Grinding leetcode doesn't convert you into a "good programmer", and conversely memorising leetcode solutions doesn't make you a "bad programmer". The leetcode assessments done by companies are encouraged to be gamed by the companies asking for them anyway.
> It will get you a lot further in the career, plus it is morally better to be good at something and contribute meaningfully compared to doing just enough for a paycheck.
I've met virtually nobody that has said leetcode has got them further in their career except for passing a gated interview. Honing your craft and being good at something has nothing to do with leetcode.
To me leetcode is simply a means to get past gated interviews; if memorising solutions does the trick then I'll continue to do that. Honing my craft as a programmer and being a "good programmer" is something I work on in which leetcode bears no relevance.
> It will get you a lot further in the career, plus it is morally better to be good at something and contribute meaningfully compared to doing just enough for a paycheck.
I've met virtually nobody that has said leetcode has got them further in their career except for passing a gated interview. Honing your craft and being good at something has nothing to do with leetcode.
To me leetcode is simply a means to get past gated interviews; if memorising solutions does the trick then I'll continue to do that. Honing my craft as a programmer and being a "good programmer" is something I work on in which leetcode bears no relevance.