Best Online Platforms for Coding Interviews (Design Gurus vs Others)

Coding interviews are notoriously challenging – they test your algorithmic thinking, coding speed, and sometimes your ability to design complex systems on the fly.

Online interview preparation platforms have risen in popularity because they provide structured practice and instant feedback, which are crucial for improvement.

From massive repositories of coding problems (like LeetCode’s 2000+ questions) to platforms focusing on interview-guided learning (like DesignGurus.io’s pattern-based approach), there’s a solution for every learning style.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best online platforms for coding interviews, comparing DesignGurus.io with other popular options such as LeetCode, InterviewBit, CodeSignal, and more.

By understanding the strengths of each platform, you can choose the one that fits your needs and helps you land that dream job.

Check out the top 5 Platforms for Learning System Design.

Key Factors to Consider in a Coding Interview Prep Platform

Choosing an online coding interview prep platform is a personal decision – what works for one person might not suit another.

Here are some key factors to weigh when comparing platforms:

• Content Quality and Relevance: Look for platforms with a rich library of problems and high-quality solutions or explanations. Are the questions similar to real interview questions at top companies? For example, LeetCode offers a vast collection of problems (with many tagged to specific companies), whereas some courses like DesignGurus.io curate questions based on patterns and frequency in interviews. Quality is as important as quantity – well-explained solutions or tutorials can accelerate your learning.

• Structured Learning vs. Open Practice: Consider your preferred learning style. Some platforms provide a structured curriculum or roadmap. InterviewBit, for instance, guides you through topics in a step-by-step manner, ensuring you cover the fundamentals before moving to advanced problems. DesignGurus.io takes a structured course-like approach, teaching problem-solving patterns and system design concepts in an organized way. In contrast, LeetCode and CodeSignal present a large pool of problems for self-directed practice; this is great for breadth, but it can feel overwhelming or unstructured for newcomers.

• Variety of Problem Types and Difficulty: A good platform should cater to varying difficulty levels – easy, intermediate, and hard – to support learning progression. It should also cover different topics (algorithms, data structures, possibly database or language-specific challenges if relevant). LeetCode, for example, categorizes problems by difficulty and topic, from basic array tasks to hard dynamic programming and graph problems. Other platforms like CodeSignal include not just algorithm puzzles but also coding tasks in formats similar to what companies use in assessments (and even challenges beyond algorithms, like SQL or math problems). Ensure the platform you choose matches your current skill level and pushes you appropriately – not so easy that you don’t learn, but not so hard that you get discouraged.

• System Design Content: If you’re an experienced engineer or interviewing for senior roles, system design interviews are likely part of the process. Not all coding practice platforms cover system design. This is where DesignGurus.io truly shines – it offers dedicated system design courses (e.g. Grokking the System Design Interview) that walk you through scalable architecture problems step-by-step. These courses focus on real-world design scenarios (designing a URL shortener, a social media feed, etc.) and explain how to approach them, which goes beyond the algorithmic coding questions found on sites like LeetCode. When choosing a platform, consider whether you need system design practice: if yes, a resource like DesignGurus or other system design-focused material will be invaluable, since general algorithm sites have little to no coverage of this area.

• Mock Interview and Interactive Features: Practicing alone is great, but being able to simulate an actual interview can take your preparation up a notch. Some platforms provide mock interview functionality – for example, LeetCode has a feature to simulate timed interviews with random questions, and InterviewBit allows you to run through interview scenarios to build confidence. CodeSignal and HackerRank offer certification tests or timed challenges that mimic real assessments. Additionally, peer-to-peer mock interview services like Pramp (or paid mentor sessions on platforms like DesignGurus) let you practice live with someone else. DesignGurus.io even offers scheduled mock interviews with FAANG engineers as interviewers, providing detailed feedback – a feature geared towards serious candidates looking for personalized critique. When choosing a prep platform, think about whether you want just self-service practice or also interactive mock interviews and feedback.

• Community and Explanations: The presence of a community or discussion forum can greatly enrich your learning. Platforms like LeetCode have active discussion boards where thousands of users discuss solutions, optimizations, and alternative approaches. A strong community means if you’re stuck, you can learn from others’ explanations. Some structured platforms (DesignGurus, InterviewBit) provide official solution explanations and perhaps a community of fellow learners or mentors. Also, consider if the platform offers hints or solution walkthroughs – this is crucial for learning from mistakes. For instance, DesignGurus’s courses often include detailed explanations and even diagrams for system design, whereas on free sites you might rely on community-contributed explanations.

• Pricing and Value: Finally, cost can be a deciding factor. Many resources are free (LeetCode has a free tier with hundreds of problems, InterviewBit is free, and sites like GeeksforGeeks or community blogs cost nothing). Others have premium options: LeetCode Premium (about $35/month for access to exclusive problems and company question lists), or subscription-based services like DesignGurus.io which package their courses for a fee. DesignGurus offers both monthly and annual plans – for example, an annual subscription works out to roughly $19–$33 per month depending on current discounts, granting access to all their “Grokking” courses. When evaluating value, consider what you’re getting: DesignGurus’s paid content might save you time by providing structured guidance (and it includes system design and mock interviews which others may not), whereas free platforms might require more self-guided effort but cost nothing. Think about your budget, how much time you have before interviews, and whether the investment in a paid platform will significantly improve your chances. Often, candidates use a mix: for example, a paid course for learning core concepts, and free question banks for additional practice – you can do the same to balance value.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can narrow down the platform that aligns with your learning style, interview timeline, and goals. Next, let’s dive into a comparison of DesignGurus.io versus other popular coding interview prep platforms on these dimensions.

Explore the platforms better than LeetCode.

DesignGurus.io vs Other Platforms: In-Depth Comparison

In this section, we’ll compare DesignGurus.io head-to-head with other top coding interview platforms like LeetCode, InterviewBit, CodeSignal, etc., across several important criteria. Each platform has its strengths, so understanding these differences will help you decide which one suits your needs best.

Features and Content Quality

DesignGurus.io: DesignGurus is known for its expert-curated courses and content specifically tailored to interview prep. Rather than presenting thousands of random questions, DesignGurus provides structured lessons – for example, “Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions” which organizes problems by common patterns, and “Grokking the System Design Interview” for high-level design scenarios. The content is created by senior engineers and hiring managers from FAANG companies, which lends credibility and ensures the material is aligned with actual interview expectations. The quality of explanations is a highlight; each pattern or system design problem comes with a clear, step-by-step discussion on how to approach it. This means the content isn’t just about solving one problem, but teaching you a method to tackle similar problems. In short, DesignGurus focuses on depth and teaching, making it feel like a guided course rather than just a problem bank.

