Essential LeetCode for Interview Success: Python Solutions to 200 Must-Know Problems

by Zhen Wei

Why LeetCode? LeetCode is widely recognized as the gold standard for software engineering candidates to practice algorithm and coding skills, identify knowledge gaps and build confidence.Why this handbook? As “Blind 75” (and later “Grind 75”, list notes – “Nobody has time to grind hundreds of LeetCode questions, and the good news is that you don't need to do that many to actually get the job at FAANG!” hence the “curated list of LeetCode questions that you can practice to save time in your job hunt”. Originally “Blind 75” / “Grind 75” list featured 75 questions but has now grown to 169. How long does it actually take to master these essential LeetCode problems? This varies by individual. During my own job search a few years ago, despite regularly coding as a developer, it took me about 21 days, with 4-8 hours of focused practice each day on Paid Time Off. Since then, I’ve revisited LeetCode every few years, refining my notes along the way. Recently I can refresh my skills in 21 days, dedicating just 1-2 hours daily by referring to my notes. This handbook is organized into 21 1-20 each include 10 problems, totaling 200 problems with detailed solutions and notes. These chapters % of the “Grind 75 (169) questions”100% of LeetCode’s “Top 100 Liked Questions”74% (107 out of 145) of LeetCode’s “Top Interview Questions”Chapter 21 includes 14 additional problems focused on concurrency.Together, these represent a substantial collection of essential LeetCode problems to prepare you thoroughly for upcoming coding interviews.Why Python? Life is short, and interviews are even shorter. At Meta, for example, candidates are expected to solve two medium problems in just 40 minutes. Why not use Python to keep your code concise? I feel more confident knowing that most problems can be tackled in under 20 lines of code. Plus, in my experience, less code often means fewer bugs. Please note that Python 3 is not backward-compatible with Python 2, and this handbook uses Python 3 throughout.Do I need to know Python to read this handbook? This book doesn’t assume prior knowledge of Python. It includes basic tutorials to help you get up to speed with Python syntax, data structures, and common functions. These tutorials cover the essential language features you'll need for coding interviews, so you can confidently focus on solving problems without worrying about language specifics. Whether you’re new to Python or just need a refresher, these tutorials provide a strong foundation to start coding effectively.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2024