Algorithmic intuition matters more than problem count in coding interviews

Two engineers prep for the same cycle. One solves more than 500 problems and freezes when the medium doesn't look like anything from the practice list. The other solves a fraction of that and works the problem out from scratch on the screen. The variable that decides which way it goes isn't volume. TL;DR Volume practice builds memory of specific problems. It builds little of the skill that recognises which technique applies to a problem you've never seen. Learning science calls these near transf