Here is a hot post in linkedin about leetcoding used widely in interview: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6969652190235828224/
LeetCode interviews are a terrible measure of a candidate's coding abilities (unless the job function is to optimize algorithms under tight deadlines in front of a panel of judges). There are better methods out there that work for all types of thinkers.
Here are my comments (thoughts);
I never said or agreed that the leetcode should be considered as the only/main method. It can be a good way to test coding skills if you get it right. In fact, there are many other rounds of interviews such as system design, behavior/culture fit.
Also, FYI, I have done leetcoding since 03-March-2019 (every single day). https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6932682270583476224/
Leetcode is not just about algorithms.. Some leetcode problems are useful in testing candidate's coding skills.. For companies, leetcoding is a quick and "cheap" way to filter out massive number of candidates.
Another example: The yearly entry exam to Universities in China is considered to be problematic, but it is still being used.
The take-home assignments take more time to complete (in my experience and the judge is more or less subjective e.g. coding styles). I am not saying the leetcoding is perfect, but it has advantages and for companies, it is a good way to avoid false positive.
Regarding the "Aniexty", I have a second opinion. Every people need to cope with pressure in one or another form. Some companies (big tech) have deadlines, and if you can't do leetcoding in 45 min, how can you prove you can deal with pressure easily? You might agure there is exception, but this is the fact, passing coding interview gives less positive.
Also, some companies do leetcoding + home work assignment. For example, Toptal.
Also, a good SDE need to know the basis of Data Structures and Algorithms, not font of leetcoding is not an execuse of not being able to code for a simple task.
To me, pressrues/stress are no different, if you know how to cope with coding under stress, I am sure you can meet well the deadlines.
well.. i said in my comment, "To me". Every people is different, unless there is a reference or research, I think there is always an exception.
Every thing exists for reasons, if "leetcoding" is so bad, why most big tech companies won't give up?
Also (IMO, aka "To me") If the candidates do not bother leetcoding, it means they do not want the jobs "so badly". Leetcoding is something that "most" SDE can achieve within weeks' efforts.
Wow, that is a lot of reading. I am sure for someone who is good at leetcoding or enjoying it won't feel the same way (anxious or depressed).
Maybe you didn't get me right here, my point is that leetcoding is not perfect, but it is a compromise and a good measure to avoid false positive at the cheapest cost. To avoid false negative, usually there will be more rounds of interviews which are not coding. So leetcoding here is not the only/main measure.
What are your thoughts on this?
I teach my sons programming (leetcoding): https://zhihua-lai.com/teaching/
My blog on coding: https://helloacm.com