Overview
This lecture provides key strategies and best practices for preparing for a Google coding interview, including communication, problem-solving, coding, testing, and interview day tips.
Communication and Collaboration
- Demonstrate clear communication by thinking out loud and explaining your problem-solving process.
- Ask clarifying questions when faced with ambiguous or open-ended problems.
- Share your plan and discuss possible solutions before coding.
Algorithms and Data Structures
- Have a solid grasp of common data structures: arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, sets, maps, trees, heaps, and graphs.
- Be familiar with core algorithms: sorting, searching, binary search, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, greedy methods, and recursion.
- Discuss algorithm choice and computational complexity with your interviewer.
- Iteratively improve your solution; optimal answers are not always required immediately.
- Relate specific algorithms to relevant data structures, such as graph traversal.
Writing Code
- Use a programming language you know well (C/C++, Java, Python, JavaScript, Go).
- Prioritize conceptual understanding and code clarity over memorizing syntax or language trivia.
- Write idiomatic, clean, and structured code.
Testing and Error Checking
- Test your code using simple and boundary-case inputs to ensure correctness.
- Consider how your code handles malformed or unexpected inputs.
- Run through at least one or two test cases after coding.
Interview Best Practices
- Always explain your thinking process during the interview.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on open-ended questions.
- Reflect and improve upon your initial solution when possible.
- Practice coding on both paper/whiteboard and computer for readability.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Data Structure — a way to organize and store data to enable efficient access and modification.
- Algorithm — a step-by-step method for solving a problem or performing a computation.
- Computational Complexity — a measure of the resources (time, space) required by an algorithm.
- Idiomatic Code — code that follows the conventions and style best practices of a given programming language.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and practice with common algorithms and data structures.
- Practice coding problems out loud, on paper or a whiteboard.
- Prepare test cases for code validation.
- Contact your recruiter if you have any questions regarding your interview.