30 day
To prepare effectively for SDE2 coding interviews at Google, you need a structured 30-day plan that focuses on data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills. Below is a comprehensive plan designed to help you build the necessary skills.
30-Day Coding Interview Preparation Plan
Week 1: Foundations of Data Structures
Day 1: Review Basic Data Structures
Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, and Queues.
Day 2: Practice Array Problems
Solve problems like two-sum, maximum subarray sum, etc.
Day 3: Linked List Problems
Focus on reversing a linked list, detecting cycles, merging lists.
Day 4: Stack and Queue Problems
Implement stack using queues and vice versa; solve problems like valid parentheses.
Day 5: Hash Tables
Understand hash functions and collision resolution techniques.
Solve problems like group anagrams and two-sum.
Day 6: Review Trees Basics
Binary Trees vs. Binary Search Trees.
Day 7: Tree Traversal Techniques
Implement in-order, pre-order, and post-order traversals.
Week 2: Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
Day 8: Binary Search Trees (BST)
Solve problems related to BST operations (insertion, deletion).
Day 9: Heaps
Understand min-heaps and max-heaps; solve heap-related problems.
Day 10: Graph Basics
Understand representations (adjacency list/matrix) and basic traversal (DFS/BFS).
Day 11: Graph Algorithms
Implement Dijkstra’s algorithm and Bellman-Ford algorithm.
Day 12: Dynamic Programming Introduction
Understand the concept; solve simple DP problems like Fibonacci sequence.
Day 13: Intermediate Dynamic Programming
Solve problems like coin change and longest increasing subsequence.
Day 14: Review Week’s Topics
Revisit challenging problems; summarize key concepts learned.
Week 3: Problem-Solving Techniques
Day 15: Backtracking Concepts
Understand backtracking; solve problems like N-Queens and permutations.
Day 16: Greedy Algorithms
Learn greedy techniques; solve problems like activity selection and coin change.
Day 17: Recursion vs. Iteration
Practice converting recursive solutions to iterative ones.
Day 18: Bit Manipulation Techniques
Solve problems involving bitwise operations (e.g., single number).
Day 19: Advanced Graph Problems
Solve problems involving topological sorting and strongly connected components.
Day 20: Mock Interviews (1st Session)
Conduct mock interviews with peers or use platforms like Pramp or LeetCode.
Day 21: Review Mock Interview Feedback
Identify areas for improvement based on feedback received.
Week 4: Final Preparations
Day 22: Systematic Problem Solving Approach
Learn a structured approach for solving coding problems (e.g., understanding the problem, planning, coding, testing).
Day 23: Practice with Timed Challenges
Simulate interview conditions by solving problems within a time limit.
Day 24: Focus on Google-Specific Questions
Research common Google interview questions; practice those specifically.
Day 25: Review Common Patterns in Problems
Identify patterns in problems you’ve solved (e.g., sliding window, two pointers).
Day 26: Final Mock Interviews (2nd Session)
Conduct another round of mock interviews focusing on timing and pressure management.
Day 27: Revise Key Concepts & Mistakes
Go through notes of mistakes made during practice; reinforce learning.
Day 28: Relaxation Techniques Before Interviews
Learn stress management techniques (deep breathing, visualization).
Day 29: Final Review of Key Topics
Quickly revise important data structures and algorithms.
Day 30: Prepare Questions for Interviewers
Think about insightful questions to ask during your interview regarding the company culture or team dynamics.
Additional Resources
Books:
Cracking the Coding Interview by Gayle Laakmann McDowell.
Elements of Programming Interviews by Adnan Aziz et al.
Online Platforms:
LeetCode for practicing coding problems.
HackerRank for timed challenges.
GeeksforGeeks for explanations of algorithms and data structures.
By following this structured plan over the next month, you will enhance your coding skills significantly and be well-prepared for SDE2 interviews at Google.
Sources
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