Ask HN: LeetCode, anyone still doing it?

It depends on whether nowadays FLAG will still need engineer write code during interview.

Mmm, I stopped doing leetcode back in 2024 because I realized that even though I was able to build highly efficient small portions of code, I wasn't actually able to build real software because I wasn't able to put all these small pieces together, so far I think it was a good decision because now I'm able to build real software. As for the current state in interviews I have no idea, but personally I think is not as importart or useful for most situations when developing software.

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I do it - but more like a crossword. Do one a day or so

Same issues though - normally comes down to knowing a trick rather for leetcode than actual coding

The meta is definitely shifting. Since AI can now instantly output a flawless solution to almost any medium/hard LeetCode problem, asking someone to write it from memory on a whiteboard feels entirely disconnected from 2026 reality. What I'm seeing more of now is a heavy shift towards System Design, architecture, and "Code Review" interviews where you are given AI-generated code and asked to find the hidden bugs or security flaws.

I wonder the same sometimes, but I still do it to brush up my problem-solving skills and fundamental understanding of systems and data structures. AI can make mistakes. I was implementing LRU Cache using a linked list, and AI coding did it well, but it wasn’t fitting for my system. I had a better understanding of the context, so maybe I failed to provide enough problem context to AI.

Wouldn't solving algorithms now be like solving Sudoku?

I feel that companies are shifting towards short take home assignments which I find good personally.

Grinding leetcode was never optimizing for solving problems algorithmically but for performing well in live coding interviews.

So knowing solution design, time/space complexity, what tools and patterns exist for certain sets of problems is valued more than being able to correctly type them out in an unfamiliar UI often with limited functionality, while someone watches your face and screen and ideally you have to articulate your thought process clearly within 20 minutes or so.

I'm not interviewing currently but I would laugh if given a leetcode problem and expected not to use AI

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Do interviewers still ask LC questions?

It's been a while since I last interviewed.

Its getting phased out, just like explaining your python experience. not saying its gone, but getting more irrelevant with AI.