LeetCode: LeetCode’s content strength lies in its sheer volume and variety. With over 2,000 coding problems covering all major data structures and algorithms, it’s an unparalleled resource for practice. LeetCode problems are user-contributed and cover everything from trivial warm-ups to extremely challenging puzzles. The platform’s content quality can vary per question – most popular problems have well-written solutions and editorials, but some lesser-known questions might have sparse explanations. However, the community often fills the gaps: the discuss forums on LeetCode are rich with different solution approaches, optimizations, and follow-up discussions. LeetCode also regularly adds new problems (often reflecting recent interview trends) and hosts contests, ensuring fresh content. One drawback is organization: LeetCode’s large pool can feel unstructured for newcomers – there’s no guided path by default (though they do have explore cards and company-specific sets). As an external review notes, “one of the biggest challenges with LeetCode is that it lacks organization; it has a huge set of coding problems, and one feels lost on where to begin or what to focus on”. This is precisely the gap that a platform like DesignGurus tries to fill with its structured approach. Overall, LeetCode’s content quality is excellent for breadth and realism (many questions are actual interview questions), but it requires self-direction to navigate effectively.

InterviewBit: InterviewBit offers a more curated content experience. The platform provides a structured curriculum divided by topics (e.g., Arrays, Trees, Dynamic Programming, etc.), and within each, a list of handpicked interview questions ordered by increasing difficulty. The content quality is high because the questions are selected for their relevance to interviews and often come with hints or discussions. InterviewBit also intermixes brief notes or tutorials on concepts with the coding problems, so you’re learning theory alongside practice. This hybrid of theory + practice means the content is very newbie-friendly and ensures you don’t have significant knowledge gaps. The platform might not have as many total questions as LeetCode, but the ones it has are often the important ones that cover common patterns or frequently asked problems. So if you prefer quality and guided progress over sheer quantity, InterviewBit’s content delivers that. It’s also continuously updated by their team (InterviewBit’s founders are also behind Scaler Academy, so they have insight into what skills companies need). In summary, InterviewBit’s content is curated, which makes it feel like a built-in study plan with solid coverage of fundamentals.

CodeSignal: CodeSignal’s content is somewhat unique in flavor. It has an “Arcade” mode for fun, gamified practice and a set of interview practice questions that mirror what you might see in a coding test. The problems on CodeSignal range from easy to very challenging, but the collection is not as huge as LeetCode. Instead, CodeSignal emphasizes quality in terms of real-world assessment – many of its tasks are designed to be similar to those used in actual hiring tests. In fact, some companies use CodeSignal for their coding assessments, so practicing there can familiarize you with that style (e.g., solving multiple tasks within a time limit, writing code that passes all provided test cases). The platform also offers official certified assessments (e.g., a General Coding Assessment) which you can take to get a score and even share with recruiters. Content quality on CodeSignal is good, and the test cases are thorough (since it’s meant to evaluate your code rigorously). However, CodeSignal’s library is smaller and not as diverse in topics as LeetCode’s – it focuses on what’s likely to be asked in interviews and coding tests, not on every niche algorithm puzzle. If you’re looking for a competitive programming style variety, CodeSignal might feel limited; but if you want focused practice on interview-relevant coding challenges with an added gamified twist, it’s a strong option.

Others (HackerRank, etc.): Platforms like HackerRank and CodeChef also provide extensive problem sets. HackerRank’s content spans not only algorithms but also domains like SQL, functional programming, and even challenges by company (via their interview preparation kits). The content quality on HackerRank is generally good, with problem statements and editorial solutions for many challenges. It’s considered more beginner-friendly; many problems come with explanations or tutorials, and you can often find “hackos” (points) to get hints. AlgoExpert (a paid platform not in our main list) offers about 160 curated coding questions with video solutions – high quality but at a premium price. Educative.io offers text-based courses (including the Grokking series in partnership with DesignGurus), combining content quality and interactivity through an in-browser environment. Each of these has its niche, but the key is to find content that keeps you engaged and learning efficiently. DesignGurus stands out in content quality for its expert-driven insights and structured lessons; LeetCode stands out for breadth and community; InterviewBit for guided curation; and CodeSignal for practical test-like questions.

Types of Problems and Difficulty Levels

One important aspect of any prep platform is the range of problems it offers and the difficulty levels covered. Let’s compare how DesignGurus and others stack up in terms of problem variety and difficulty spectrum:

DesignGurus.io: The coding problems you’ll encounter in DesignGurus’s courses are carefully chosen to illustrate specific patterns or concepts. In the “Grokking the Coding Interview” course, there are around 170+ problems organized into about 16 patterns (like Sliding Window, Two Pointers, Fast & Slow Pointers, etc.). These problems mostly range from easy to medium difficulty, with a few harder ones, which is intentional – the goal is to cover patterns commonly seen in interviews, rather than extreme edge-case problems. This makes DesignGurus very approachable for those who have basic knowledge and want to level up to intermediate skill by recognizing patterns. Essentially, once you learn a pattern, you can solve dozens of variants – so the platform ensures you see multiple examples for each pattern, cementing your understanding. In terms of difficulty, beginners with some programming foundation can handle the early pattern problems, and as you progress, the problems get more complex. By the end, you’ll have tackled some fairly challenging coding problems, but always with guidance on how to solve them. For system design, DesignGurus’s content starts from fundamental design problems (like designing a chat system, URL shortener, etc.) and goes into advanced topics (like how to design things with sharding, replication in their advanced system design course). These are more conceptual than coding – difficulty here is more about understanding scale and trade-offs. Overall, DesignGurus covers a comprehensive range of interview problem types: standard algorithms at easy/medium/hard levels through its patterns (though it doesn’t have ultra-hard competitive-programming-style puzzles), plus system design scenarios from basic to advanced. It’s well-suited for someone preparing for typical tech interviews from junior (coding focus) all the way to senior (system design focus). One could say DesignGurus optimizes for breadth of concepts rather than sheer breadth of questions – you won’t practice 1000 different problems here, but you will learn the key patterns to solve 1000 problems.

