Key insights

• 👨‍💻 Started with easy problems on LeetCode using C++ and struggled with edge cases and lacked expertise in data structures and algorithms
• 📘 Emphasized the importance of understanding basics such as arrays, linked lists, hash maps, trees, sorting, and binary search
• 🐍 Switched to Python for coding interviews due to its concise syntax and availability of learning resources, while also acknowledging Java as verbose and C++ as a good choice
• 💡 Stressed the significance of problem-solving skills in interviews and the benefit of practicing sequential LeetCode questions
• 🔄 Advised to solve problems in a specific order, consistently solving one or two problems a day and not spending excessive time on a single problem
• 🧠 Highlighted the need to build understanding gradually, solve problems consistently, and focus on understanding the solutions
• 📊 Realized that most LeetCode problems can be categorized into specific buckets and that confidence can be gained through struggle with dynamic programming problems
• 📈 Emphasized that success in technical interviews is more about probability and aiming for quality over quantity, with repetition and understanding being key to mastering complex algorithms
• ⏱️ Recognized LeetCode quizzes as time-saving and valuable for tech career growth, emphasizing the application of skills to real-world development and mentioning the Taro platform for learning opportunities and career advancement

Q&A

• How are LeetCode quizzes valuable for tech career growth?

  LeetCode quizzes are time-saving and offer valuable learning opportunities for tech career growth. They help in thinking about edge cases, unit testing for code, and application of skills to development. Taro, a platform for tech career growth, offers master classes and faster promotion.

• What is the key to success in technical interviews?

  Success in technical interviews is more about probability, aiming to solve a medium problem in 20-25 minutes for an 80% chance of passing. Quality over quantity is emphasized, focusing on understanding and reviewing problems, as well as repetition to master complex algorithms.

• How did struggling with dynamic programming problems contribute to improvement?

  Struggling with dynamic programming problems led to improvement in problem-solving and learning various patterns and complex algorithms after solving 250 questions. Most LeetCode problems can be categorized into specific buckets, which enhances confidence for interviews.

• What is the recommended approach for solving coding problems?

  It is recommended to solve problems in a specific order, consistently solving one or two problems a day and allocating 45 to 60 minutes for each problem. It's important to focus on understanding the solutions and gradually building problem-solving skills.

• Why did the software engineer switch to Python for coding interviews?

  The software engineer switched to Python due to its concise syntax, availability of resources for learning, and the shortest code in the discussions section. Although Java is verbose, using C++ is also a good choice for coding interviews.

• What is the importance of understanding the basics in problem-solving for interviews?

  Understanding the basics of data structures and algorithms, such as arrays, linked lists, hash maps, trees, sorting, and binary search, is crucial before tackling more complex problems. It forms the foundation for successful problem-solving in interviews.

• 00:00 A software engineer shares his experience preparing for interviews at Google, starting with easy problems, and gradually increasing the level of difficulty in problem-solving. He highlights the importance of understanding the basics before tackling more complex problems.
• 01:17 Switched to Python for coding interviews due to its concise syntax and availability of resources for learning. Java is verbose but C++ is also a good choice. Problem-solving skills are crucial for interviews, and practicing sequential LeetCode questions is beneficial.
• 02:35 Solve coding problems in a specific order, consistently solve one or two problems a day, and don't spend too much time on a single problem. Understanding the solution is more important than coming up with complex algorithms on your own.
• 03:54 Struggling with dynamic programming problems led to improvement in solving LeetCode questions. Learned 99 patterns, including complex algorithms. Most LeetCode problems fall into specific buckets. Confidence for interviews but still uncertain about big Tech interviews.
• 05:14 Success in technical interviews is more about probability. Aim to be able to solve a medium problem in 20-25 minutes for an 80% chance of passing. Quality over quantity - review and understand problems. Repetition and understanding are key to mastering complex algorithms.
• 06:31 LeetCode quizzes are time-saving and valuable for tech career growth. It helps in thinking about edge cases, unit testing, and applying skills to application development. Taro is a platform for tech career growth, offering master classes and faster promotion.