Important Algorithms and Data Structures for Coding Interviews

Introduction

• Overview of 10 essential topics for coding interviews
• Not an exhaustive list, but important ones to focus on
• AlgoExpert as a resource for preparation

1. Logarithms

• Essential mathematical concept for coding interviews
• Importance in understanding performance of algorithms
• Logarithmic time complexity is faster than linear
• Recommended free video on AlgoExpert's Data Structures Crash Course

2. Graph and Tree Traversal

• Includes depth-first search (DFS) and breadth-first search (BFS)
• Understanding traversal through cyclic graphs and matrices
• Importance in on-site interviews

3. Binary Search

• Fundamental algorithm, often means better performance than linear search
• Connection to logarithms due to log(n) time complexity
• Essential for problems involving sorted values

4. Sliding Window Technique

• Involves two pointers/indices to traverse arrays or strings
• Useful for problems requiring character frequency counting or subarray sums

5. Recursion

• Develops logical thinking and understanding of function calls
• Some problems are more easily solved recursively
• Examples include in-order tree traversal and Fibonacci sequence

6. Inverting a Binary Tree & Reversing a Linked List

• Inverting a binary tree is often simpler than perceived
• Reversing a linked list essential due to importance of linked lists in interviews
• Understanding manipulation of nodes and pointers in linked lists

7. Suffix Trees

• Advanced data structure, useful for string problems
• Helps in checking for substring presence efficiently

8. Heaps

• Often binary heaps in interviews, useful for min/max problems
• Logarithmic operations for finding smallest/largest values
• Important to understand array representation of heaps

9. Dynamic Programming

• Solving complex problems by breaking them into subproblems
• Essential for tough interview questions
• Practice is key for mastering dynamic programming

10. Sorting Algorithms

• Focus on QuickSort and MergeSort
• Understanding n log n time complexity
• Importance of being able to derive and implement
• QuickSort ties into QuickSelect for specific problems

Conclusion

• Importance of these topics for coding interviews
• Practice and preparation critical
• Recommendation to use AlgoExpert for structured learning
• Encouragement to subscribe and follow on social media for more content