Cracking the SDE interview isn't a matter of luck; it's about mastering the process with consistent, daily habits. Today, we're diving into a structured approach for tackling the most effective prep out there: LeetCode’s Blind75 and NeetCode 150 problem sets.
Why Blind75 and NeetCode 150?
These problem sets were handpicked as the most common, interview-defining problems. They're optimized for:
- High Yield: These problems appear across FAANG and similar companies.
- Core Topics: From Arrays and Strings to Trees and Graphs, they cover the entire scope of interview essentials.
The Benefits of a Daily Coding Habit
Daily coding does more than just improve problem-solving. It also:
- Builds muscle memory: Coding solutions becomes second nature.
- Strengthens mental agility: You’ll react faster and with more confidence in interviews.
- Increases problem familiarity: Many interview problems are variations of common patterns.
Setting Up Your Daily Routine
Define Your Goal
- Start with one problem per day. The key is to start small and build consistency.
- Have a monthly plan, aiming for 25-30 problems. At this pace, you can get through the Blind75 in around three months!
Block Out Time
- Morning or Evening Sessions: Ideally, schedule coding time when your brain is fresh.
- Aim for 1-1.5 hours to allow both coding and solution review.
Start with Easy Wins
- Arrays and Strings are generally simpler to warm up with. In the first few weeks, pick easier problems to avoid burnout.
Track Your Progress
- Use a spreadsheet or even better, our platform interview.codes to record problems solved, key concepts learned, and challenges encountered.
Go Beyond Solving
- Read other solutions: Check out other users’ submissions for new ideas.
- Analyze time and space complexity: Make this a habit to get comfortable with Big O.
Act as on Interview
- Pretend you’re explaining it to a friend or even better, to an interviewer; this practice reinforces understanding. You can use our assistant to practice with.
Tools to Keep You Going
- LeetCode: Provides access to a larger set of company-specific questions.
- NeetCode & NeetCode YouTube Channel: Walkthroughs and visual explanations that demystify complex problems.
- Discord Study Groups: Find accountability buddies; coding with friends keeps it engaging!
Final Thought: Remember, It’s About Consistency Over Intensity
If you're not in a rush don’t aim to solve dozens of problems a day. Do one, two problems every day until you’ve mastered it. Consistency is the magic behind every successful interview candidate. Over time, you'll find yourself solving problems faster, with deeper insight, and more confidence.