Data Structures for Coding Interviews in C++

Get a firm grasp on the inner workings of the most common data structures. Tackle common interview coding problems and analyze your solutions.

Beginner

228 Lessons

25h

Certificate of Completion

Get a firm grasp on the inner workings of the most common data structures. Tackle common interview coding problems and analyze your solutions.

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Explanations

AI-POWERED

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This course includes

160 Playgrounds

65 Challenges

23 Quizzes

This course includes

160 Playgrounds

65 Challenges

23 Quizzes

Course Overview

Data structures are amongst the very fundamentals of Computer Science and are often a core decision in developing efficient programs. Consequently, they are also largely categorized as a vital benchmark of computer science knowledge when it comes to industry interviews. This course contains a detailed review of all the common data structures and provides implementation level details in C++ to allow readers to become well equipped with all the different data structures they can leverage to write better code!

Course Content

Introduction to Complexity Measures

Comparing Algorithms Example: Measuring Time Complexity of a Single Loop Algorithm Example: Time Complexity of an Algorithm With Nested Loops

Introduction to Asymptotic Analysis and Big O Other Common Asymptotic Notations and Why Big O Trumps Them Useful Formulae

Complexity Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Complexity

Introduction to Arrays

What is an Array?Multidimensional Arrays What Is a Vector?

Challenge: Remove Even Integers From Array

Solution: Remove Even Integers From Array Challenge: Merge Two Sorted Arrays Solution: Merge Two Sorted Arrays Challenge: Find Two Numbers That Add Up to K Solution: Find Two Numbers That Add Up to K Challenge: Product of Array Except Self Solution: Product of Array Except Self Challenge: Find Minimum Value in Array Solution: Find Minimum Value in Array Challenge: First Non-Repeating Integer in an Array Solution: First Non-Repeating Integer in an Array Challenge: Find Second Maximum Value in an Array Solution: Find Second Maximum Value in an Array Challenge: Rotate Array Solution: Rotate Array Challenge: Rearrange Positive & Negative Values Solution: Rearrange Positive & Negative Values Challenge: Rearrange Sorted Array in Max/Min Form Solution: Rearrange Sorted Array in Max/Min Form

Challenge: Maximum Subarray

Solution: Maximum Subarray Arrays Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Arrays

Introduction to Linked Lists

Singly Linked Lists (SLL)Basic Linked List Operations Singly Linked List Insertion Deletion in a Singly Linked List Linked Lists vs. Arrays Doubly Linked Lists (DLL)Singly Linked Lists vs. Doubly Linked Lists Challenge: Insertion at Tail Solution: Insertion at Tail Challenge: Search in a Singly Linked List Solution: Search in a Singly Linked List Challenge: Deletion by Value Solution: Deletion by Value Challenge: Find the Length of a Linked List Solution: Find the Length of a Linked List Challenge: Reverse Linked List Solution: Reverse Linked List Challenge: Linked List Cycle Solution: Linked List Cycle Challenge: Middle of the Linked List Solution: Middle of the Linked List Challenge: Remove Duplicates from a Linked List Solution: Remove Duplicates from a Linked List Challenge: Union and Intersection of Linked Lists Solution: Union and Intersection of Linked Lists Challenge: Return the Nth Node from End Solution: Return the Nth Node from End Challenge: Find If a Doubly Linked List Is a Palindrome Solution: Find If a Doubly Linked List Is a Palindrome Linked Lists Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Linked Lists

Introduction to Stack/Queues

What is a Stack?Stack (Implementation)

What is a Queue?Queue (Implementation)

Challenge: Generate Binary Numbers From 1 to n Using a Queue Solution: Generate Binary Numbers From 1 to n Using a Queue Challenge: Implement Two Stacks Using One Array Solution: Implement Two Stacks Using One Array

Challenge: Reverse First k Elements of Queue Solution: Reverse First k Elements of Queue