LeetCode: LeetCode’s range of problems and difficulty levels is arguably the broadest. It covers easy, medium, and hard problems (roughly, about 500+ easy, 1000+ medium, 500+ hard on the site). The easy ones are great for beginners to get used to basic coding tasks or implementing classic algorithms (e.g., reversing a linked list, simple math or string parsing). The medium level on LeetCode often corresponds to typical interview questions at big tech companies – these require good knowledge of data structures (like being comfortable with trees, graphs, dynamic programming, etc.). The hard problems on LeetCode can be extremely challenging – some venture into advanced algorithmic techniques or are like competition problems. While not every company will ask those, tackling hard problems is excellent practice for improving your skills if you have time. LeetCode also spans a huge variety of topics: from basic arrays and strings to advanced topics like bit manipulation, computational geometry, or combinatorics. It even has a few system design or database query problems, but those are rare and not the main focus. Because of this variety, LeetCode can serve you at every stage: a beginner can start with “easy” tagged problems (and there are lists like the popular “Blind 75” which is a curated subset of important problems), and an advanced user can still find new challenges among the hard problems or compete in weekly contests. The key is to use LeetCode’s filters and lists to navigate difficulty. One downside: as noted, no inherent progression is enforced, so you must self-regulate to move from easy to medium to hard as you improve. If you randomly jump into hard problems too soon, it can be discouraging. But if used methodically, LeetCode’s difficulty spread is a huge asset – you’ll never run out of problems in your target difficulty range.

InterviewBit: InterviewBit’s library of problems is smaller than LeetCode’s, but they cover easy through hard in a controlled way. Since InterviewBit sorts problems into a progressive path, you typically start with easier ones in a category and move to harder ones after you’ve gained confidence. The hardest problems on InterviewBit are comparable to medium-hard LeetCode questions – tricky and requiring cleverness or efficient data structures, but not as off-the-charts difficult as the most insane LeetCode hard ones. This aligns with their focus on practical interview prep; they include what you’re likely to be asked in interviews (which rarely involves solving ultra-obscure algorithmic riddles). InterviewBit also covers a breadth of topics but tends to skip overly esoteric ones. They have categories for things like math, bit manipulation, backtracking, DP, etc., ensuring you see a representative set of problems in each area. For a beginner to intermediate learner, InterviewBit’s range is very appropriate – it gradually ramps you up to solve problems of the level you’d face in a real interview. One thing to note: InterviewBit includes some theoretical and design questions as you progress (e.g., maybe a few system design or DB-related conceptual questions in their later sections), but the platform is predominantly about coding questions. So if you need something beyond coding algorithms (like full system design), you might need a supplemental resource, but for coding problem difficulty – they’ve got you covered from ground level to a decent height.

CodeSignal: CodeSignal’s interview practice problems range from easy to hard as well, but the platform is perhaps best known for its assessment-style questions of moderate difficulty. The CodeSignal General Coding Assessment (GCA), which many people practice for, typically has tasks that an above-average interviewee can solve within 70-80 minutes (4 tasks varying in difficulty). These tasks are usually medium-level algorithm problems with a twist or two. CodeSignal’s Arcade starts very easy for beginners and then escalates. By the time you reach the later “levels” in Arcade mode, you’re solving problems that could be considered medium-hard. However, CodeSignal doesn’t emphasize super hard competition problems; its sweet spot is interview-level difficulty. Also, the types of problems include some that are formatted differently – for example, filling in code to pass all tests, or writing a function under certain constraints – which trains you for coding test conditions. In terms of variety, CodeSignal covers standard algorithms, but also some quirky puzzles and even challenges that involve bit operations or simple AI logic (since they have a broader user base and some game-like challenges). The difficulty is clearly marked in the Arcade with progress, and you can collect points/badges which adds motivation. If you are intermediate level, CodeSignal is great to sharpen your skills; if you’re a complete beginner, you might find the Arcade a fun way to start (and it will teach you gradually). Advanced users might exhaust CodeSignal’s unique content relatively quickly and then turn to other sources for more hard problems.

Other Platforms: HackerRank has an easy/medium/hard tagging as well. Their “Interview Preparation Kits” are basically curated lists of easy-medium-hard problems sorted by topic (for example, 5 easy array problems, then 5 medium, etc.), which is useful for structured difficulty progression. CodeWars is another platform that focuses on challenges (called “kata”) from beginner to expert; it’s less about interviews specifically but great for coding practice and it has a gamified rank system. Project Euler (for algorithmic math problems) and Codeforces (competitive programming contests) are geared towards hard algorithmic challenges; these might be beyond what a typical coding interview asks, but they can make you very strong in problem-solving if you go through them.

In summary, when it comes to problem types and difficulty:

• DesignGurus.io ensures you cover representative examples of each important problem type (good coverage for interviews) without deluging you in volume; difficulty goes from basic to advanced-interview level, but not into pure competitive programming territory.

• LeetCode offers every difficulty – from trivial to extremely hard – and a huge variety of problems, making it suitable for continuous growth (just be mindful to progress gradually).

• InterviewBit covers the range needed for interviews in a guided way, peaking at high-intermediate difficulty, which is enough for most interview scenarios.

• CodeSignal provides a mix up to a solid medium-hard level, closely mirroring what real hiring tests involve, so it’s great for practical readiness especially at intermediate levels.

• Ultimately, the best approach is to match the platform’s difficulty range with your needs: for instance, use DesignGurus or InterviewBit to build from basics to intermediate, then LeetCode to push into harder problems once you master the patterns. If you plan to aim for top-tier companies, eventually tackling some LeetCode hard problems (or similar) will ensure you’re prepared for even the toughest questions.

System Design Content

When comparing DesignGurus.io with other platforms, one of the biggest differentiators is system design preparation:

DesignGurus.io (System Design): DesignGurus.io has become almost synonymous with system design interview prep, thanks to its popular courses. The flagship “Grokking the System Design Interview” course is widely recommended. It provides a systematic approach to tackling system design questions by breaking them down into steps (requirements clarifications, establishing scope, defining high-level architecture, discussing data storage, etc.). The course is full of real-world design case studies – from designing a URL Shortener and TinyURL to designing Facebook’s News Feed or YouTube. Each case study is explained in depth with diagrams and reasoning. Importantly, the course doesn’t just give you one solution; it teaches general principles (like how load balancers work, why you might choose SQL vs NoSQL, caching strategies, etc.) that you can apply to any system design. For those wanting more, DesignGurus also offers “Grokking the Advanced System Design”, which covers complex topics like sharding, replication, microservices architectures, and other deep-dive scenarios. These courses are targeted at mid to senior-level engineers who need to prepare for design rounds at companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, etc. In terms of content, there are textual explanations, diagrams, and sometimes even small quizzes or exercises to reinforce learning. No other platform in our comparison (LeetCode, InterviewBit, CodeSignal) comes close to this level of dedicated system design content – they are primarily coding problem platforms. So DesignGurus stands out as a go-to resource if system design is on your interview agenda. Even for those who might use free resources, many still use DesignGurus as a structured way to cover the bases (because free resources like blog posts or the GitHub System Design Primer require you to self-assemble a curriculum). In short, DesignGurus is arguably the best in class for system design prep, offering comprehensive coverage and a clear learning path.

