The hottest Problem Solving Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics
Technology Made Simple 19 implied HN points 05 Nov 21
  1. Given an array of strings, group them based on being shifted versions of each other by finding the difference in characters.
  2. Implementing a hashset can efficiently group strings by their difference strings for quick retrieval.
  3. Creating helper functions and structuring your solution neatly can showcase your organization and problem-solving skills.
Technology Made Simple 19 implied HN points 25 Oct 21
  1. The problem involves determining the minimum broadcast range for radio towers to cover all listeners along a line.
  2. The initial approach might involve iterating through users and towers, but it could result in a higher time complexity.
  3. To optimize the solution, it's important to think about ways to reduce time complexity, such as finding more efficient algorithms or data structures.
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Technology Made Simple 19 implied HN points 22 Sep 21
  1. The problem discusses finding the smallest positive number missing from an unsorted array efficiently.
  2. The approach requires O(n) time complexity and constant extra space, allowing for modifications to the original array.
  3. Examples are provided illustrating the expected output based on different input arrays.
Technology Made Simple 19 implied HN points 05 Sep 21
  1. The post discusses a coding problem involving zigzag printing of a string in a specified format, similar to diagonals.
  2. The problem statement includes a scenario of printing 'thisisazigzag' in a zigzag form with a specific k value.
  3. To read more about this interesting coding problem solution and similar topics, consider subscribing to Technology Made Simple.
Technology Made Simple 19 implied HN points 04 Sep 21
  1. The ZigZag String problem involves printing a string diagonally in a zigzag pattern based on the number of lines specified.
  2. This problem was asked by PayPal, demonstrating the type of coding challenges that may be encountered in job interviews.
  3. For access to solutions and breakdowns of similar problems, subscribing to coding publications may offer valuable resources for improving coding skills.
Technology Made Simple 19 implied HN points 28 Aug 21
  1. This post discusses a coding problem posed by Google. It involves squaring the elements of a sorted list of integers and returning them in sorted order.
  2. The problem requires taking a sorted list of integers, squaring each element, and outputting the results in a sorted array.
  3. Sample input given is [-9, -2, 0, 2, 3], which should result in the output [0, 4, 4, 9, 81].
Leadership Tales 8 implied HN points 03 Jun 23
  1. Thinking inside another box involves exploring fresh ideas within defined boundaries by combining existing knowledge.
  2. Drawing inspiration from diverse industries can lead to innovative approaches in problem-solving and creativity.
  3. Encouraging analogue thinking through patterns can help individuals generate novel insights and breakthrough ideas.
TeamCraft 6 implied HN points 09 Oct 23
  1. In industry jobs, social scientists are valuable for their ability to work with messy human data, a common scenario in most companies.
  2. Social scientists applying to industry jobs should highlight skills like problem-solving, meeting deadlines, and working with constraints, rather than just academic achievements.
  3. It's important for social scientists to market themselves effectively in job applications by focusing on what they bring to the table in a language that hiring managers can appreciate.
The Beautiful Mess 3 HN points 25 Feb 24
  1. Accepting one's role in a problem is vital for capable leadership. Recognizing personal contributions to a situation allows for growth and improvement.
  2. Encouraging new interaction patterns fosters creativity and growth. Facilitating connections and exposure to new experiences can lead to positive outcomes.
  3. Patiently allowing for divergence and exploring multiple solutions is key. Resisting the urge to rush towards solutions can yield more innovative and effective approaches.
The Leading Sapiens Weekly 2 HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. Richard Feynman's method of reframing goals from a positivist to a more playful perspective led to breakthroughs and ultimately, success.
  2. There's a difference between the direct approach and the oblique approach to decision-making and problem-solving, with obliquity often leading to innovative and effective solutions.
  3. It's important to consider incorporating obliquity into our goal-setting strategies, as over-reliance on direct approaches may limit potential for creativity and success.
Leadership Tales 4 HN points 14 Apr 23
  1. Effective leaders leverage networks for impactful solutions beyond just technical fixes.
  2. Influencing with intention involves tapping into the influence of others to achieve more impactful outcomes.
  3. Leaders can maximize impact by shifting from problem-solving to relationship-building, transforming crises into opportunities, and leveraging peer power.
