Step by step to crack programming interview questions

Always remember this quote: " If the mind is weak, then the situation becomes a problem; if the mind is balanced, then the situation becomes a challenge.

But if the mind is strong, then the situation becomes an opportunity". Enjoy learning, Enjoy coding, Enjoy algorithms! Author: Shubham Gautam. Reviewer: EnjoyAlgorithms Team. There are several loop patterns in programming like a loop running constant time, a loop running n times, a loop growing exponentially, a loop running based on the specific condition, consecutive single loops, two nested loops, three nested loops, consecutive single loop with nested loops, etc.

So for designing a better algorithm or optimizing the code, we should learn to analyze the time complexity of the loop in terms of Big-O notation. Explore this blog to answer these questions related to complexity analysis: why time complexity analysis is important? What are the criteria to define the complexity of an algorithm?

How do we analyze the time complexity of an algorithm? How do we represent algorithm time complexity in the form of big O notation? For cracking the coding interview and learning problem solving with data structures and algorithms, programmers must continuously practice the steps of coding problem solving and develop an approach to write correct and efficient code in a given time.

Hashing is an effcient searching technique that maps keys and values into the hash table using a hash function. Explore this blog to learn: how do we perform hash mapping in data structures? How do hash maps work? What are some popular hash functions in programming? Level order traversal accesses nodes in level by level order. This is also called breadth-first search traversal or BFS traversal. Here we start from the root node and process it, then process all the nodes at the first level, then process all the nodes at the second level, and so on.

In other words, we explore all nodes at the current level before moving on to the nodes at the next level. Learning analysis of recursion is critical to understand the time complexity analysis of recursive algorithms.

We will discuss these concepts related to the recursion analysis: Recurrence relations of recursive algorithms, steps to analyze the time complexity of recursion, Recursion tree method, and master theorem to analyze divide and conquer algorithms.

Subscribe to get free weekly content on data structure and algorithms, machine learning, system design, oops and math. All rights reserved. If someone wants to start this journey, then answer to these questions are important: How to develop a long-term interest in algorithms and data structure? How to prepare a continuous learning plan to crack the coding interview?

What are the essential concepts and problem-solving approaches? What are the critical activities which help us to learn quickly? How to prepare for the coding interview in a given duration? Let's dive deep and explore answers to these questions!

Step 1: Building long-term motivation! Here are some ideas to think about: Algorithms is a 21st-century skill for a programmer where every understood concept and problem-solving ideas are like a gem. There is always a scope of learning in each error or bug. We need to prepare ourselves for the ups and downs. Once we have a basic knowledge of algorithms and data structure, our problem-solving interest will increase more and more. Never giving up is the key! Whenever a thought comes to our mind to give up a problem, we should motivate ourselves, recollect all experiences and give one more best try!

Such situations can be one of the defining moments in the journey of learning algorithms and data structures. The fact is: mastering coding problem-solving is always an iterative journey of learning from failures! Step 2: Understanding data structure and algorithms syllabus for coding interview After preparing the mind, now our first goal would be to prepare a list of essential topics important in data structure and algo.

Fundamentals of Algorithms Algorithm Introduction : Properties and real-life applications of algorithms Complexity Analysis : Input size, Rate of growth, Time complexity, Big-O notations, Worst-case analysis, Best-case analysis, Average-case analysis, Space complexity analysis, etc. Iteration: Properties of iteration, Analysis of loop , Patterns of iterative problem-solving like building partial solution using a single loop , nested loops, two pointers , sliding window , etc.

Recursion: Properties of recursion, Analysis of recursion , Patterns of recursive problem-solving like decrease and conquer, divide and conquer , etc. Sorting: Bubble sort, Selection sort, Insertion sort , Merge sort , Quicksort , Heap sort, Counting sort , Radix sort, Properties and comparisons of sorting algorithms , etc. Searching: Binary search , Exponential search, Interpolation search, etc. Hashing : Direct address table, The idea of a hash table, Properties and design of a good hash function, Basic operations Insert, Delete, and Search , Patterns of problem-solving using a hash table, Collision resolution techniques like chaining and open addressing, etc.

A good mentor can help us in several ways: Learning fundamentals Mastering problem-solving approaches Handling critical doubts Coding interview preparation Building a long term motivation In addition to this, an excellent collaborative environment can also work as a catalyst. Top 20 Data Structure and Algorithms concepts to master Problem-solving research Finding various patterns via coding problems is one of the best approaches to master the problem-solving skill in DSA.

Top 20 algorithms to learn Problem-solving Top 10 problem-solving approaches to master in algorithms Problem-solving on Paper and Coding Practice To master problem-solving, paper or a whiteboard can be a handy tool to practice visualizations, solution steps, and pseudo-codes.

Now once we are done with writing code in a programming language, take care of the following things: Does this code provide the correct output for every set of inputs? Can we optimize the code further? Always try to improve the code! If possible, look back, analyze it once again, and find a better solution.

How can we improve the readability of the code? A blog to explore: Steps of problem-solving in Data Structure and Algorithms Resolving Critical Doubts Whenever we start learning algorithms and data structure, doubts frequently occur, however big or small.