LeetCode and Others (System Design): Traditional coding platforms like LeetCode do not focus on system design. LeetCode’s content is 99% coding problems; at most, you might find a discussion thread in LeetCode where users talk about system design experiences or a problem that lightly touches on design (some LeetCode hard problems have a design flavor, like designing a specific data structure or an API, but these are not the same as large-scale system design questions). InterviewBit similarly is focused on algorithms and coding questions, though it has a small section of interview experiences that might include design questions, it doesn’t teach system design concepts outright. CodeSignal doesn’t cover system design either, as it’s oriented towards coding assessments. Therefore, if you rely solely on these platforms, you’ll need to find system design prep elsewhere for senior roles.

That said, there are other resources outside of our main list: Educative.io hosts the same DesignGurus system design course in an interactive format, and another course by a different author (ByteByteGo by Alex Xu, who wrote a system design book).

There are also YouTube videos, books, and the free System Design Primer on GitHub. However, these vary in quality and structure.

DesignGurus’s course being structured and up-to-date is a big plus – it’s regularly updated with new case studies and latest best practices, whereas a book or static resource might get outdated (for example, new technologies or approaches emerging).

In summary, for system design content:

• DesignGurus.io is a clear winner in this category among our platforms, as it explicitly “offers comprehensive system design courses that go beyond algorithm practice”. If your target job will ask system design, strongly consider using it or a similar dedicated resource.

• Other coding platforms like LeetCode, InterviewBit, CodeSignal, etc., have minimal to no system design coverage – they’re excellent for coding prep but don’t prepare you for questions about designing large systems. You would need to supplement them with a system design resource (which could be DesignGurus itself).

• If you’re only interviewing for entry-level positions, you might not need system design yet. But for completeness, having at least some knowledge (for surprise design questions or just to broaden your skillset) is beneficial, and DesignGurus’s introductory system design lessons can be approachable even if you’re relatively new, because they start with fundamentals and basic designs before moving to advanced concepts.

DesignGurus.io System Design Courses

1. Grokking System Design Fundamentals
2. Grokking the System Design Interview
3. Grokking the Advanced System Design Interview

Mock Interview Offerings

Practicing coding problems is one half of the equation; the other half is being able to perform under interview conditions. Mock interviews – whether timed solo practice or live with another person – are extremely helpful. Here’s how our platforms compare in offering mock interview experiences:

DesignGurus.io: In addition to courses, DesignGurus provides a Mock Interview service. This isn’t an automated feature, but rather a scheduled session where you can book a technical mock interview with an experienced interviewer (often FAANG engineers or the authors of the Grokking courses). During these sessions, you’ll be given coding and/or system design questions just like a real interview, and the interviewer will interact with you, ask follow-up questions, etc. After the interview, you receive detailed feedback on your performance – what you did well and where to improve. This kind of mock interview is incredibly valuable because it simulates the pressure of an actual interview and gives you personalized insights. The downside is it comes at an extra cost (it’s a premium service by DesignGurus). It’s best suited for people who have an important interview coming up and want to do a dress rehearsal with a pro. DesignGurus also pairs this with their content – for example, you might do a mock system design interview after taking their system design course to test your knowledge. So, DesignGurus’ offering here is high-touch and geared towards serious prep, differentiating it from most standard platforms. They essentially have real humans to interview you (like an interview coaching service), which others don’t provide directly.

LeetCode: LeetCode has a feature called “Mock Interview” which allows you to simulate an interview by yourself. You can select parameters (like the topics you want, the difficulty, number of questions, etc.) and the platform will throw random questions at you one by one with a timer, as if you were in a timed coding interview. You write your code in their editor and can check if you passed the tests at the end. It’s a great way to put yourself under time pressure and see how you perform. However, it’s not a live interview – it’s you against the clock. There’s no one giving you feedback or asking clarification questions. It’s still useful for practice, especially to gauge if you can solve certain difficulties in a limited time. LeetCode also keeps track of your performance in these mocks (like which questions you solved, how fast, etc.). For many candidates, doing a bunch of these self-administered mocks is a staple in late-stage preparation. Additionally, LeetCode’s premium subscription gives you access to company-specific question sets – some candidates simulate a “mock interview” by picking two questions that were asked at, say, Google, and timing themselves. While not an official feature in that case, the ability to filter by company lets you practice as if “Google interview round 1” is happening. So LeetCode’s mock interview offering is strong for solo practice, but it doesn’t include interactive interviewer feedback.

InterviewBit: InterviewBit also offers a Mock Interview feature as listed in its key features. This typically works by giving you a real interview question in a timed environment on their interface. After you finish, you can compare your solution with the ideal solution or others’ solutions. It’s similar in spirit to LeetCode’s approach. Additionally, InterviewBit has a feature where as you solve problems and progress, sometimes a prompt appears that simulates an interview question scenario (to keep you on your toes). There was also an option on InterviewBit to do peer interviews – at one point, they had a “Mock with a friend” where you could pair up, though this isn’t as widely used as something like Pramp. InterviewBit’s strength is more in the guided practice, so mock interviews on the platform are a supplemental feature.

CodeSignal: CodeSignal itself is used by companies to conduct live coding interviews through their Interview tool, but as an individual user, you don’t necessarily have a built-in way to do a live mock with a stranger. However, CodeSignal does allow you to take their certification tests (which feel like mock interviews – a set of 4 problems in 70-90 minutes). When you take those, you get a score, which somewhat serves as feedback on how you did. It’s not interactive, but it’s official and you can put your score on your resume if it’s good. Also, since CodeSignal’s environment is identical to what some companies use, if you practice there, you’re implicitly practicing the interview experience (some people even practice in CodeSignal’s interface for familiarity). But for interactive mocks, CodeSignal isn’t the go-to; you’d likely use a dedicated mock service.

Other Mock Interview Options: Since most platforms don’t offer live interviewer support (apart from premium services like DesignGurus or some bootcamps), many candidates use separate services for that. Pramp is a popular free peer-to-peer mock interview platform where you’re matched with another candidate; you interview each other in turn via video and a shared coding editor. This is great because it’s free and you get the experience of explaining your thoughts to someone. The drawback is the interviewer is just another peer (not necessarily very experienced), so feedback quality can vary. Interviewing.io is another platform (paid) where you can get anonymous mock interviews with senior engineers from big companies – it’s similar in concept to DesignGurus’ service, though often you don’t know who your interviewer will be exactly. Some people also just ask friends or use communities (e.g., a Discord or Slack group for interview prep) to set up informal mocks.

