The Unexpected Lesson I Learned from My First Coding Challenge
I still remember the first time I attempted a coding challenge on LeetCode. I stared at the problem for what felt like hours (maybe even days), feeling completely stuck. The instructions seemed simple, but the logic to solve it was beyond me. Frustration crept in. Maybe I’m not cut out for this, I thought.
But instead of giving up, I researched the solution, learned about new approaches like two-pointer techniques and recursion, and then—finally—I solved it! That moment of breakthrough was exhilarating. More importantly, it taught me that coding challenges are not just about solving problems, but about learning how to approach problems differently.
That’s when I realized: coding challenges and hackathons accelerate learning like nothing else. In this post, I’ll share the biggest lessons I’ve learned from participating in coding challenges, the different types of challenges available, and tips for beginners looking to level up their skills.
Why Coding Challenges Are a Game-Changer for Learning
Coding challenges are one of the best ways to:
✅ Sharpen problem-solving skills – They force you to think outside the box and apply logic creatively.
✅ Build confidence – The more you solve, the less intimidating new problems become.
✅ Prepare for technical interviews – Many job interviews include LeetCode-style problems.
✅ Improve coding speed and efficiency – You learn to write optimized, clean code.
✅ Expose yourself to real-world scenarios – Hackathons simulate real development projects.
If you’re new to coding challenges, let’s break down the different types you’ll encounter.
Different Types of Coding Challenges and Where to Find Them
There are countless platforms for practicing coding challenges, each with its own unique focus.
1. Algorithmic Challenges (LeetCode, Codewars, HackerRank)
These challenges focus on data structures, algorithms, and computational logic. They’re great for:
🔹 Learning sorting algorithms, recursion, and dynamic programming
🔹 Preparing for technical interviews
🔹 Improving time and space complexity in your code
👉 Try it here: LeetCode, Codewars, HackerRank
2. Project-Based Challenges (Frontend Mentor, DevChallenges, FreeCodeCamp)
Instead of solving logic problems, these platforms provide real-world web development challenges like:
🔹 Building responsive landing pages
🔹 Creating interactive UI components
🔹 Writing clean HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
👉 Try it here: Frontend Mentor, DevChallenges, freeCodeCamp
3. Hackathons (Major League Hacking, Kaggle, Local Coding Events)
Hackathons are coding marathons where you collaborate with others to build a project in a short time. They teach you:
🔹 Teamwork – Learning to code with others is an essential developer skill.
🔹 Rapid problem-solving – You must come up with creative solutions under pressure.
🔹 Pitching and presenting – Some hackathons require you to present your project.
👉 Try it here: Major League Hacking (MLH), Kaggle, Hackathons on Devpost
The Lessons I Learned from Coding Challenges
After months of participating in different challenges, here are the biggest lessons I’ve taken away:
1. Struggle is Part of the Process (And That’s a Good Thing)
I used to get frustrated when I couldn’t solve a problem immediately. But I’ve learned that the struggle is where the real learning happens. Every time I fail, I discover new ways to think about a problem.
🔹 Lesson: Instead of avoiding difficult problems, embrace the challenge. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
2. Time Management is Key
When I joined my first hackathon, I underestimated how quickly 48 hours would fly by. We spent too much time brainstorming and not enough time coding, leading to a rushed final product.
🔹 Lesson: Break problems into smaller, manageable chunks and focus on delivering a working version before refining it.
3. Clean Code Wins Over Clever Code
Early on, I tried to write fancy, complex solutions, but they became impossible to debug. I quickly learned that clean, readable code is better than overly clever code.
🔹 Lesson: Write code that a future version of yourself (or your team) will actually understand.
4. Teamwork is Everything
Hackathons taught me that great developers aren’t just good coders—they’re great collaborators. My team once struggled because we didn’t communicate well, leading to overlapping work and wasted time.
🔹 Lesson: Use tools like GitHub, communicate clearly, and assign roles early in team projects.
Tips for Beginners: How to Get Started with Coding Challenges
If you’re just getting started, here’s how to make the most of coding challenges:
1️⃣ Start small – Begin with easy problems before jumping into harder ones.
2️⃣ Be consistent – Solve at least one problem per day to build the habit.
3️⃣ Read solutions – If you get stuck, study how others solve problems and learn new techniques.
4️⃣ Join a community – Connect with others on Discord or TikTok for support.
5️⃣ Apply what you learn – Try project-based challenges to reinforce your skills.
🔗 Related Post: “From Confusion to Confidence: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Coding”
FAQ: Your Coding Challenge Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to know advanced algorithms to start coding challenges?
A: No! You can start with basic challenges on Codewars or HackerRank and gradually work up to harder problems.
Q: Are hackathons only for experienced developers?
A: Not at all! Many hackathons welcome beginners and even offer mentorship programs.
Q: How long should I spend on a coding challenge?
A: If you’re a beginner, aim for 30–60 minutes per problem. If you’re stuck for too long, review solutions and try again.
Why Coding Challenges Are Worth It
Coding challenges have been one of the most effective ways to sharpen my problem-solving skills, build confidence, and prepare for real-world coding scenarios.
If you’ve never tried one, I highly encourage you to start today! Pick a challenge, struggle through it, and experience that “aha!” moment when you finally solve it.
🚀 Want to follow my coding journey? Subscribe to Code with Malie for weekly insights, tips, and project breakdowns.
👉 Which challenge will you try first? Share in the comments or follow me on TikTok and Instagram @CodeWithMalie.
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