How to Learn Algorithms and Prepare for Coding Interviews
There are two main scenarios people learn algorithms: building a solid computer science foundation and preparing for coding interviews. This article covers both scenarios and recommends learning resources for each one.
This post contains my affiliated links. I may receive compensation if you make a qualifying purchase through my link.
Algorithm Learning Resources Mentioned in This Post
- Udacity Data Structures and Algorithms Nanodegree (discount available from this page and save up to 75%)
- Coding Interview Patterns by Alex Xu / ByteByteGo (Discount code: schelley)
- Mock interviews with senior interviewers from Google, Facebook, and other tech companies (This link includes a 10% discount)
If You Are a Beginner
If you are new to algorithms, or if you are transitioning into computer science and want to systematically learn data structures and algorithms, I recommend Udacity's Data Structures and Algorithms Nanodegree.
You can get a discount code through this page, with savings of up to 75%.
The biggest strength of the course is its project-based structure. Instead of only teaching abstract algorithm concepts, the course guides you through a series of high-quality practical projects that help you apply algorithms to real-world technical problems.
For example, the final project asks you to use the A-star algorithm to build the core functionality of a route planner, similar to what Google Maps does when calculating the best route to a destination. This route planner project is more substantial than many final projects in college-level algorithms courses. If you put this type of project on your resume, it can help your resume stand out and potentially earn you more interview opportunities.
In addition to helping you build resume projects, the course also includes more than 80 classic coding interview problems across different chapters. If you complete these problems, your chances of passing coding interviews will improve significantly.
This is why the course is especially useful for people who are short on time, particularly students or career changers who are trying to build a CS foundation efficiently. One course helps you strengthen your resume and prepare for interviews at the same time.
Another important benefit is code review. Like other Udacity Nanodegree programs, every project you submit is reviewed by a real reviewer. They give detailed feedback and suggest improvements to your code. You can submit your project multiple times and continue improving it based on that feedback. This feedback loop is extremely valuable. In many college-level algorithm courses, you only submit an assignment once. But here, you can revise, resubmit, and keep improving, which can lead to much faster growth.
If You Are Preparing for Coding Interviews
Many people who are new to LeetCode feel completely lost at the beginning.
There are thousands of problems. You do not know where to start. A single problem may have hundreds of solutions. Some highly upvoted answers are too short or too clever for beginners to understand. Some solutions are written in programming languages you do not use.
That is why, if your goal is to prepare for coding interviews efficiently, I recommend Coding Interview Patterns by Alex Xu / ByteByteGo. (Discount code: schelley)
The biggest advantage of Coding Interview Patterns is that it helps you prepare for coding interviews with less wasted time and effort.
Instead of asking you to blindly memorize hundreds of problems, it teaches you the core patterns behind common interview questions, such as:
- Sliding window
- Two pointers
- Backtracking
- Dynamic programming
- Graph traversal
- Binary search
- Tree-based patterns
The goal is not memorization. The goal is to understand the structure behind each type of problem so that, in an interview, you can recognize the pattern and apply the right technique.
Each chapter explains one pattern clearly and then applies it to common coding interview problems. The example code is concise and readable, and the explanations also point out important edge cases so you can avoid common mistakes.
Another strength of Coding Interview Patterns is its visual explanations. The diagrams are clear, colorful, and step-by-step. They make complex concepts, such as recursion or dynamic programming, much easier to understand.
For visual learners, this is a much better experience than reading dry textbook explanations or scattered LeetCode comments.
Although the content is concise, it still has real depth. It is useful for intermediate programmers, and even experienced candidates can benefit from the structured review.
Overall, if you want to prepare for coding interviews efficiently, I strongly recommend Coding Interview Patterns.
If You Want to Practice Mock Interviews
After you have practiced enough coding problems, mock interviews can help you improve your actual interview performance.
You can use Exponent(10% off discount included in link) to book mock interviews with senior interviewers from companies such as Google and Facebook.
One of the biggest benefits of doing mock interviews with experienced interviewers is that you get realistic feedback.
They can help you identify problems that are hard to notice when you practice alone, such as:
- Whether your explanation is clear
- Whether your problem-solving process is organized
- Whether you communicate trade-offs well
- Whether you handle hints appropriately
- Whether you stay calm when stuck
These skills matter a lot in real interviews. Passing a coding interview is not only about getting the final answer. You also need to communicate your thinking clearly and collaborate with the interviewer.
That is why mock interviews can increase your chances of passing real interviews, especially if you already know the algorithms but want to improve your interview execution.