If you're preparing for placements, you've probably heard this advice countless times:
"Just do LeetCode."
For a long time, I believed that too.
Whenever I asked seniors how to prepare for technical interviews, LeetCode was usually the first recommendation. Open LinkedIn, YouTube, or any coding community, and you'll find people talking about solving hundreds or even thousands of problems.
As a student preparing for placements myself, I started wondering:
Is LeetCode really enough?
After spending time with DSA and talking to other students, my answer is:
LeetCode is important, but it isn't the whole story.
What LeetCode Does Really Well
There's a reason LeetCode is so popular.
It teaches you how to think.
When I first started solving problems, I would immediately get stuck. Sometimes I didn't even know where to begin. Over time, I started recognizing patterns.
A problem that once looked impossible started reminding me of something I had solved before.
That's when I realized DSA isn't about memorizing answers.
It's about developing a problem-solving mindset.
LeetCode helped me improve that skill more than anything else.
The Trap I Fell Into
At one point, I became obsessed with the number of problems I had solved.
Every accepted solution felt like progress.
But after a while, I noticed something strange.
I was solving problems, yet there were concepts I still couldn't explain confidently.
I could write code for certain questions, but if someone asked me why a particular approach worked better, I struggled.
That's when I understood that solving problems and understanding problems are not always the same thing.
Placements Test More Than DSA
Many students focus entirely on LeetCode because technical interviews often include coding rounds.
That makes sense.
But placements usually involve much more.
Depending on the company, you might also face questions about:
- Object-Oriented Programming
- DBMS
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks
- Java fundamentals
- Projects on your resume
Imagine solving a coding question perfectly and then being unable to explain the Spring Boot project listed on your resume.
That wouldn't leave a great impression.
Projects Matter Too
One thing I've learned is that projects give context to your skills.
A project shows how you apply knowledge in a real-world scenario.
For example, building a Spring Boot application teaches things that LeetCode never will:
- APIs
- Databases
- Application architecture
- Debugging
- Real-world problem solving
These experiences often become valuable discussion points during interviews.
What I'm Focusing On
Right now, my preparation isn't centered around just one thing.
I'm trying to balance:
- DSA practice
- Java fundamentals
- Spring Boot development
- Computer Science subjects
- Personal projects
Is it easy?
Not always.
Sometimes I feel like there aren't enough hours in the day.
But I believe placements are not about becoming great at one thing while ignoring everything else.
They're about becoming a well-rounded candidate.
So, Is LeetCode Enough?
For me, the answer is:
No, but it's an important piece of the puzzle.
LeetCode can help you become a better problem solver.
It can prepare you for coding rounds.
It can boost your confidence.
But placements are rarely decided by DSA alone.
Projects, fundamentals, communication skills, and your ability to explain your work all play a role.
If you're preparing for placements, don't treat LeetCode as the destination.
Treat it as one part of a much larger journey.
And perhaps that's the lesson I'm still learning myself.
What do you think? Is LeetCode enough for placements, or do you believe projects and fundamentals matter just as much? I'd love to hear your perspective.
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