How to Start LeetCode as a Complete Beginner (Step-by-Step Guide)
Source: Dev.to
Originally published on LeetCopilot Blog
Overview
Never solved a LeetCode problem before? This beginner‑friendly guide walks you through exactly where to start, what to learn first, and how to build momentum.
LeetCode can feel overwhelming when you first start: thousands of problems, confusing topics, and no clear path forward.
This guide is for complete beginners—people who have never solved a LeetCode problem or who are returning after a long break.
TL;DR – Getting Started Checklist
- ✅ Set up your account (pick a language)
- ✅ Learn basic data structures first
- ✅ Start with Easy problems (50 +)
- ✅ Follow a structured list (NeetCode 75)
- ✅ Don’t memorize—understand patterns
- ✅ Practice consistently (1 hour/day)
Step 1 – Prerequisites
Basic Programming
- Variables, loops, conditionals
- Functions
- Arrays / lists
- Basic string operations
Basic Data‑Structure Knowledge
- Arrays
- Hash Maps / Dictionaries
- Linked Lists (basic understanding)
Don’t have these yet? Start with one of the tutorials below:
| Language | Resource |
|---|---|
| Python | Python.org tutorial |
| JavaScript | freeCodeCamp |
| Java | Oracle’s Java tutorials |
Step 2 – Choose Your Language
Best languages for LeetCode
| Language | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Python | Shortest code, easy syntax | Slower runtime (rarely matters) |
| Java | Widely used, explicit types | More verbose |
| C++ | Fastest, STL | Steeper learning curve |
| JavaScript | Web developers feel comfortable | Less common in DSA |
My recommendation: Python for beginners. It’s the most readable and lets you focus on the algorithm, not the syntax.
Step 3 – Your First Week
Day 1‑2: Explore the Platform
- Create a free LeetCode account
- Go to Problems → Filter by Easy
- Solve “Two Sum” (Problem #1)
Two Sum is special: it’s the most solved problem for a reason—it introduces hashing, a critical pattern.
Day 3‑7: Easy Problems
Solve these 10 problems in order:
| # | Problem | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two Sum | Hash Map |
| 2 | Valid Parentheses | Stack |
| 3 | Merge Two Sorted Lists | Linked List |
| 4 | Best Time to Buy/Sell Stock | Array |
| 5 | Valid Palindrome | Two Pointers |
| 6 | Reverse Linked List | Linked List |
| 7 | Contains Duplicate | Hash Set |
| 8 | Maximum Subarray | Kadane’s Algorithm |
| 9 | Climbing Stairs | DP (Fibonacci) |
| 10 | Binary Search | Binary Search |
Step 4 – How to Approach Each Problem
The 30‑Minute Rule
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 2 min | Read carefully – understand the problem |
| 3 min | Work through examples – trace inputs/outputs by hand |
| 5 min | Think of approach – choose data structure / pattern |
| 15 min | Write code – don’t aim for perfect first try |
| 5 min | Test and debug – fix edge cases |
If You’re Stuck After 30 Minutes
- Look at hints (if available)
- Read the first few lines of the discussion
- Watch a NeetCode video explanation
- Use LeetCopilot for contextual hints
Don’t feel bad about looking at solutions! The goal is learning, not proving you’re smart.
Step 5 – Learn the Core Data Structures
| Priority | Data Structure | Why Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrays | Foundation for everything |
| 2 | Hash Maps / Sets | O(1) lookups, frequency counting |
| 3 | Two Pointers | Common array/string technique |
| 4 | Stacks | Parentheses, monotonic patterns |
| 5 | Linked Lists | Classic interview topic |
| 6 | Trees | Very frequently asked |
| 7 | Graphs | BFS/DFS patterns |
| 8 | Heaps | Priority queues |
| 9 | Dynamic Programming | Learn after the basics |
Step 6 – Follow a Structured List
Don’t solve random problems. Follow a curated list.
Best Lists for Beginners
| List | # Problems | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NeetCode 75 | 75 | Short, focused prep |
| Grind 75 | 75‑169 | Customizable schedule |
| NeetCode 150 | 150 | Comprehensive prep |
| Blind 75 | 75 | Classic original list |
My recommendation: Start with NeetCode 75—it has free video explanations for every problem.
Step 7 – Building a Practice Routine
Daily Schedule (≈ 1 hour)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0‑10 min | Review yesterday’s problem |
| 10‑40 min | Solve 1 new problem |
| 40‑60 min | Study the solution / pattern |
Weekly Goals
| Week | Goal |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10 easy problems |
| 2‑3 | 15 easy problems |
| 4+ | Mix easy + medium |
Step 8 – When to Move to Medium
Move to Medium problems when you can:
- ✅ Solve most Easy problems in 15‑20 minutes
- ✅ Recognize patterns (Two Pointers, Hash Map, etc.)
- ✅ Write bug‑free code on the first try (mostly)
Typical timeline: 3‑4 weeks of consistent practice.
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Trying Hards too soon | Stick to Easy for 2‑3 weeks |
| Solving random problems | Follow NeetCode 75 |
| Memorizing solutions | Understand the pattern |
| Not reviewing problems | Revisit problems weekly |
| Practicing inconsistently | 1 hour daily beats 5 hours on Saturday |
| Giving up after getting stuck | Looking at solutions is part of learning |
Resources for Beginners
Free
- NeetCode YouTube – video explanations
- LeetCode Explore – free learning cards
- Tech Interview Handbook – free guide
Paid (optional)
- AlgoMonster – pattern‑based course
- LeetCode Premium – company tags
AI Assistance
- LeetCopilot – get hints when stuck without spoiling the solution
FAQ
I have no CS degree. Can I still do LeetCode?
Absolutely! Many self‑taught developers have aced coding interviews.
How many problems should I solve?
Quality over quantity. 50‑75 well‑understood problems is a great start.
Should I use LeetCode Premium?
Not necessary for beginners. The free tier has plenty.
How long until I’m interview‑ready?
With consistent practice: 3‑6 months for most people.
What if I can’t solve anything?
Start with easier problems. Everyone struggles at first—it’s normal.
Week 1 Action Plan
(Continue building on the checklist above, tracking daily progress, and reviewing each solved problem.)
LeetCode 7‑Day Plan
Schedule
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Set up account, solve Two Sum |
| Day 2 | Solve Valid Parentheses, Contains Duplicate |
| Day 3 | Solve Best Time to Buy/Sell Stock |
| Day 4 | Solve Reverse Linked List |
| Day 5 | Solve Maximum Subarray |
| Day 6 | Solve Climbing Stairs |
| Day 7 | Review all problems from the week |
Conclusion
Starting LeetCode is simpler than it seems:
- Choose Python (or your preferred language)
- Follow NeetCode 75 (structured list)
- Practice daily (1 hour is enough)
- Understand patterns (don’t memorize)
- Use hints when stuck – LeetCopilot
Everyone starts at zero. The key is consistency—one problem a day adds up to 365 problems a year.
Good luck on your journey!
If you’re looking for an AI assistant to help you master LeetCode patterns and prepare for coding interviews, check out LeetCopilot.