How do I prepare for coding round in 2 days?

Preparing for a coding round in just two days is a challenging task, but with focused effort and the right strategies, you can maximize your preparation. Here’s a plan to help you get ready:

Day 1: Review Concepts and Solve Problems

1. Review Key Concepts

Spend the morning reviewing essential data structures and algorithms. Focus on the following topics:

• Data Structures: Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, trees (binary trees, binary search trees), and graphs.
• Algorithms: Sorting (quick sort, merge sort), searching (binary search), recursion, and basic dynamic programming.

Resources:

• GeeksforGeeks: Data Structures
• LeetCode: Algorithms

2. Practice Coding Problems

Dedicate the afternoon to solving coding problems. Start with easy problems to warm up, then progressively tackle medium and hard questions. Focus on commonly asked interview problems.

• Platform Suggestions:
  • LeetCode: Filter problems by tags like "Array," "String," or "Dynamic Programming."
  • HackerRank: Try their "30 Days of Code" challenges.

Resources:

• LeetCode Practice
• HackerRank Java Challenges

3. Analyze Solutions

After solving problems, review the solutions. Understand different approaches, especially more optimal ones. This will help you in interviews when discussing your thought process.

Resources:

• GeeksforGeeks Problem Solutions

Day 2: Mock Interviews and Focus on Weak Areas

1. Take Mock Interviews

Start your second day with mock interviews to simulate the coding round experience. Use platforms that offer peer-to-peer interviews or interview simulators.

• Mock Interview Platforms:
  • Pramp: Pair with someone else to practice coding questions.
  • designgurus.io: Engage in anonymous mock interviews with feedback.

Resources:

• Pramp
• designgurus.io

2. Focus on Weak Areas

After the mock interview, identify any weak areas. Spend time reviewing concepts or solving problems related to those weaknesses. Focus on any specific data structures or algorithms that you struggled with during practice.

3. Prepare for Behavioral Questions

In addition to coding questions, prepare for behavioral questions. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to structure your responses.

• Common Behavioral Questions:
  • Tell me about a challenging project you worked on.
  • How do you handle tight deadlines?

Resources:

• The Balance Careers: STAR Method

Final Tips

• Stay Calm and Confident: Get a good night’s sleep before the interview, and approach each problem calmly.
• Practice Clear Communication: During the interview, clearly articulate your thought process as you code.

By following this intensive two-day plan and using the suggested resources, you can effectively prepare for your coding round. Good luck!