In context of our comparison:

• DesignGurus offers top-notch human-led mock interviews (with feedback) – excellent for final-stage prep if you can invest in it.

• LeetCode/InterviewBit provide automated mock interview modes – great for practice any time, especially to test your speed and readiness on random questions.

• CodeSignal offers assessment-style practice – not a mock with Q&A, but test-like sessions that simulate the pressure.

• Many candidates use a combination: perhaps do a dozen LeetCode or InterviewBit timed mock problems to build confidence, then schedule one or two live mock interviews (via DesignGurus or a peer) to get used to communicating and solving in front of someone.

Remember, practicing in an interview scenario is as important as solving problems at home. It helps you learn to explain your thinking, handle hints, and recover from mistakes – skills that pure coding practice might not teach. So whichever platform you use for coding prep, consider incorporating some form of mock interviews into your routine.

Check out the top 5 platforms for mock interviews.

Pricing and Value for Money

The cost of these platforms ranges from completely free to quite an investment. Let’s break down the pricing models and discuss the value you get from each, including DesignGurus:

• DesignGurus.io: DesignGurus operates on a paid model, offering individual courses and subscription plans. You can purchase lifetime access to a single course (for example, the coding patterns course or the system design course) typically for a one-time fee. They also promote an all-access subscription – recently, they’ve offered a monthly subscription around $99/month, or an annual subscription which brings the cost down significantly (one source notes as low as $19 per month when billed annually, which grants access to all Grokking courses ). Prices and promotions can vary; for instance, a lifetime plan for all courses has been advertised around $599 in some cases (often with discounts during sales). On face value, DesignGurus is one of the pricier options up front – especially compared to free resources – but the value comes from the structured curriculum and unique content (like system design) that you might not easily find elsewhere. If you consider that a coding bootcamp or personalized coaching can cost thousands of dollars, then a few hundred dollars for a suite of courses that could dramatically improve your interview outcomes might be justified. It’s all about your learning style and budget: if you need the guidance and can afford it, DesignGurus can be high value for money by saving you time (time you’d spend figuring out what to study, gathering materials, etc., is saved because they’ve done that for you). Additionally, their courses are lifetime access (if bought outright), meaning you can revisit them for refreshers when you interview again in the future. The mock interview service and resume reviews are extra costs – used on an as-needed basis. In terms of value, users often report that these resources helped them land jobs, making the cost worthwhile. Of course, if you are very self-motivated and resourceful, you could replicate some of what they teach using free content, but it might take significantly more effort. So, consider how much you value a clear, single source of truth for your prep. For many, DesignGurus strikes a good balance of cost vs. benefit, especially for system design prep which is hard to come by. If budget is a concern, you might use DesignGurus for only the areas you can’t easily get elsewhere (like system design), and use free sites for coding practice, to maximize value.

• LeetCode: LeetCode’s basic service is free. You can create an account and practice hundreds of questions, read discussions, etc., without paying anything. They make money through a Premium subscription (~$35 per month, or about $159 per year if paid annually, as of recent info). Premium unlocks additional features: access to locked problems (some problems are marked premium-only, often these are actual interview questions not available publicly), the ability to see which questions are asked by which company (company tagging and frequency), sorting by frequency, and some additional content like interview question list per company, a built-in video from leetcoders for some solutions, etc. Is premium worth it? For many, yes – if you are actively interviewing at top companies, knowing the “top 100 questions asked by Amazon” or being able to filter “Google Hard problems” can be gold for targeting your practice. Also, premium gives you the “mock interview” generator (the free version might limit how many mocks you can do or which questions are included). However, if you cannot pay, the free LeetCode is still extremely useful; you can find lists like Blind 75, etc., from the community that basically give you what you need to practice. So LeetCode offers great value even without spending a dime, and moderate cost for premium features that can save you some time in curation. Compared to DesignGurus, LeetCode is far cheaper (even free), but remember it does not teach you concepts – it’s mainly for practice, so you might need to supplement with learning resources if you’re not already comfortable with the theory.

• InterviewBit: InterviewBit is completely free for users. You just need to sign up and you have access to all the problems, tutorials, and features. The company’s model is that top performers might get noticed for job opportunities (and they have a sister company, Scaler, which is a paid intensive program – but the InterviewBit platform itself is a free offering). This makes InterviewBit extremely high value for money because you get a structured program and problem set without paying. On the flip side, being free means you might not get personal support; the platform is self-service (though they do have forums and sometimes mentors visible in discussions). For many, InterviewBit is a no-brainer to at least try because it costs only your time. It’s worth noting that because it’s free, if you want more personalized help or system design, you’ll need other resources (which might be paid). But as far as coding prep goes, the value proposition is excellent.

• CodeSignal: CodeSignal’s practice content is free as well. You can solve Arcade challenges, take practice tests, etc., without a subscription. They make money from companies who use their platform for recruiting. There is a limit on how often you can take the official certification tests for free (e.g., you might only get 1 free attempt every x months for the official proctored test, and additional attempts might require a fee or special invitation). But generally, for practice, you won’t pay anything. In terms of value, if you specifically want to simulate the coding assessment used by certain companies, CodeSignal is invaluable and it doesn’t cost you to practice. It’s a more niche use-case though; not everyone needs it, but it’s nice that it’s accessible.

• Other Platforms: HackerRank is free for practice; they also monetize via companies. CodeWars free. GeeksforGeeks is free (with optional paid courses or doubt support). AlgoExpert is paid – around $99 for the coding interview package – which sits in between LeetCode and DesignGurus in terms of pricing; it gives you a curated set of 160 questions with video solutions and some system design content (though not as extensive as Grokking). Educative.io works on a subscription model, around $20–$40 per month depending on plan, giving access to all their courses. If you prefer reading and interactive code, Educative’s value is great because one sub gives you lots of courses. But if you only care about Grokking content, some find just getting it from DesignGurus.io or as individual courses is simpler.

When evaluating value, consider time vs money: If a platform can teach you in 2 months what might take 4 months of self-study, that time saved could be worth a lot (especially if it means landing a job sooner). Also consider depth vs breadth: Free platforms often give breadth (lots of problems) but not depth (detailed guidance), whereas paid courses give depth (expert guidance) but you might still need breadth from somewhere.

A balanced approach could be: use free resources to practice widely and paid resources to learn efficiently. For instance, some candidates pay for a 1-month LeetCode premium in the final stretch to grind company-specific questions, or pay for a 2-month subscription on Educative/DesignGurus to learn patterns and system design, while using free platforms the rest of the time.

In conclusion on pricing:

• DesignGurus.io: Higher upfront cost, high value if you need structured learning and system design – essentially paying for expert knowledge and time-saving.

