BEST LANGUAGE FOR CODING INTERVIEWS – In this article, we will explore valuable insights to excel in algorithmic coding interviews.
Selecting a programming language you are comfortable with is essential, though most companies permit any language. Google, however, limits options to Java, C++, Python, Go, or JavaScript.
Picking a programming language
For your algorithmic coding interviews, select a programming language you are comfortable with.
While most companies permit any language, Google limits options to Java, C++, Python, Go, or JavaScript. Candidates commonly prefer Python and Java for their flexibility and extensive libraries.
It’s better to stick with your proficiency instead of learning a new language just for interviews. Certain roles, like front-end, iOS, or Android engineering, expect expertise in specific languages (JavaScript, Objective-C, Swift, Java). Prioritize using suitable data structures; intricate implementation details matter less.
Review your CS101
If you have been away from college for an extended period, it is highly advisable to refresh your knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals.
One effective way to do this is by practicing algorithm problems from sources like LeetCode and Cracking the Coding Interview while simultaneously reviewing your college notes on various algorithms.
Moreover, if you have an interest in exploring how data structures are implemented, you can find examples in JavaScript through the Lago GitHub repository, which contains a collection of Data Structures and Algorithms.
Mastery through practice
To get ready for coding interviews, achieve proficiency in algorithms and data structures using your preferred programming language.
Practice solving problems on platforms such as LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeForces.
Familiarize yourself with time and space complexities, adhere to coding style guidelines, and be mindful of language-specific challenges.
For more structured learning, you can consider online courses like AlgoMonster and Grokking the Coding Interview. Regular and dedicated practice is the key to succeeding in interviews.
Phases of a coding interview
In the coding interview, you’ll be given a technical question to solve in real-time. You’ll have 30 to 45 minutes to write the code on a collaborative editor or whiteboard.
To showcase your skills effectively, it’s crucial to communicate your approach out loud as you code. This helps the interviewer understand your thought process, and together, you can agree on the best approach for the problem.
Preparing for a remote interview
During phone screens and remote interviews, keep paper and pen handy for taking notes or sketching diagrams, especially for questions involving trees and graphs.
Opt for earphones in a quiet setting to ensure clear communication. Avoid using speakers to prevent feedback problems and potential time loss due to repeated explanations.
What to do when you get the question?
Before coding, clarify the question with the interviewer and ask follow-up questions to ensure understanding. Explain your approach, even if it’s basic, and consider different strategies if needed.
Start with a brute-force approach, discuss its drawbacks, and be ready for the interviewer to prompt for a better solution. Begin coding only after agreeing on the approach.
Practice with mock interviews
Repeatedly practice the steps mentioned until they become second nature. Interviewing.io offers free and anonymous practice interviews with engineers from top companies like Google and Facebook, helping candidates improve interview skills.
Pramp is another platform for practice interviews with peer job seekers. Both platforms are valuable resources for honing coding interview skills.
Practical tips for coding questions
In this section, you will find practical tips for specific algorithm and data structure topics frequently seen in coding questions. Acquiring a variety of techniques enhances your chances of interview success.
Each topic includes a list of recommended questions to reinforce essential concepts. While some questions may require a paid LeetCode subscription, the investment is deemed valuable if it leads to job opportunities.
General tips for coding questions
Always validate input for invalid, empty, or negative values. Clarify with the interviewer if valid input can be assumed to save time on unnecessary validation. Consider time and space complexity requirements.
Watch out for off-by-one errors and type mismatches in concatenation. Use a mix of functional and imperative programming, favoring pure functions for ease and bug reduction. Be cautious with parameter mutations.
Strike a balance between accuracy and efficiency.
Choose data structures wisely to optimize performance. Understand their strengths and time complexities for different operations. Augment data structures for efficiency, like using a HashMap with a doubly-linked list for O(1) access in an LRU cache. If stuck, consider enumerating possible data structures.
Acknowledge cutting corners due to time constraints, and explain the ideal approach outside the interview setting.
Conclusion
Succeeded in coding interviews with a familiar language, and practiced algorithms, and data structures. Refresh fundamentals and explore implementations on Lago. Communicate clearly, validate input, and prioritize problem agreement before coding. Optimize complexity, balance functional and imperative programming, and validate code with examples.
