real-world interview setting.

Next steps to interview success

Both LeetCode and the pattern-based approach offer valuable benefits, but combining them can be a great way to ensure interview success. Mastering fundamental concepts, practicing regularly, and developing a strong problem-solving mindset can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job at a top-tier tech company.

If you’re looking for a resource on the pattern-based approach, consider our best-selling Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns series. This series is offered in languages from Python to JavaScript and provides step-by-step breakdowns of 26 essential patterns, helping you bridge the gaps in your interview prep. By applying patterns with hundreds of practice problems, you’ll learn the blueprints to help you solve thousands more coding problems.

Good luck with your interviews!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do LeetCode problems and coding patterns differ in interview preparation?

LeetCode problems offer hands-on practice with specific questions, helping you apply algorithms and data structures in real scenarios. Coding patterns, however, focus on identifying recurring strategies and methods for solving similar problems. While LeetCode helps build problem-solving skills through repetition and variation, coding patterns help you recognize and apply the right strategies across different problems, enhancing your problem-solving efficiency.

Can a combination of LeetCode problems and coding patterns improve interview performance?

Combining LeetCode problems with coding patterns can significantly enhance your interview performance. LeetCode problems allow you to apply and practice coding patterns in real-world scenarios while coding patterns help you approach problems methodically. This combination ensures that you understand various problem-solving techniques and gain practical experience in implementing them, leading to a more comprehensive and effective preparation. This is exactly why the interviewers recommend Educative, as it combines both famous techniques.

What are the advantages of using coding patterns over practicing LeetCode problems?

Coding patterns provide a strategic framework for solving problems, making applying proven techniques to various questions easier. They help recognize problem types and choose the most effective approach, leading to faster and more efficient problem-solving. While LeetCode problems help with practice, understanding coding patterns can give you a strategic edge by equipping you with reusable solutions for common problem scenarios.

How should I balance practicing LeetCode problems with learning coding patterns for interviews?

To balance practicing LeetCode problems with learning coding patterns, start by dedicating time to understanding and mastering key coding patterns. Then, apply these patterns by solving related LeetCode problems. This approach reinforces your pattern recognition and problem-solving skills. Regularly integrate both activities into your study routine, adjusting your focus based on areas where you need more practice or deeper understanding, ensuring a well-rounded preparation.