In the ever-evolving landscape of software engineering, the question of whether or not to engage with platforms like LeetCode has become a hot topic among developers. For some, it’s a necessary step towards landing coveted positions in big tech companies, while others view it as an unnecessary hurdle that distracts from real-world programming skills. As someone who has never attempted a LeetCode problem but codes daily, I find myself intrigued by the varied opinions and experiences shared by programmers regarding this controversial topic.