The meta is definitely shifting. Since AI can now instantly output a flawless solution to almost any medium/hard LeetCode problem, asking someone to write it from memory on a whiteboard feels entirely disconnected from 2026 reality. What I'm seeing more of now is a heavy shift towards System Design, architecture, and "Code Review" interviews where you are given AI-generated code and asked to find the hidden bugs or security flaws.

I do it - but more like a crossword. Do one a day or so

Same issues though - normally comes down to knowing a trick rather for leetcode than actual coding

LeetCode is still used, but it’s not the only thing that matters now.

With AI, companies care more about how you think and solve real problems, not just memorizing questions.

Mmm, I stopped doing leetcode back in 2024 because I realized that even though I was able to build highly efficient small portions of code, I wasn't actually able to build real software because I wasn't able to put all these small pieces together, so far I think it was a good decision because now I'm able to build real software. As for the current state in interviews I have no idea, but personally I think is not as importart or useful for most situations when developing software.

It depends on whether nowadays FLAG will still need engineer write code during interview.