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Solving LeetCode & HackerRank challenges will not help you if you are struggling with coder's block, and I will go in further details but let's just first start with:
What is Coder's Block?
"Coder's block" is a term that refers to a mental block or creative slowdown that hinders a programmer's ability to write code effectively, similar to how "writer's block" affects writers. One of the most striking similarities between coder's block and writer's block is the experience of staring at a blank page - or in the case of coding, a blank code editor - especially during a highly stressful situation like a technical interview.
Coder's block can feel like a fear of heights. You might freeze up, unable to move forward no matter how hard you try. It’s not about lacking knowledge; it's a mental paralysis that prevents you from accessing what you already know. Similar to climbing a ladder and reaching a point where you can’t take another step. Coder’s block traps you in that moment of inaction, preventing progress even though you know where you need to go.
At times, coder’s block may also feel like staring at a jumble of characters that suddenly seem foreign. It's as if you’re seeing the code for the first time, and it holds no meaning, leaving you completely disoriented and unable to make sense of it.
Coder's Block During Tech Interviews
During interviews, candidates are often given a blank code editor and asked to write code from scratch under strict constraints. This situation can be particularly stressful because it involves working with vague problem descriptions, abstracted helper functions with unknown implementations, and rules that are rigidly enforced. The challenge is further compounded by the lack of context, which can make it feel nearly impossible to build on the given information effectively. This high-pressure environment can exacerbate coder's block, making it difficult to access the knowledge you already possess and leading to a sense of paralysis.
Coder's Block vs. Lacking Knowledge
How can you tell if you're experiencing coder's block rather than simply lacking the necessary *fundamental knowledge? The answer lies in what happens after the stressful situation has passed.
Coder's Block: If, after a period of stress, you find that solutions or large parts of them come to you quickly and seemingly effortlessly, it often indicates that the knowledge required was already there. The challenge was not a lack of understanding but a temporary mental block that impeded your ability to access the information. Once you’ve relaxed and your mind is clearer, the solution becomes apparent, suggesting that your problem was more about overcoming psychological barriers rather than acquiring new knowledge.
Lacking Knowledge: Conversely, if you remain puzzled by the problem even after some time has passed, like a day or two, and you continue to struggle with finding a solution or grasping what was required, it’s likely that you are missing some important concepts. This persistent confusion indicates that you need to acquire or deepen your understanding of certain concepts before you can effectively tackle the problem.
Unfortunately, many interviewers don't recognize this distinction, and even fewer know how to help candidates overcome such blocks during the interview itself.
What about Syntax?
Knowing the syntax of a single language doesn’t necessarily reflect a developer's level of experience or mastery. While being familiar with syntax is useful, it doesn’t equate to deep understanding or proficiency in a language.
Those who excel at syntax may be specializing in one language or memorizing syntax specifically for interviews. However, seasoned developers who work with multiple languages often have a deeper grasp of underlying principles rather than just syntax, which can be harder to recall under pressure or during coder's block.
If a tech interview focuses excessively on syntax without allowing the use of pseudocode, it may indicate that the interview values memorization over genuine developer skills.
Why LeetCode Doesn't Help
LeetCode and similar platforms are often touted as essential tools for preparing for coding interviews. In theory, practicing on these platforms should help by building muscle memory.
But let's think about it - if the problem isn’t that you lack knowledge, but rather that your entire repository of knowledge becomes temporarily inaccessible due to stress, then adding more knowledge to that load won’t solve the problem.
It doesn’t matter how much knowledge you have if the problem is that you can’t access it. Therefore, the solution lies elsewhere.
What Could Help Dealing With Coder's Block
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you can overcome coder’s block by repeatedly going into interviews, believing that practice alone will make you better at it. I’ve tried this approach, and it doesn’t work.
Instead, you need to first acknowledge that coder’s block is an issue for you, and then take proactive, small steps to deal with it. Jumping blindly into one interview after another can quickly become overwhelming. Understand that dealing with coder’s block is a process, but if you want to improve and manage it effectively, there are proactive steps you can take:
Avoid Tech Interviews That Test Only Memorization Skills:
One of the best ways to deal with coder's block is to avoid technical interviews that focus solely on memorization. These types of interviews often induce coder's block by creating high-pressure situations where the emphasis is on recalling specific syntax or algorithms, rather than demonstrating real problem-solving skills. If you want to dive deeper into why these interviews are problematic and how to steer clear of them, check out my blog post here.
Seek Supportive Interviewers:
Look for interviewers who are supportive and understand the nature of coder’s block. The right interviewer can help you overcome the block by calming you down and working with you through the problem, rather than just watching you struggle. These are the kind of people you want to work with because they foster a collaborative environment. You may start with mock interviews where the interviewer is someone you know and trust, or you can book a mentorship session with me aimed at helping you overcome coder's block by doing a mock interview in a safe environment.
Recognize When to Step Back:
When you feel coder's block setting in, sometimes the best strategy is to acknowledge it and step back. If possible, ask for a moment to collect your thoughts or suggest tackling another part of the problem. This can help break the cycle of stress and give you a chance to regain control. In real-life coding, you often have the ability to take a break and revisit a problem, so it’s reasonable to seek out interview settings that allow for this flexibility as well.
Dealing with coder’s block requires a thoughtful approach rather than just relentless practice. By avoiding interviews that emphasize memorization, recognizing when you need to step back, and seeking out supportive interviewers, you can create a more manageable and less stressful interview experience.
Remember, it’s not about brute-forcing your way through challenges, but about understanding and addressing the mental barriers that prevent you from showcasing your true abilities. Embrace these proactive steps, and you'll find yourself better equipped to handle coder's block and succeed in your interviews with greater confidence and composure.
\be cautious if interviewers use the term 'fundamental' frequently during the interview. Pay close attention to how they use it, as it can sometimes be employed in a condescending manner to make them seem more knowledgeable or authoritative than they might actually be.*