How to ace a live coding interview?

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Before anything else, make sure you're solid on fundamental programming concepts. This includes:

Data Structures: Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, trees, and graphs.
Algorithms: Sorting, searching, recursion, and basic dynamic programming.

Practice Coding Problems

Consistent practice is crucial. Aim to solve 2-3 problems daily on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Focus on a mix of easy, medium, and hard problems to build your problem-solving skills.

Master Common Coding Patterns

Recognizing patterns can help you tackle problems more efficiently. Consider studying:

Sliding Window
Two Pointers
Fast and Slow Pointers

For structured learning, check out Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions and Grokking Data Structures & Algorithms for Coding Interviews.

Time Yourself

Live coding interviews are timed, so practice solving problems within a set timeframe. This helps you manage time effectively and stay calm under pressure.

Communicate Clearly

During the interview, explain your thought process out loud. This shows your problem-solving approach and helps interviewers understand your reasoning. Practice this by discussing your solutions with a friend or mentor.

Optimize Your Solutions

After solving a problem, review your code to find ways to make it more efficient. Focus on improving time and space complexity where possible.

Prepare for Different Scenarios

Be ready to handle variations of common problems. This includes understanding edge cases and being flexible with your approaches.

Use Mock Interviews

Simulate the interview environment with mock sessions. This provides valuable feedback and helps you get comfortable with the live coding format. Try the Coding Mock Interview sessions by DesignGurus.io for personalized feedback from ex-FAANG engineers.

Review and Learn from Mistakes

After each practice session or mock interview, take time to review what went well and what didn’t. Learn from your mistakes to avoid repeating them in the actual interview.

Stay Healthy and Confident

Lastly, take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat well, and stay positive. Confidence plays a big role in how you perform during the interview.