How to prepare for a coding interview in one day?

Preparing for a coding interview in one day is challenging, but with focused and efficient study, you can maximize your preparation time. Here’s a plan to help you make the most of your limited time:

1. Review Fundamental Concepts (2-3 hours)

Data Structures:

• Arrays
• Linked Lists
• Stacks and Queues
• Hash Tables
• Trees (Binary Trees, BST)
• Graphs (Basic understanding)

Algorithms:

• Sorting (Quick Sort, Merge Sort)
• Searching (Binary Search)
• Basic Dynamic Programming
• Recursion

2. Practice Key Patterns and Problems (3-4 hours)

Focus on Common Patterns:

• Sliding Window
• Two Pointers
• Fast and Slow Pointers
• Merge Intervals
• Cyclic Sort

Suggested Resource: Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions from DesignGurus.io

3. Solve a Few Practice Problems (2-3 hours)

LeetCode or HackerRank:

• Choose a few problems from the “Top 100 Liked Questions” or company-specific problems.
• Focus on medium-level problems to balance difficulty and practice efficiency.

4. Review Previous Interview Questions (1 hour)

Company-Specific Questions:

• If you know the company you're interviewing with, review common questions they ask (available on Glassdoor or LeetCode Discuss).
• Focus on understanding the types of problems and the solutions.

5. Simulate the Interview Environment (1 hour)

Mock Interview:

• Use a platform like DesignGurus.io or Pramp, or practice with a friend.
• Focus on explaining your thought process clearly and efficiently.

6. Focus on Problem-Solving Strategies (1 hour)

Break Down Problems:

• Practice breaking down problems into smaller, manageable parts.
• Write pseudocode or outline your approach before coding.

7. Relax and Refresh (Remaining Time)

Stay Calm:

• Take short breaks to avoid burnout.
• Ensure you get enough rest before the interview.

Detailed Plan

Hour 1-3: Review Fundamental Concepts

• Quickly review notes or online resources on data structures and algorithms.
• Focus on understanding the basics and key properties.

Hour 4-6: Practice Key Patterns

• Use Grokking the Coding Interview to review common coding patterns.
• Practice a few example problems for each pattern to solidify your understanding.

Hour 7-9: Solve Practice Problems

• Choose problems that cover a range of topics and patterns.
• Focus on solving the problems efficiently and understanding the solutions.

Hour 10: Review Previous Interview Questions

• Look up common interview questions for the company you’re interviewing with.
• Understand the problem types and practice any unique problems you find.

Hour 11: Simulate the Interview Environment

• Conduct a mock interview, focusing on explaining your thought process and approach.
• Review any feedback you receive and identify areas for improvement.

Hour 12: Focus on Problem-Solving Strategies

• Practice breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts.
• Write pseudocode and outline your approach before diving into coding.

Remaining Time: Relax and Refresh

• Take breaks to keep your mind fresh.
• Ensure you’re well-rested and calm before the interview.

Conclusion

Preparing for a coding interview in one day is intense, but focusing on key areas and using structured resources like Grokking the Coding Interview from DesignGurus.io can help you make the most of your time. Review fundamental concepts, practice common patterns, solve practice problems, and simulate the interview environment to maximize your preparation.

Good luck with your interview!