Things I Do to Avoid LeetCode
I’m going to be real with you. I hate LeetCode so much, I find it so soul-crushingly boring that I’m spending longer studying for the interview trivia tests right now than for the data structures and algorithms questions.
That means this list isn’t just about avoiding LeetCode, it’s about avoiding the task I’ve given myself when I’m avoiding LeetCode.
Here’s how I’m avoiding preparing for interviews at all.
The Take-Home Project
While I’m not studying trivia and not doing LeetCode I might be polishing up my take-home project.
I need to craft a well-thought-out solution in three days? I can because I have several “boilerplate” take-home projects. They’ve been honed during years of interviews and pass even the toughest companies — and I can turn one around in a day or so.
Truth rating: I do this. It’s the only way to pass this technical stage.
Open Source
I divert my attention to open source. It makes me look like some sort of coding saint, and I can talk about my work on an open-source project that is used by thousands.
Truth rating: I don’t work on open source at all.
Networking
Networking is a great way to make contacts, so you are less likely to need to answer LeetCode questions. Attend meetups and get chummy with influences. Good friends can replace the need to sit at 3 AM solving algorithmic puzzles.
Truth rating: I don’t like speaking to people.
Cheating
Why LeetCode when you can use chatbot proficiency to answer any question without breaking sweat? Sure, you need to check the answer. Sure, you can’t copy-paste either the question or solution but if you have half a brain, you are able to use AI to make your LeetCode answering much easier.
Truth rating: My last LeetCode challenge was proctored, and also I feel guilty if I cheat.
Conclusion
I haven’t needed to answer a LeetCode question in a year. Even then my failure might be at the paper stage since it was used as a first-stage filter…
I’ve spent so many hours on these challenges and haven’t enjoyed a second of it. Wasted time? You bet. But what is the alternative?