How to Enhance Your Programming Problem-Solving Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide

We've all heard the age-old advice: to become a better problem solver, you need to solve more problems. However, this wisdom, though not entirely wrong, oversimplifies the process. Excelling at problem-solving in programming demands more than sheer repetition—it requires a methodical approach.

Furthermore, many programmers misconstrue this counsel, believing that "more" means "faster." I must confess, I once fell into this trap when I first embarked on my coding journey. Racing through problems might seem like a shortcut to improvement, but it often results in sacrificing quality and missing out on valuable learning experiences.

To clarify, repetition does indeed matter, but the process itself is equally, if not more, important. As a dedicated programmer looking to hone my skills, I've developed a strategy that combines deliberate repetition with a holistic approach to problem-solving. Let's break it down with examples in each step:

## 1. Solve a Variety of Problems on a Variety of Platforms

Early in my coding journey, I became engrossed in a particular coding platform. However, I quickly learned that limiting oneself to a single platform can be a mistake. Diverse problems on different platforms challenge you in unique ways, preparing you for a broader range of coding challenges.

### Example:

Imagine you're a budding programmer trying to enhance your problem-solving skills. Rather than exclusively using one platform, such as LeetCode, branch out. Try solving problems from a variety of sources like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal. Each platform offers a distinct set of problems that will stretch your skills in different directions.

Every Sunday, when planning your week, deliberately select problems from multiple resources. For instance, choose a binary search problem from LeetCode and a dynamic programming problem from HackerRank. This diverse selection ensures you don't rely on the same techniques or data structures, pushing you out of your comfort zone.

## 2. Cross-Train Your Programming Brain

Athletes often incorporate cross-training into their routines to improve their overall fitness. Similarly, programmers can benefit from cross-training to enhance their mental fitness and problem-solving abilities.

### Example:

Consider the process of cross-training as analogous to a runner incorporating swimming into their workout routine. In programming, you can cross-train by tackling mathematical problems. While the context is different, the problem-solving process remains the same.

Suppose you're learning about data structures and algorithms. In addition to coding challenges, you could tackle mathematical problems, such as Project Euler's mathematical puzzles. These problems require a different mindset but still demand problem-solving skills that are transferrable to coding challenges.

## 3. Learn from Your Solutions

While we often focus on learning from our failures, there's immense value in analyzing your successful solutions.

### Example:

Let's say you've been working on a coding challenge involving sorting algorithms, specifically implementing a quicksort algorithm. After successfully solving the problem, don't rush to the next challenge. Instead, thoroughly review your solution. Document each line of code, explaining it in your own words, and ensure you understand why you made specific choices.

Imagine that you've used recursion to implement quicksort. By dissecting your solution, you gain a deep understanding of how recursion works in this context. This understanding will not only help you replicate your success but also empower you to apply similar principles to future problems that require recursion.

## 4. Seek Feedback

Assuming your solutions are flawless is a common mistake. To genuinely assess the quality of your solutions, seek feedback from others, as it's an integral part of the learning process.

### Example:

Let's say you've just completed a challenging problem on data structures, and you're proud of your solution. Instead of stopping there, reach out to fellow programmers for feedback. Share your code with them, either through video calls or by creating a pull request on a collaborative platform like GitHub.

Imagine that your solution involves optimizing the performance of a hash table. By seeking feedback, you may discover more efficient ways to implement your solution, such as optimizing the hash function or reducing memory usage. Feedback from others can uncover blind spots and lead to significant improvements in your problem-solving skills.

## 5. Be Consistent

Programming, like any skill, requires consistent practice. Dedicate time every day to problem-solving, and remember that there's always more to learn.

### Example:

Suppose you're juggling a busy schedule, and it's challenging to find time for daily coding practice. It's essential to prioritize quality over quantity. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes a day, make those 30 minutes count. Choose a problem that challenges you and pushes your boundaries.

By consistently practicing, you'll gradually build your problem-solving skills. Over time, these daily efforts will accumulate, leading to substantial improvements in your coding abilities.

In conclusion, problem-solving in programming is undoubtedly an art. While my approach may differ from yours, the key takeaway is to be deliberate and systematic in your practice. Quality matters, so make every coding challenge count on your journey to becoming a better problem solver.

Citations:

[1] https://codegym.cc/groups/posts/523-problem-solving-how-to-boost-your-ability-to-solve-programing-tasks-and-challenges

[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/comments/8bwryq/how_to_get_better_at_problem_solving/

[3] https://simpleprogrammer.com/solving-problems-breaking-it-down/

[4] https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-solve-coding-problems/

[5] https://www.microverse.org/blog/how-to-get-better-at-solving-coding-challenges

[6] https://codeburst.io/10-steps-to-solving-a-programming-problem-8a32d1e96d74

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