• LeetCode: Free to use extensively; premium is optional and moderately priced – good value given the number of questions and features.

• InterviewBit: Completely free – unbeatable value for structured algo prep.

• CodeSignal: Free practice – great value if you need it for assessments.

• The best platform for you also depends on your budget; but remember, investing in the right prep can pay off with a great job offer. It’s about finding the right mix so you get the maximum benefit for the money (if any) you spend.

Check the platforms to practice system design.

Best For: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced?

Each platform tends to cater to certain experience levels or learning stages better than others. Here’s a quick rundown of which skill level or scenario each platform is “best for”:

• DesignGurus.io – Best for:

  • Beginners/Early Intermediates who want guidance: If you have basic programming knowledge (you know what arrays, loops, etc. are, but you haven’t solved many algorithm problems), DesignGurus’ pattern-based approach is very welcoming. It essentially gives you a roadmap of what to learn first. You won’t feel lost because it starts from fundamental patterns and builds up. However, absolute beginners (with no data structure knowledge at all) might need a quick intro to DS&A elsewhere before fully diving in. The courses assume you at least have seen things like arrays, linked lists, BFS/DFS basics, etc. Once you have that, DesignGurus is excellent for making you an intermediate problem solver quickly – you learn the core 15-20 patterns that underlie most interview questions.

  • Intermediate developers preparing for Big Tech interviews: If you’ve done some LeetCode and know the basics, DesignGurus can elevate your game by teaching you how to recognize patterns and giving you clean frameworks for approaching problems. It’s also great if you’ve been stuck in “random LeetCode solving” without structure – it will organize your prep.

  • Experienced engineers (Intermediate/Advanced) prepping system design: For those with 4-5+ years experience who now need to tackle system design interviews, DesignGurus.io is arguably one of the best resources to get up to speed. It’s tailored for mid/senior-level system design prep. Also, if you’re advanced in coding but weak in system design because you never had to do it before, this platform will fill that gap thoroughly.

  • Those who prefer a one-stop solution: If you want to handle coding, system design, behavioral tips, and even get mock interviews all in one place, DesignGurus is ideal. It’s best for candidates who are serious about preparation and maybe on a tighter timeline – you get concentrated, high-yield material without having to curate your own study plan from disparate sources. Essentially, DesignGurus is for learners who want a comprehensive prep package and are willing to invest in themselves to save time and get expert insights.

• LeetCode – Best for:

  • Intermediate and Advanced coders: LeetCode is every competitive candidate’s staple. It’s best for those who already have a foundation and want to practice extensively. If you’re intermediate (comfortable with basics and some advanced DS like trees/graphs), LeetCode will help you reach advanced level by exposing you to a wide array of problems. Advanced users use LeetCode to keep themselves sharp and to tackle the hardest problems out there for intellectual challenge or contest prep.

  • Self-driven beginners: Beginners can certainly use LeetCode too (many do start there), but the platform won’t hold your hand. It’s best for beginners who are self-motivated or using external guides (like the “NeetCode 150” list or a book like Cracking the Coding Interview to select problems). If you’re a beginner who likes diving into the deep end and learning by doing, you might find LeetCode engaging – just be sure to supplement with learning resources when you hit concepts you don’t understand.

  • Company-targeted prep: LeetCode premium is superb for people aiming at specific companies, because of the company question lists. If you’re, say, an intermediate/advanced coder who just needs to focus on “what does Google ask lately?”, LeetCode is best for that information.

  • Competitive practice and peer learning: If you enjoy discussing problems and alternate solutions, LeetCode’s community is best for that. It’s great for learning new tricks or more optimal solutions even after you solve a problem. So it’s ideal for those who learn from reading discussions and engaging with a community of fellow coders.

• InterviewBit – Best for:

  • Beginners stepping into interview prep: InterviewBit is really beginner-friendly because of its structured path. If you’re overwhelmed by LeetCode’s open-ended nature, start with InterviewBit. It literally tells you “solve these in order” and teaches concepts along the way. It’s great for someone in college or early career who needs a guided training program without paying for one.

  • Time-constrained learners who need focus: If you have, say, 1-2 months until interviews and you’re at a beginner/intermediate level, InterviewBit helps ensure you cover the important topics without getting sidetracked. It’s efficient because it’s curated.

  • Those who need motivation: The gamified aspect (earning points, seeing your rank) can motivate you if you like that kind of challenge. It’s best for people who enjoy a bit of game-like progression.

  • Note: It might not be sufficient for advanced preparation – once you finish InterviewBit’s questions, you’ll probably move to LeetCode for more practice. Also, it doesn’t cover system design, so more experienced folks will need other resources for that.

• CodeSignal – Best for:

  • Intermediate devs going through hiring tests: If you know that companies you’re applying to use CodeSignal or similar general assessments, it’s best to practice on CodeSignal to get used to that style and environment. It’s particularly well-suited for internship or new grad candidates, and also some companies use it for early career hiring, so if you’re in that boat, getting a good CodeSignal score can open doors.

  • Gamification lovers: If you find the idea of leveling up through an “arcade” of coding challenges fun, CodeSignal is great. It’s motivating to unlock progress and see your skills improve in a visual way.

  • Those looking to certify their skills: If you’re intermediate or advanced and want an extra credential, taking the official CodeSignal assessments and scoring high can be a plus. CodeSignal advertises that a good score can sometimes attract recruiter attention (they have a Talent Network). So it’s best for folks who maybe don’t have big brand names on their resume but can use an objective score to show their ability.

  • Not ideal for absolute beginners: CodeSignal doesn’t teach you algorithms; it expects you to solve. It’s better to start on HackerRank/InterviewBit to learn basics, then come to CodeSignal to test yourself.

• Others:

  • HackerRank – Best for beginners to practice basics: It has tutorials and very easy problems for someone just starting out (even simple “Hello World” type stuff). It’s also good for practicing things beyond algorithms (like SQL queries or practical coding tasks) which might appear in some interviews.

  • AlgoExpert – Best for intermediate who want a condensed set: It’s a paid option but many swear by it for focus – if you are already somewhat skilled and just want to practice the 100-160 “most important” questions and watch explanations, it’s good (though pricey if budget is an issue).

In a practical path, one might say:

• If you’re a beginner, start with something like InterviewBit or HackerRank’s easy challenges to build a foundation. Optionally, use a course like Grokking the Coding Interview (DesignGurus) early to learn patterns once you have the basics – this can accelerate you out of the beginner phase quickly by showing you the common patterns explicitly.

