Python for Data Structures, Algorithms, and Interviews!

> I read that SWE internships typically have data structures/algorithms style interviews. Is this true?

Yeah, out of 3 offers only one of them had me do any interviewing that wasn't strictly DSA, and that was because they do banking.

>When's a good time in your OSU online degree progression for you to begin applying to internships?

Whenever you have time. It's July so you can probably catch the spring co-op cycle and definitely the summer internship cycle for most companies. All you need is enough data structures and algorithms knowledge to interview (anecdotally, I wrapped up all my interviewing while I was finishing 162 and discrete).

> How did you do it?

1. I skimmed this $10 python dsa course first
2. I skimmed cracking the coding interview (ignoring stuff like bit manipulation and system design, because most people aren't asking you that)
3. And did common leetcode questions (only easy or medium though)

Ultimately optimize for time, try to study stuff that 80% of people will ask you, but look at specific questions companies ask when you get down to the interview stage.

Sure! https://www.udemy.com/course/python-for-data-structures-algorithms-and-interviews/

How to improve code problem solving skills (from a non cs background)?

Hey

I work as an SRE but come more from infrastructure side rather than computer science/SWE. Although I did do computing which had some CS components, it's not nearly enough to know about things like Algorithm and DS in sufficient details. I can also code in Python and improve my skills in designing, testing, debugging and efficiency but being able to do this doesn't really help when you're set with some leetcode style interview questions (which you never really have to implement in your day to day job).

Hence I want to brush up on my coding, at least attempt to at the level of FANG SRE's (the ones who are more focused on infrastructure, but have a certain level of acceptable coding skills).

I'm going to focus on leetcode but have a few questions (I apologise for how noob these may be):

1. Are there any resources for learning about Algorithm's and DS that's beginner friendly but at the same time covers most if not all of the basis? At the moment I"m looking to go through this https://www.udemy.com/course/python-for-data-structures-algorithms-and-interviews/ but any recommendations (including paid courses) I'm happy to consider.
2. When it comes to leetcode problems/solutions I find that the solutions may solve the problem, but I don't necessarily always understand why. For example, why is a recursion good to use here , or what Big O notation does this aim to solve? And so forth. Does anyone know any websites/courses that actually give some level of explanation or overview on the why the recommended solution works? Preferable in python.
3. On leet code I see Math formula's that I don't fully understand ie.C(n,2)=2n(n+1) https://leetcode.com/problems/contains-duplicate/solution/Is there any place where I can learn more about the common forumula's? Or if I really have to, a practical place to learn about algebra/discrete mathematics?

I guess the end goal is, how to get my coding up to scratch to enable a having a good chance of passing FAANG style SRE interviews?

Lol how about this course from Udemy. https://www.udemy.com/course/python-for-data-structures-algorithms-and-interviews/

I recommend this Udemy course very highly:

https://www.udemy.com/course/python-for-data-structures-algorithms-and-interviews/

(The list price is pretty high -- my strategy is to bookmark/wishlist courses and wait for them to go on sale for $10.)

The instructor explains things especially well and provides great insight about applying structures to solve certain problems.

"The Algorithm Design Manual" is pretty good but far from a light read, as you might expect. I find that talks more about algorithmic efficiency than application to problems.

Na Udemy

a pak Coursera

This is pretty good : https://runestone.academy/runestone/books/published/pythonds/index.html

I also recommend https://stepik.org/course/579/syllabus (I think it’s used in some universities not sure). Both are pretty good for Python.

If you aren’t language picky I recommend colt Steele’s udemy course with JavaScript since it’s very easy to follow and he teaches it from basics.

I’ve heard this is good

https://www.udemy.com/course/python-for-data-structures-algorithms-and-interviews/ but this is python 2 I believe. Still I’ve heard only good things.

All in all if you’re a book learner use the first two. If you’re a video guy try the udemy one. If you’re not language picky there’s a lot more.

I've found a few resources and just going to focus on them until I get it. Then probably start focusing more on coding interview specifics by doing challenges on Leetcode.

Introduction to Algorithms

Khan Academy

Udemy

Coursera

Maybe look into working with different data structures and algorithms in Python.

Here are two I'm looking at (also want to practice for future interviews):
https://www.udemy.com/course/algorithms-and-data-structures-in-python/

https://www.udemy.com/course/python-for-data-structures-algorithms-and-interviews/

If Javascript is your jam I highly recommend this course: https://www.udemy.com/course/js-algorithms-and-data-structures-masterclass/

and then watch videos from

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLC2ohmappF2iUsWYRnsxg

For Python I liked this one:

Python: https://www.udemy.com/course/python-for-data-structures-algorithms-and-interviews/

A good strategy here would be to learn a data structure say Linked List and then go to Leetcode and solve a bunch of problems. Start with the easy ones. Then Rinse and repeat.