How I Struggled in DSA 😢 | Overcoming Demotivation and Frustration 😫

TL;DR

Maliha shares her coding journey, resources, and tips for beginners.

Transcript

Hi everyone welcome back to Leadcoding I am F,raz and she is my sister Maliha So most of you guys must be facing problems in starting coding. And those who do not know how to start If they get stuck somewhere so how much time they should give before seeing the solution Same was the case with Maliha Maliha also started from the scratch From the very... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Starting with a foundational book and supplementary videos can significantly help those new to coding.
• 🆘 Frustration and challenges are common in the learning process, but seeking help and discussing solutions can enhance understanding.
• 👨‍💻 Engaging in coding contests can motivate learners while offering practical experience in solving real-world problems.
• 🥺 Consistency is crucial in mastering coding concepts and skills; daily practice can lead to substantial improvement.
• 👨‍💻 Overcoming multiple failures in coding is part of the learning process, reinforcing the importance of perseverance.
• ❓ Resources like Free Code Camp provide valuable structured learning opportunities and community support.
• 🏆 Regularly solving questions on platforms like LeetCode and participating in contests can prepare candidates for technical interviews.

Questions & Answers

Q: What resources did Maliha use to learn coding?

Maliha utilized a book titled "Let Us C," recommended by her college, and a YouTube channel. The book helped her understand basic concepts, while the YouTube channel provided supplementary explanations for complex topics. She later explored additional resources but found value in starting with these foundational materials.

Q: How did Maliha cope with frustrations during her learning process?

Maliha faced significant frustration when she encountered problems she couldn't solve. She often found herself overwhelmed but knew she was committed to her coding career. In these moments, she would sometimes cry but learned to overcome these challenges by discussing solutions with peers and taking breaks to regroup her thoughts.

Q: What approach did Maliha take towards data structures and algorithms?

After gaining a basic understanding of coding, Maliha shifted her focus to data structures and algorithms. She learned from a YouTube channel and solved questions on LeetCode, starting with easy problems before gradually advancing to medium difficulty as her understanding deepened and her consistency improved.

Q: How critical was consistency in Maliha's coding journey?

Consistency played a vital role in Maliha’s journey, enabling her to slowly build confidence and skill. She engaged in regular practice, participating in contests with her peers to enhance her problem-solving abilities. This dedication ultimately contributed to her success and her ability to handle more complex coding challenges.

Q: How did coding contests contribute to her development?

Joining coding contests provided Maliha with a platform to apply what she learned in real-time. Initially, she could solve only a couple of problems, but with consistent participation, she improved her skills, learned new data structures, and tackled more challenging questions, promoting a healthy competitive spirit with peers.

Q: What advice did Maliha give to newcomers in coding?

She advised newcomers to focus on consistency and practice. Doing a few coding problems daily can significantly enhance skills over time. Additionally, she encouraged learners to seek help when needed and not shy away from reviewing solutions to understand better and overcome obstacles in coding challenges.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Maliha started her coding journey from scratch, using a combination of a book and a YouTube channel to build her fundamentals.

• She emphasized the importance of consistency and practice in mastering coding concepts and tackling problems on platforms like LeetCode.

• Her experience includes struggles with understanding problem statements and the value of participating in coding contests to improve her skills.