• As an intermediate, incorporate LeetCode heavily to get a lot of practice. Use DesignGurus or Educative to fill any conceptual gaps (like patterns or system design if relevant). CodeSignal practice can be sprinkled in if needed for certain job apps.

• As you become advanced, focus on LeetCode hard problems or competitive programming to really push boundaries, and definitely prepare system design via DesignGurus or similar if you haven’t already. At this stage, also do mock interviews to refine your interview technique.

• Throughout, adjust based on your target companies and roles: e.g., if you’re aiming for a front-end role, maybe LeetCode plus some design (low-level) and specific skills; if aiming for backend at a big tech, heavy on LeetCode, system design, etc.

The beauty of these platforms is you can mix and match. But knowing which one is best suited for your current level helps you not waste time.

For example, a beginner might get demotivated on LeetCode, whereas the same beginner might thrive on InterviewBit for a month, then tackle LeetCode with confidence.

An experienced dev might find InterviewBit too slow or basic, and might jump straight into DesignGurus.io system design and LeetCode mediums to refresh their skills quickly.

Check out the 7 top platforms for system design diagrams.

Why DesignGurus.io Stands Out (and Who Should Choose It)

Having compared DesignGurus.io with other platforms on various aspects, it’s clear that DesignGurus offers some unique advantages. Here’s a summary of why DesignGurus.io stands out and the type of person who would benefit most from it:

• Pattern-Based Learning = Faster Progress: DesignGurus’ coding interview course addresses one of the biggest pain points in interview prep – lack of structure. As mentioned earlier, many people feel lost on where to start with a giant problem bank. DesignGurus solves this by teaching you patterns that underlie most coding problems. This approach accelerates learning because you’re not just solving problem A, B, C in isolation – you’re learning the technique that can solve A, B, C and many more. For example, once you master the “Sliding Window” pattern, you suddenly can handle any sliding window question (subarray sums, longest substring, etc.) with confidence. This accelerated pattern-based learning is a core philosophy of DesignGurus.io. It’s like getting the distilled wisdom of hundreds of LeetCode problems, packaged into a digestible form. This stands out compared to other platforms where you might have to solve dozens of problems to independently realize the pattern yourself. Who should choose this? If you value a structured, efficient learning process – say you have limited time or you learn better with a guided curriculum – DesignGurus is ideal. It will give you a strong foundation faster than random practice might.

• Comprehensive System Design Training: We can’t emphasize this enough – DesignGurus is one of the few that provides in-depth system design preparation. If you’re aiming for roles that include system design interviews (typically 4+ years experience or applying to architect/design heavy roles), this is a game-changer. Their content covers both breadth (many different system case studies) and depth (detailed explanations with up-to-date practices). It’s written by experienced hiring managers from FAANG, meaning you’re getting insights from people who have both failed and passed candidates in real life. The fact that the course is continuously updated means it stays relevant (covering modern tech and tools, not just theoretical old examples). Who should choose this? Engineers who know algorithms well but lack exposure to large-scale system design – e.g., someone in a smaller company or a developer who hasn’t worked on highly scalable systems – will find this resource extremely helpful to bridge that gap. Also, any candidate targeting a company known for tough system design rounds (Google, Amazon, Uber, etc.) would benefit from the systematic preparation that DesignGurus provides.

• One-Stop Interview Prep Platform: DesignGurus markets itself as a “one-stop portal for tech interviews”, and it’s pretty accurate. It doesn’t just throw problems at you; it prepares you from every angle to land your dream job. This includes:

  • Coding patterns and extensive practice – so you handle algorithmic rounds.

  • System design roadmap – so you handle design rounds.

  • Behavioral and resume tips (they have a resume review service, and some content around behavioral interviews, though we didn’t cover that much above) – so you don’t neglect the HR/behavioral part.

  • Mock interviews with experts – so you can simulate and refine your skills in real-time.

  • Active community/forum – a place to discuss and clarify doubts (smaller than LeetCode’s, but focused).

  In contrast, other platforms tend to focus on one area (coding practice, or maybe just Q&A forums, etc.). Who should choose this? If you’re someone who likes the idea of having all your prep in one organized place – maybe you don’t want to juggle between a coding site, a separate book for system design, a separate mentor for mocks, etc. – then DesignGurus offers that unified experience. It’s especially useful for those who feel overwhelmed coordinating multiple resources or for those who want a coherent progression (the platform can guide you: “do this course, then that, then take a mock interview, etc.”).

• Expertly Curated Content: The content in DesignGurus.io isn’t crowd-sourced; it’s carefully created by experts. That means the solutions are likely to be optimal and the explanations are pedagogically sound. For example, they won’t just tell you solution X is better; they’ll explain why and when to use certain data structures or patterns. Because the authors have interviewed candidates, they often inject tips on what interviewers look for – e.g., if a certain problem is discussed, they might mention “common mistakes candidates make” or “how to communicate this solution in an interview.” Those kind of insights can be the difference between a good and a great performance in an interview. Who benefits? Learners who want to not just solve a problem but understand the interviewing perspective. It’s like getting coaching from someone on the other side of the table, which is very valuable.

• High Success Rate Testimonials: While one should always take testimonials with a grain of salt, DesignGurus has plenty of success stories featured. Many users credit “Grokking the System Design” for helping them land jobs at FAANG. The approach of teaching patterns has also been lauded on forums (people often recommend “learn patterns, not just individual LeetCode questions”). The popularity and positive word-of-mouth of DesignGurus indicate that it has genuinely helped a lot of people. This doesn’t directly make it better than others, but it’s a good sign that the approach works for many. Who is it for? If you’ve tried self-study with moderate success and want to try something proven by others, DesignGurus could be a refreshing change that propels you further.

• Lifetime Access & Constant Updates: Once you buy a DesignGurus course, you typically get lifetime access (for that course). This means you can always come back to review before future interviews or when you just want to brush up. They also keep adding new content (for example, new design case studies or new patterns if needed). This sets it apart from some static resources like a book which you buy once but doesn’t update. Who should consider this? Anyone who views interview prep as an ongoing journey or as part of general skill improvement. Even if you land a job now, a couple years down the line you might interview again – having permanent access to a high-quality resource means you can prepare faster next time around.

In essence, DesignGurus.io stands out by offering a holistic, structured, and expert-led approach to interview prep. It’s like having a personal coach that guides you through what to learn for coding interviews and system design, as opposed to just giving you a playground to practice.

Choose DesignGurus.io if:

• You need a structured plan and don’t want to piece together one yourself.

• You specifically need to conquer system design interviews.

• You appreciate learning through patterns and real examples rather than just endless problem solving.

• You’re aiming for top tech companies and want to be well-rounded in all interview aspects (algorithms + design + communication).

