Grokking Dynamic Programming Interview in C++

The ultimate guide to dynamic programming interviews in C++ with strategies developed by FAANG engineers. Practice with real-world questions and get interview-ready in just a few hours.

Intermediate

53 Lessons

25h

Certificate of Completion

The ultimate guide to dynamic programming interviews in C++ with strategies developed by FAANG engineers. Practice with real-world questions and get interview-ready in just a few hours.

AI-POWERED

Code Feedback

Mock Interview

Explanations

AI-POWERED

Code Feedback

Mock Interview

This course includes

133 Playgrounds

44 Challenges

This course includes

133 Playgrounds

44 Challenges

Course Overview

Some of the toughest questions in technical interviews require dynamic programming solutions. Dynamic programming (DP) is an advanced optimization technique applied to recursive solutions. However, DP is not a one-size-fits-all technique, and it requires practice to develop the ability to identify the underlying DP patterns. With a strategic approach, coding interview prep for DP problems shouldn’t take more than a few weeks. This course starts with an introduction to DP and thoroughly discusses five DP pa...Show More

What You'll Learn

A deep understanding of the essential patterns behind common dynamic programming interview questions—without having to drill endless problem sets

The ability to identify and apply the underlying pattern in an interview question by assessing the problem statement

Familiarity with dynamic programming techniques with hands-on practice in a setup-free coding environment

The ability to efficiently evaluate the tradeoffs between time and space complexity in different solutions

A flexible conceptual framework for solving any dynamic programming question, by connecting problem characteristics and possible solution techniques

What You'll Learn

A deep understanding of the essential patterns behind common dynamic programming interview questions—without having to drill endless problem sets

Course Content

Getting Started

Get familiar with dynamic programming essentials, its applications, and key optimization techniques.

Course Overview

Who Should Take This Course

Introduction to Dynamic Programming

0/1 Knapsack

Discover the logic behind solving optimization problems using dynamic programming techniques.

Introduction to 0/1 Knapsack

Solving the 0/1 Knapsack Problem

Target Sum

Subset Sum

Count of Subset Sum

Partition Array Into Two Arrays to Minimize Sum Difference

Minimum Number of Refueling Stops

Equal Sum Subarrays

Count Square Submatrices

Unbounded Knapsack

Go hands-on with dynamic programming for optimized solutions to unbounded knapsack challenges.

Introduction to Unbounded Knapsack

Solving the Unbounded Knapsack Problem

Recursive Numbers

Enhance your skills in solving recursive number problems using dynamic programming techniques.

Introduction to Recursive Numbers

Fibonacci Numbers

Staircase Problem

Number Factors

Count Ways to Score in a Game

Unique Paths to Goal

Nth Tribonacci Number

The Catalan Numbers

House Thief Problem

Minimum Jumps to Reach the End

Minimum Jumps With Fee

Matrix Chain Multiplication

Longest Common Substring

Map out the steps for solving comprehensive string matching problems using dynamic programming techniques.

Introduction to Longest Common Substring

Solving the Longest Common Substring Problem

Longest Common Subsequence

Shortest Common Supersequence

Minimum Number of Deletions and Insertions

Edit Distance Problem

Longest Repeating Subsequence

Distinct Subsequence Pattern Matching

Interleaving Strings

Word Break II

Longest Increasing Subsequence

Minimum Deletions to Make a Sequence Sorted

Maximum Sum Increasing Subsequence

Longest Bitonic Subsequence

Longest Alternating Subsequence

Building Bridges

Palindromic Subsequence

6 Lessons

Tackle finding and counting palindromic subsequences, minimizing deletions, and partitioning strings efficiently.

Conclusion

1 Lesson

Engage in hands-on preparation to enhance problem-solving and coding interview skills.

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Evaluate and debug your code with the click of a button. Get real-time feedback on test cases, including time and space complexity of your solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is dynamic programming, and how does it help in coding interviews?

Dynamic programming (DP) is an optimization technique for solving problems by breaking them into simpler, interdependent subproblems. By solving each subproblem once and storing its result, DP avoids redundant calculations. This approach is crucial for coding interviews because many real-world problems, especially optimization and decision-making, rely on DP to find efficient solutions.

What are some common dynamic programming patterns I should know for interviews?

Some common DP patterns frequently tested in interviews are as follows:

0/1 knapsack: Used for selection problems with constraints.
Unbounded knapsack: Useful when you can use an item multiple times.
Recursive numbers: Includes problems like Fibonacci, path counting, and combinatorial problems.
Longest common substring/subsequence: Involves finding similarities or transformations between sequences.
Palindromic subsequence: Focuses on identifying and analyzing palindrome-related problems.

Why is dynamic programming emphasized in technical interviews?

Interviewers focus on dynamic programming because it tests your ability to break complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. DP questions challenge candidates to think critically, optimize for efficiency, and use resources effectively—skills highly valued in software engineering roles.

How can dynamic programming proficiency enhance my performance in coding interviews?

Being skilled in dynamic programming equips you to tackle a broad range of optimization problems and shows your ability to solve problems efficiently. As DP is frequently used in interview questions, mastering it will increase your chances of impressing interviewers, particularly at top companies like FAANG, where problem-solving ability is key.

How should I explain a dynamic programming solution in an interview?

To effectively explain your dynamic programming approach, identify the brute-force solution and its limitations. Then, explain how DP reduces these limitations by solving and storing subproblems. Walk the interviewer through your thought process—whether memoization or tabulation—ensuring you explain key decisions about space and time complexity optimization.