What should I prepare for a coding interview?

Preparing for a coding interview involves several key areas of focus to ensure you're well-equipped to handle the types of questions typically asked. Here's a comprehensive approach:

Data Structures

• Essentials: Arrays, strings, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees (binary trees, binary search trees, heaps), graphs, hash tables.
• Understand: How they work, how to implement them, and their time and space complexities.

Algorithms

• Sorting and Searching: Quick sort, merge sort, bubble sort, binary search.
• Dynamic Programming: Understanding recursion and how to optimize solutions using memoization or tabulation.
• Graph Algorithms: Depth-first search (DFS), breadth-first search (BFS), Dijkstra’s algorithm.
• Others: Greedy algorithms, divide and conquer.

Problem Solving

• Practice solving problems from platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or DesignGurus.io.
• Focus on a variety of problems, including array manipulation, string processing, and algorithmic challenges that require a deep understanding of data structures and algorithms.

System Design (for senior-level positions)

• Understand how to design larger systems, focusing on scalability, reliability, maintainability, and flexibility.
• Topics can include designing a URL shortening service, a notification system, or a simple social network.

Coding Practice

• Write code on a regular basis to become familiar with syntax and common algorithms.
• Pay attention to writing clean, efficient, and bug-free code.

Mock Interviews

• Simulate the interview environment with mock interviews, either with peers or using platforms like Design Gurus.
• Practice thinking out loud and explaining your thought process.

Behavioral Questions

• Be prepared to discuss your previous work, especially in relation to problem-solving and teamwork.
• Understand the company’s values and be ready to answer how your experience aligns with these values.

Theoretical Knowledge

• Refresh basic concepts in computer science, like operating systems, database management, networking, and concurrency.

Time and Space Complexity

• Be comfortable analyzing the efficiency of your solutions.

Language Proficiency

• Be proficient in at least one programming language, preferably one that is widely used and accepted in interviews, like Python, Java, or JavaScript.

Soft Skills

• Practice explaining complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Work on your communication skills, as they are crucial in explaining your approach and reasoning during the interview.

Remember, consistency and quality of preparation are key. Tailor your study plan based on the time available before the interview and focus on areas where you feel less confident.

Ref:

1. Grokking Data Structures for Coding Interviews
2. Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions