You’ve hit a roadblock in your algorithms work. How can you keep going?

2 Use examples

Another way to deal with a roadblock in your algorithms work is to use examples to test and verify your solution. Examples can help you understand the problem better, check your assumptions, find edge cases, and debug your code. You can use examples to walk through your algorithm step by step, and see if it produces the expected output. You can also use examples to compare different solutions and evaluate their trade-offs in terms of time and space complexity.

3 Seek feedback

Sometimes, you may need some external help to get past a roadblock in your algorithms work. You can seek feedback from your peers, mentors, instructors, or online communities, who can offer you different perspectives, insights, hints, or resources. Feedback can help you identify your mistakes, gaps, or weaknesses, and suggest ways to improve your solution or approach. However, you should not rely on feedback too much, and avoid copying or memorizing someone else's solution. Instead, you should try to understand the logic and rationale behind it, and apply it to your own work.

4 Review the basics

A roadblock in your algorithms work may also indicate that you need to review the basics of the topic or concept that you are working on. Sometimes, you may forget or misunderstand some fundamental principles, definitions, or techniques that are essential for solving the problem. For example, you may need to review how to use data structures, how to analyze complexity, how to implement common algorithms, or how to use mathematical tools. Reviewing the basics can help you refresh your memory, clarify your doubts, and reinforce your understanding.

5 Take a break

Finally, one of the simplest but most effective ways to overcome a roadblock in your algorithms work is to take a break. Working on algorithms for too long can cause mental fatigue, stress, and frustration, which can impair your performance and creativity. Taking a break can help you relax, recharge, and regain your focus and motivation. You can take a short break every few minutes, or a longer break every hour or so, depending on your preference and schedule. You can use your break time to do something else that you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading a book, exercising, or meditating.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?