• You are willing to invest some money to save time and improve your outcomes (essentially investing in your career).

On the other hand, if you are someone who is extremely self-motivated, already very strong in algorithms, and maybe already experienced with system design, you might feel you can do without a paid platform by using free resources and your own plan.

Check out the complete system design roadmap for 2025.

Final Recommendations: Choosing the Best Platform for Your Needs

Every aspirant’s journey is different, so the “best” platform often depends on individual learning needs and where you are in your preparation. Here are some final recommendations to help you decide which platform(s) to use, based on different scenarios and learning needs:

• If you’re just starting out (new to coding interviews): Begin with a structured and supportive platform. InterviewBit is a great free starting point for learning the ropes of coding interviews in a guided way. It will ensure you cover the fundamentals. If you prefer a course-like experience and don’t mind investing a little, you could also start with Grokking the Coding Interview on DesignGurus.io to learn problem-solving patterns from day one – this can quickly give you a strong framework for tackling questions. As you build confidence, you can then graduate to solving more problems on LeetCode. The key is to not get overwhelmed initially, so use the structure of InterviewBit or DesignGurus to create momentum.

• If you have a decent grasp of basics but need more practice: LeetCode should be your primary practice ground. It’s simply the best platform for extensive practice once you know what topics to hit. Use lists like Blind 75 or company tagged questions to focus your efforts. Complement your LeetCode practice with DesignGurus.io for any areas where you feel less confident in approach – for instance, if dynamic programming puzzles are tripping you up, learning the DP patterns from DesignGurus can help. Also, consider joining discussions on LeetCode or communities like Stack Exchange to deepen your understanding of solutions. Essentially, for intermediate learners, a combination of LeetCode (to practice and expose weaknesses) and targeted learning (DesignGurus or other tutorials to fix those weaknesses) works best.

• If you’re preparing for specific companies or roles: Tailor your platform use accordingly. For example, if you’re targeting FAANG companies:

  • Use LeetCode Premium to filter and practice the top questions asked by that company.

  • Use DesignGurus.io system design content if you’re expecting system design rounds (most FAANGs do for experienced roles). This will ensure you have concrete strategies for those questions.

  • If the company uses CodeSignal or HackerRank as a screening step, practice on those platforms beforehand (e.g., take CodeSignal practice tests, solve HackerRank’s sample tests) so you’re familiar with the environment.

  • For roles like data scientist or ones that might involve SQL, consider practicing on HackerRank (SQL section) or LeetCode’s database problems, since DesignGurus and others are more software-dev-oriented.

  • If you’re aiming for a startup or a company known for harder algorithmic rounds, focusing on LeetCode hard problems and maybe Codeforces contests might be beneficial to push your limits.

• If you struggle with system design or have senior interviews coming: Definitely incorporate DesignGurus.io’s system design course into your prep. It might be the difference between an “okay” design interview and an “impressive” one. In addition, try to do some mock system design interviews – either with colleagues or via a service – because articulating a design is a skill in itself. The knowledge you gain from DesignGurus will give you content to talk about, and practicing delivery will make sure you can convey that knowledge well.

• If you need mock interview practice and feedback: If you have the resources, schedule at least one mock interview through DesignGurus.io or a similar professional service to get feedback. A session like that can reveal quirks in your communication or approach that you wouldn’t notice on your own. If budget is an issue, utilize free options like Pramp for peer mocks; it’s still very helpful to simulate explaining your solutions out loud. The goal is to not have your real interview be the first time you code under observation. So whichever coding platform you use for practice, pair it with some form of mock interview before the actual day.

• For the holistic learner who wants an all-in-one solution: If you prefer one integrated approach rather than using multiple sites, DesignGurus.io is arguably the best single-platform solution since it covers algorithms, system design, and even offers mock interviews and resume help. You could, in theory, do your entire prep within DesignGurus (learn patterns, practice provided problems, review system design, maybe use their forum for questions, then do a mock interview with their experts). This simplifies your workflow. The only drawback is the number of coding problems might be limited compared to something like LeetCode’s ocean of problems. So, a strategy could be: use DesignGurus as your primary learning platform, but when you need extra practice on a particular pattern or just more repetition, jump to LeetCode to pick additional problems of that type. This way you still stay mostly in one ecosystem for learning but leverage free content for volume.

• If you have a lot of time (say 6+ months) and want to become a coding interview master: You can practically use everything: start with structured learning (InterviewBit or DesignGurus) for 1-2 months, then spend a good chunk of time on LeetCode for breadth. Participate in LeetCode contests or CodeSignal competitions to build speed. Read system design blogs/books in parallel, then maybe take DesignGurus system design to solidify that knowledge. By the end, do mocks on multiple platforms (Pramp, interviewing.io, friends). With that much time, variety keeps things interesting and you’ll gather a wide perspective. But always ensure you’re actually improving and not just hopping platforms without a plan – have a schedule (e.g., “this month I focus on DP problems, next month on system design”).

• If you have very little time (say 2-3 weeks before interviews): Prioritize ruthlessly. Focus on the high-yield platforms and questions. For coding, maybe stick to the known top questions (use LeetCode’s company lists or a curated list like Top 100) and consider using DesignGurus to quickly learn patterns so you can tackle those questions faster. For system design (if needed), read summaries of key topics (scalability, databases, etc.) – DesignGurus’s condensed explanations can be read within a few days to cover common designs. Basically, short on time means lean on materials that summarize or highlight the important stuff (DesignGurus does this well for patterns/design, LeetCode’s discussion can help with quick solution patterns). And definitely simulate a timed coding round or two so you get timing down.

In conclusion, there isn’t a single “best” platform for everyone – it’s about the best combination for you. Many successful candidates actually use multiple resources: perhaps LeetCode for daily practice, DesignGurus.io for learning patterns and system design, and InterviewBit/others for additional guided practice or theory refreshers.

What’s most important is to identify your weaknesses and choose the platform that addresses them:

• Need structure? -> DesignGurus.

• Need lots of practice questions? -> LeetCode.

• Need system design? -> DesignGurus (system design).

• Need environment familiarity for a test? -> CodeSignal or HackerRank.

• Need mock interviews? -> DesignGurus.io (mock).

For many candidates, a recommended path is: learn with DesignGurus, practice with LeetCode, and refine with mock interviews. This way you get the best of all worlds – solid learning, ample practice, and real-world simulation.

Ultimately, the best platform is the one that keeps you engaged, improves your skills, and gives you confidence for the interview. All the platforms discussed have helped people land great jobs. Find the mix that works for you, stay consistent in practice, and you’ll be well on your way to cracking those coding interviews. Good luck!