Perambulations 3 implied HN points 05 Jul 23
  1. Some people believe that writing helps them reveal and correct deficiencies in their thinking process.
  2. The author finds it difficult to write and think simultaneously, preferring to have a structured idea before writing.
  3. Engaging in activities like playing video games can help the author's subconscious mind solve problems related to writing.
Artificial General Ideas 1 implied HN point 13 Jun 24
  1. The ARC challenge is about understanding abstract concepts from visual inputs and applying them to new situations. It's tricky because it's not based on a strict set of rules, making it harder to solve.
  2. Cognitive programs need a controllable world model to work properly. This means they must be able to run simulations using the information they have about the world.
  3. Abstract reasoning tests, like ARC, are important but not complete measures of intelligence. They need to be systematic and clear to truly assess reasoning skills.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 19 implied HN points 16 Sep 13
  1. Dedication and hard work are essential for personal growth and success in any field, as seen through the author's experiences at Google and Đông Á bank.
  2. Surrounding oneself with intelligent colleagues can inspire self-improvement, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and growth.
  3. Fostering independent and creative thinking is a valuable skill that can be cultivated through practice and approaching problems from unique perspectives.
Joseph Gefroh 0 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  1. Product Managers need to be intentional with their decisions to drive beneficial outcomes for the company. Lack of intentionality can lead to arbitrary decisions that may not have the desired effect.
  2. Being intentional involves articulating the thought process behind proposals, validating assumptions, and being open to feedback. This increases the chances of success in product management.
  3. To effectively manage a product, one should thoroughly discover and define the problem space, propose viable approaches, form concise hypotheses, articulate key assumptions, validate those assumptions, make informed decisions, and monitor outcomes for continuous improvement.
Life Coaching Curriculum & Soft Skills for Leadership 0 implied HN points 11 Feb 24
  1. Clearly define the problem to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  2. Use tools like the Fishbone Diagram to visually map out causes and connections.
  3. Employ techniques like the "5 Whys" to dig deeper into root causes and prioritize based on impact for effective problem-solving.
Meliora by Ana Stoica 0 implied HN points 24 Feb 23
  1. Encouraging problem-solving through coaching can boost employee morale and lead to innovative solutions
  2. Helping employees think deeper by identifying underlying problems can improve team collaboration and performance
  3. Using coaching skills to enhance problem-solving conversations can lead to a more constructive work environment
Reflective Software Engineering 0 implied HN points 08 Jun 23
  1. Modeling everyday problems using test-driven development with a Python tool instead of spreadsheets can lead to better results and easier adaptability.
  2. Creating simple Python tools with scripting languages can automate mundane tasks, improve problem-solving skills, and potentially lead to open-source contributions.
  3. Writing code can be enjoyable and effective in automating repetitive tasks, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and potentially growing into valuable tools for others.
Poczwardowski Notes 0 implied HN points 22 Jul 22
  1. The book presents 9 mental models with many examples and illustrations.
  2. It's the first volume in a series focusing on general thinking concepts, serving as a great introduction to the world of mental models.
  3. Implementing these concepts can enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills, benefiting personal growth and understanding.
CTOrly 0 implied HN points 02 Jan 23
  1. When facing a specific problem, using concentrated, specific solutions is crucial for resolving it effectively.
  2. Differentiate between maintaining a steady state and solving a problem; what works for one may not work for the other.
  3. Prevent issues by taking proactive steps, but be prepared to switch to targeted solutions when problems arise.
Brain Bytes 0 implied HN points 22 Nov 23
  1. Studying data structures and algorithms is only one part of preparing for coding interviews; other essential aspects include communication skills, cultural fit, problem-solving ability, system design, and architecture.
  2. Technical interviews are not just about being technical but also about being a human who can solve technical problems; human skills like communication and cultural fit are crucial in interviews.
  3. Having strong communication skills, fitting into the company's culture, showcasing problem-solving abilities specifically in data structures and algorithms, and possessing knowledge in system design and architecture are key to excelling in coding interviews.