Mastering Algorithms: A Path to Success in Interviews and Contests

The journey of mastering algorithms is a significant one that requires persistence, practice, and patience. I once spent a full day understanding the Knuth-Morris-Pratt (KMP) algorithm and another day understanding the optimal O(nlogk) Longest Increasing Subsequence (LIS) algorithm. I couldn’t help but question if I was cutting it in an algorithm contest or interview. However, the answer is clear: practice, practice, practice. It doesn’t matter how quickly others solve problems or how much time you spend; persistence and progressive improvement are key to mastering algorithms.

The Art of Practice

The road to mastery is paved with small steps. Start with easy problems and progress to medium and then hard ones. This gradual approach helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses. By keeping at it, you’ll eventually become confident in yourself and your skills.

The essence of practice is not merely repetition but effective application and gradual improvement. Unlike the gradual nature of learning algorithms, interviews and competitive programming can vary in complexity, but the importance of practice remains the same. Whether it’s an algorithm contest or an interview, consistent practice is crucial to success.

Challenges in Interviews

A recent challenge during a Google interview highlighted the importance of algorithmic thinking. The question asked was: Imagine a chess board. How many unique paths are there from one corner to the diagonal corner where a path does not traverse the same square twice? Generalizing this answer for any size board and even for boards of more than two dimensions added to the complexity. This problem exemplifies the need for a deep understanding of algorithms and the ability to apply them to novel and complex problems.

Understanding algorithms means knowing not just a few algorithms but a myriad of them and being capable of applying them effectively to solve new and challenging problems. It seems like the path towards mastery is still a work in progress. The key takeaway is to not get discouraged by the complexity of problems; with persistence and practice, you can tackle almost anything.

Personal Correlation: Eating and Learning

In this world, people are generally categorized into two types: those who devour their food quickly and those who savor it slowly. Similarly, in the realm of learning algorithms, there are those who grasp concepts quickly and those who need more time to understand. I am among the former; I get excited about algorithms and consume them at a rapid pace.

However, for others, the process of learning algorithms is slower and more methodical. While personal preference plays a role, the essence is that the more you practice, the better you get. Confidence in oneself is paramount. Just as eating quickly does not diminish the enjoyment of the meal, amassing a large collection of algorithms does not detract from the depth of understanding. The goal is to consistently improve and become more competent.

In conclusion, mastering algorithms is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication, practice, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Don’t let the complexity of problems discourage you. With time and consistent effort, you will reach your goals. So, keep practicing, keep learning, and you will get there.