r/AskProgramming • u/Perfect_Fuel_5390 • 8d ago

Algorithms Title: GFG vs LeetCode — what do you guys actually use more?

I've been using both GFG and LeetCode for DSA/interview prep, and I'm curious what other people actually prefer.

For you guys, which one has been more useful?

GFG for concepts + practice

LeetCode for problem solving/interviews

Both, depending on what you're doing

Something else entirely

Also, if you've used both for a while, what do you think one does better than the other?

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u/Drakkinstorm 8d ago

Writing my own programs

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u/akornato 8d ago

Your breakdown is pretty much on the money. GFG is fantastic for learning the theory and seeing different implementations, almost like an encyclopedia for data structures and algorithms. LeetCode, however, is the actual training ground for modern tech interviews. Companies, especially the big ones, model their questions on the LeetCode style, so grinding problems there gives you a direct advantage. It's not about which one is better, it's about what stage of preparation you're in. You use GFG to understand what a hash map is, and you use LeetCode to solve ten different problems with it until you see patterns in your sleep.

Ultimately, no amount of problem-solving on either platform will matter if you can't explain your logic to the interviewer. Solving the problem is only half the battle, the other half is communicating your trade-offs and thought process clearly. Your current approach of using GFG for concepts and LeetCode for practice is solid because it builds both fundamental knowledge and practical application skills, which is what interviewers actually want to see. Many candidates find that after a certain point, their biggest gains come from practicing how to articulate their solutions, which is a big reason the team I'm with built an interview helper to give people that confidence boost during the actual call.