If we fail to get an answer in a limited duration, then there can be several ways to get it fixed: Discussing it with our peer or colleague Getting in touch with a personal or course mentor. Posting the doubts in the coding or learning community. Ignoring the doubts for a moment, noting them down, and revisit later with a fresh approach. Sometimes doubts are related to the later part of the concept's journey. Behavioral Interview Preparation If you are preparing for a dream job, then behavioral interviews are essential parts of the interviews.

Interview Preparation via Mock Interviews We should practice some mock interviews before attending an actual coding interview. Things to keep in mind: Ensure that the pairing partner has basic knowledge and problem-solving skills in data structures and algorithms.

Use a timer to limit 45 minutes for the mock interview because most coding interviews last around minutes. Try to prepare your partner and ensure all checklists to simulate it as an actual tech interview. After the completion of the mock interview, now take the interviewer's seat. Your recruiter may also be able to provide you with some additional information in advance. If you anticipate that you'll have a technical role, or you just want to make sure you're prepared for any technical questions that may arise, then our Technical Program Manager guide would be another helpful resource.

One more thing we recommend you do when you are preparing on your own, is to practice out loud. This may sound strange, but it will significantly improve your confidence and the way you communicate your answers during an interview. Play the role of both the candidate and the interviewer, asking questions and answering them, just like two people would in an interview. Trust us, it works. Practicing by yourself will only take you so far.

One of the main challenges of program manager interviews is communicating your different stories in a way that's easy to understand.

As a result, we strongly recommend practicing with a peer interviewing you. A great place to start is to practice with friends or family members if you can.

Practicing with peers can be a great help, and it's usually free. But at some point, you'll start noticing that the feedback you are getting from peers isn't helping you that much anymore. Once you reach that stage, we recommend practicing with ex-interviewers from top tech companies. If you know a program manager or someone who has experience running interviews at a big tech company, then that's fantastic.

But for most of us, it's tough to find the right connections to make this happen. And it might also be difficult to practice multiple hours with that person unless you know them really well.

We've already made the connections for you. Learn more and start scheduling sessions today. If you have any questions about program manager interviews, do not hesitate to ask them below and we will be more than happy to answer them.

All questions are good questions, so go ahead! Interview coaching Resume review New. My Account Logout Cart. Data Marketing Sales Design. Coaches Peers Articles Stories. Here's the announcement about a special offer - learn more here close. Overview Questions Preparation. Learn more.

Example behavioral questions 1. Conflict T ell me about a time you had a disagreement with a coworker W hat is the biggest conflict you have managed at work? Tell me about a time you pitched an idea to your boss and were shot down Tell me a time when you did not agree with a decision that was made? What did you do?

What was the decision? Tell me about how you work with difficult people. Challenge Give an example of a challenge you have faced G ive me an example of an uncertain situation at work and how you dealt with it?

Tell me about a time you had to act with limited information Tell me about a time you had to handle pressure 3. Failure Tell me about a time you failed When did you take a risk, make a mistake, or fail? How did you respond, and how did you grow from that experience? What is the worst mistake you've ever made? Creativity T ell me about a time when you had to come up with a creative solution to solve a problem Tell me about a time you created something from nothing Tell me about a situation where the problem was really difficult but you came up with an easy solution Tell me about a time you used innovation to solve a problem.

Define your ideal work environment and manager Why are you looking for a job? Why Facebook or Google, etc. How will you go about doing this job during the first 90 days? Tell me something you've learned that made you better at your job Take me through a scenario where you went above and beyond your job responsibilities What would you say is your superpower? Example program management process questions 1. Kick-off How do you kick-off a new project? Tell me about a program that you managed from kick-off through execution 2.

Planning What steps would you take to launch X product? What is critical path and what happens if it changes? Tell me about a time you had a plan, but you encountered some obstacles. What did you do about it? You have 12 months to roll out a new product, describe in detail how you would manage the process. Execution Tell me about a problem you faced when going from strategy to implementation How do you manage a complex program that consists of multiple projects?

Your entire team can only use one spreadsheet. How would you optimize the design of the spreadsheet to make sure it works well for everyone? Describe a time you sacrificed short term goals for long term success Tell me about a time where you had to work on a tight deadline 4. Monitoring How will you handle reporting multiple projects when some of them are falling behind in schedule. Tell me about a project you managed. What were some of the metrics you used to determine the success of the project?

How would you derive metrics? Tell me about a time you used analytics to make a decision. Closing How do you know if a project is done? Example leadership questions How do you advocate for a commitment to a priority, when that priority is not high on someone else's list? Your email address will not be published. Interview coaching from Googlers! I want to know more. To emulate the intense environment as a real interview, here are some tips: Remove all distractions.

If possible, you can also find a meeting room in your current company or a library, which is even better. Set a timer. Also with a timer besides, you are very likely to be more nervous. Talk while thinking. By keep talking while thinking about the solution, you are actively communicating with the interviewer, which shows both your analysis and communication skills.

Also it gives the interviewer a chance to hint you when he notices that you are not on the right track or get stuck. Code the solution Having a solution in your mind is far from really solving the problem.

Stretch Even for majority of the good candidates, they can at most finish the above four steps. To give you an idea of what kind of follow-up questions you can practice with, here are some great examples: How do you test your solution?

Testing is also an important area in interview and you can treat the interview question as a real life project and how can you guarantee the system works as intended? What if the input size is too large to put in memory? How do you refine your solution and analyze the efficiency? What if the input size is too large to put in disk?