Is C++ good for coding interviews?

Yes, C++ is an excellent language for coding interviews for several reasons:

1. Speed and Efficiency

C++ is known for its speed and efficiency, making it a great choice for competitive programming and coding interviews where execution time matters. Its ability to manage memory manually can result in more efficient solutions, especially in problems that involve large data sets or require fine control over resources.

Source: GeeksforGeeks: Competitive Programming Languages

2. Control Over Memory Management

C++ gives you low-level control over memory with features like pointers, manual memory allocation, and deallocation. This is beneficial in coding interviews because some interviewers might ask questions about memory management and optimization, which can be handled well in C++.

Source: GeeksforGeeks: Memory Management in C++

3. Rich Standard Template Library (STL)

The C++ Standard Template Library (STL) provides useful data structures (like vectors, stacks, and maps) and algorithms (like sorting and searching) that are commonly needed in coding interviews. STL can save time and reduce boilerplate code when solving complex problems.

Source: C++ STL Documentation

4. Flexibility with Both High and Low-Level Programming

C++ allows you to write both high-level object-oriented programs and low-level procedural code. This flexibility is beneficial in coding interviews where you might need to solve a wide range of problems, from algorithmic challenges to low-level optimizations.

Source: Studytonight: C++ vs Other Languages

5. Industry Relevance

Many top tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, use C++ for performance-critical applications. Mastering C++ for coding interviews can also help if you end up working in areas like systems programming, game development, or high-performance computing.

Source: Glassdoor: C++ Developer Jobs

Conclusion

C++ is a great choice for coding interviews due to its speed, control over memory, rich STL, and flexibility. While it can be more complex compared to languages like Python, the advantages in performance and control can be crucial, especially for algorithm-heavy or system-level interview questions.