I have zero programming or engineering experience/knowledge, also no college level education, so I'm wondering what resources I can use to get to a point where I can even use Leetcode. I know that data structures and algorithms is basically a must, but I feel way out of my element just watching YouTube about it. Do I have other options? #leetcode
Hey try edx. They have well structured programs from reputable universities for free. I took uPenn's software development course and I'm doing LC just fine : )
Awesome! This is exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for, thanks!
Udemy has a course from jose portilla that covers data structures and algo using python. Its a good place to start
Great, I'll check that out as well!
Try firecode.io. Then move to LC after you’re in your groove.
Hadn't heard of firecode before, I'll check it out!
The nice thing is the problems are easy and they offer solutions when you’re stuck. It’s all in java though. Levels progressively get harder but once you’re in level 3 or so you can probably flip to LC. It’s a good warmup. I revisit it once a year just to dust off the rust.
Start with code wars for super easy problems. Start with 8 kyu level problems. If you can’t even program at all I’d start with one of codeAcademys courses on whatever language your trying to learn. Once you can solve 7kyus and a couple 6 kyus from codewars, start learning your algos and DS. Then once you’ve learned your fundamental ds and algos, start leetcoding. I’m self taught as well, only 5 months in so we’re on a similar path, I just started leetcoding this month.
Dope, thanks! Really informative, thanks for taking the time!
Any language recommendations btw? I'm thinking Python, but open to suggestions
Hackerrank
Carefully read through every detail of the first four chapters of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Algorithms
What is your ultimate goal? Landing a job at a faang? If you just want an average tech job, focusing on leetcode is not necessary and could be a waste of your time. Anyway, answer to your question: Before you can use Leetcode, you must be comfortable using at least one programming language. I recommend Python. You can start by taking free online courses from coursera, udacity or edx. I also recommend this book for learning Python: https://runestone.academy/runestone/books/published/fopp/index.html That site also has a free ebook on Algorithms and DS in Python. Once you know the basics of Python, start taking an online Algorithms and DS class. I recommend the 2-part course on Coursera (Stanford). Also highly recommend reading The Algorithm Design Manual. Be patient and expect all of that to take at least 6 months or longer depending on how much time you spend studying. I'm not telling you this to discourage you from pursuing your goal. I want you to have a realistic expectation of what it takes. Even CS students who go to school full time take 2 or more years to learn the basics and most of them don't get into a top company right away. Best of luck.
Thanks for the detailed answer! Ultimately I want to be one of the folks earning these 250-350k compensation packages! Haha. I know this will take some time, but I'm currently in a comfortable job as a Sr. systems Admin, so I'm hoping prior experience will help me out, just totally new to the software engineering game
If you're already a sysadmin, you might want to look into becoming a SRE (https://landing.google.com/sre/). It still requires CS knowledge just like a SWE role but your background can help you out there.
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Leetcode easy