The number of hours you should dedicate to studying for a coding interview can vary widely based on several factors, such as your current skill level, familiarity with the interview format, and the complexity of the role you're applying for. Here's a general guideline:

Personal Skill Level

• Beginner: If you're new to coding or the specific languages and concepts relevant to the interview, you might need more extensive preparation, potentially around 200-300 hours.
• Intermediate: With a fair understanding of basic algorithms and data structures, you might require 100-200 hours.
• Experienced: If you're already proficient in coding and familiar with interview-style questions, 50-100 hours might be sufficient.

Interview Complexity

• Interviews at top tech companies like Google, Amazon, or Facebook typically require more preparation due to their competitive nature and the complexity of the questions asked.

Preparation Strategy

• Consistent Daily Practice: Aim for 1-2 hours of focused study each day rather than long, irregular sessions.
• Mock Interviews: Include mock interviews in your preparation, as they can significantly enhance your problem-solving and communication skills under pressure.

Quality Over Quantity

• Focus on the quality of your study. Understanding concepts deeply is more important than the number of hours spent.

Balancing Study with Rest

• Avoid burnout by balancing intense study sessions with adequate rest and relaxation.

Last Week Before the Interview

• Reduce the intensity of your preparation to avoid fatigue. Focus more on revising and less on learning new concepts.

Remember, these are just guidelines. The ideal preparation time depends on your personal circumstances and goals. It's important to create a study plan that fits your schedule and learning style and to adjust it as needed based on your progress.