From 0 to 500+ LeetCode Problems: A Journey Through Algorithms

A developer with a weak educational background transformed from failing algorithm interviews to solving over 500 LeetCode problems. The journey began after a failed interview at Avito in 2020, where the author struggled with algorithm sections despite working as both frontend and backend developer on NodeJS.

Initially, the developer would simply refuse interviews that included algorithm sections. However, a decision was made to systematically address this challenge once and for all. Through persistent practice, the developer now confidently passes algorithm sections at major tech companies and continues to improve their problem-solving capabilities.

The journey began from a position of significant educational disadvantage. Despite working professionally as both a frontend and later a backend developer on NodeJS, algorithmic problem-solving remained an insurmountable obstacle. The author admits to never having learned how to solve these problems and actively disliking them.

A pivotal moment occurred around 2020 when the developer failed multiple algorithm interviews, including a notable rejection at Avito. This pattern of failure created a psychological barrier where the mere mention of algorithm sections in job postings would cause the author to withdraw applications entirely.

The technical background included practical development experience, but this didn't translate to algorithmic proficiency. The gap between writing production code and solving abstract algorithm problems seemed unbridgeable at the time.

After years of avoidance, a conscious decision was made to "divide with this disgrace once and for all". This represented a fundamental shift in mindset from avoidance to confrontation. The author rolled up their sleeves and committed to systematic practice.

The transformation required acknowledging that practical development experience alone wasn't sufficient for passing technical interviews at top companies. The realization came that algorithmic thinking needed to be developed as a separate, dedicated skill set.

What changed wasn't just the technical approach but the psychological relationship with algorithms. Instead of viewing them as an insurmountable obstacle, they became a challenge that could be overcome through consistent effort and structured practice.

The path to solving 500+ LeetCode problems wasn't instantaneous but represented a systematic approach to skill development. The author's LeetCode profile today reflects this transformation, showing not just the quantity of problems solved but the improved quality of solutions.

Through this process, the developer gained the confidence to face algorithm sections at major tech companies multiple times. The "Big Tech" interviews, which previously seemed impossible, became manageable challenges rather than dreaded obstacles.

The journey demonstrates that consistent practice can overcome initial educational gaps and lack of natural aptitude. The transformation from someone who "never could do algorithms" to solving hundreds of problems represents a significant achievement in technical skill development.

The transformation yielded several important outcomes. First, the developer proved that algorithmic skills can be learned regardless of educational background. Second, persistent practice overcame years of avoidance and fear. Third, the ability to pass interviews at major tech companies became a reality.

Current capabilities include:

• Confidently approaching algorithm sections in interviews
• Solving problems across various difficulty levels
• Passing technical screens at Big Tech companies multiple times
• Maintaining a profile with 500+ solved problems

The journey from 0 to 500+ problems serves as evidence that systematic effort can transform perceived weaknesses into strengths, even in areas that initially seemed impossible to master.