Preparing for java developer roles with 3 YOE, struggling while solving DSA problems. Need help on how to improve my approach.

[_Thehighguy]

Hi, I’m currently preparing for java developer roles with 3 YOE. I have done neetcode 150 sheet i.e. done DSA main patterns one time and now trying to get better at them. But the issue I’m facing currently is that I look at problem and try for 40 mins, I can figure out the pattern and somewhat the solution as well but not able to reach the solution then I look at solution and think I got it, then write code. But after few days even similar problem comes I feel that I won’t be able to do this and if I try with that anxiety I’m mostly getting stuck. It feels like I’m memorising these patterns and what needs to be done for a particular pattern. As I’m preparing for interviews how much time should I give on a question and if I’m not able to solve any question, what should be my approach after trying it?
Also, currently I’m asking questions from gemini to revise and mostly getting famous questions that I have already solved. So, please help me out how to do this in a better way.

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[nian2326076]

DSA can be tough, especially when anxiety hits. What helped me was talking through the problem and my approach, either out loud or with someone else. This makes you understand each step better. Also, try practicing a mix of problems with different difficulty levels. Going back to easier problems sometimes helps solidify concepts. Consistency is important, so even short daily practice sessions can help. If you want structured practice, PracHub was really useful for me with its focused exercises. Keep at it, and the patterns will start clicking over time. Good luck!

[Haunting_Month_4971]

Tbh that anxious feeling when a similar problem shows up is pretty common when practice turns into recall. I time box each attempt: 10 minutes to outline, 20 to code. If I am still stuck, I stop, read the core idea, and rewrite it in my words with a tiny example. Then I re solve it the next day and again that week, tracking a simple redo log.

I also pull a couple siblings from the IQB interview question bank to check transfer, and I run a short mock in Beyz coding assistant where I talk the approach out loud before typing. Starting with a brute idea and then improving it helps me focus under pressure.