Challenge: Implement Queue Using Stacks Solution: Implement Queue Using Stacks Challenge: Sort Values in a Stack Solution: Sort Values in a Stack Challenge: Evaluate Postfix Expression Using a Stack Solution: Evaluate Postfix Expression Using a Stack Challenge: Next Greater Element Using a Stack Solution: Next Greater Element Using a Stack Challenge: Find the Celebrity Solution: Find the Celebrity Challenge: Valid Parentheses Solution: Valid Parentheses Challenge: Min Stack Solution: Min Stack Stack/Queue Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Stack/Queue

Introduction to Graphs

What is a Graph?Types of Graphs Representation of Graphs

Graph Implementation Complexities of Graph Operations What is a Bipartite Graph?Graph Traversal Algorithms Challenge: Implement Breadth-First Search Solution: Implement Breadth-First Search Challenge: Implement Depth-First Search Solution: Implement Depth-First Search Challenge: Detect Cycle in a Directed Graph Solution: Detect Cycle in a Directed Graph Challenge: Find a Mother Vertex in a Directed Graph Solution: Find a Mother Vertex in a Directed Graph Challenge: Count the number of Edges in an Undirected Graph Solution: Count the Number of Edges in an Undirected Graph Challenge: Check If a Path Exists between Two Vertices Solution: Check If a Path Exists between Two Vertices Challenge: Graph Valid Tree Solution: Graph Valid Tree Challenge: Find the Shortest Path between Two Vertices Solution: Find the Shortest Path between Two Vertices Challenge: Remove Edge from a Directed Graph Solution: Remove Edge from a Directed Graph Graph Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Graphs

Introduction to Trees

38 Lessons

Trie

14 Lessons

Introduction to Heap

12 Lessons

Introduction to Hashing

33 Lessons

10.

Summary of Data Structures

2 Lessons

Course Author

Learn everything you’ll need to perform like a rockstar on your coding interviews in C++.

Ace the C++ Coding Interview

Learn everything you’ll need to prepare for your coding interviews in C++.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the data structures of C++ programming?

C++ provides several fundamental data structures, both built-in and through its Standard Template Library (STL). The built-in data structures include arrays and pointers for simple, contiguous memory storage. The STL offers more advanced structures like vector (dynamic array), list (doubly linked list), deque (double-ended queue), stack (LIFO stack), queue (FIFO queue), priority_queue (heap), set (ordered collection of unique elements), map (key-value pairs), unordered_set, and unordered_map (hash-based structures). These data structures are optimized for different types of operations, such as fast access, insertion, or deletion, making C++ versatile for various programming needs.

Can I use C++ for coding interviews?

Yes, C++ is an excellent choice for coding interviews. It offers powerful features like manual memory management, object-oriented programming, and access to a rich Standard Template Library (STL) that provides efficient data structures and algorithms. C++ allows fine-grained control over performance, making it suitable for solving complex problems efficiently. Its syntax is well-known to most interviewers, and using C++ demonstrates a strong understanding of low-level programming concepts, which is valuable in many technical interviews.

How to study for a C++ interview

To study for a C++ interview, master core C++ concepts like pointers, memory management, object-oriented programming, and the Standard Template Library (STL). Practice solving common coding problems using STL data structures (vector, list, map, etc.) and algorithms to understand their complexities and use cases. Review key C++ features such as operator overloading, inheritance, polymorphism, and templates. Additionally, get comfortable writing clean, efficient code and explaining your approach clearly. Regular practice on platforms like LeetCode or Codeforces will help reinforce these skills and improve problem-solving speed.

Are C++ coders in demand?

Yes, C++ coders are in high demand, especially in game development, finance, embedded systems, and high-performance computing. C++ is valued for its speed, efficiency, and control over system resources, making it ideal for applications where performance is critical. Many companies seek C++ developers for roles that require low-level programming, real-time processing, and software that interacts closely with hardware. Its versatility and efficiency ensure that C++ remains a popular language in various tech sectors.

How many hours a day should I study C++?

The number of hours you should study C++ daily depends on your goals, current proficiency, and schedule. Generally, dedicating 1 to 2 hours of focused study daily is effective for consistent progress, allowing time to grasp new concepts, practice coding problems, and reinforce learning. If you have more time, you can extend this to 3 to 4 hours, but balance study with breaks to avoid burnout. Consistency is key, so aim for regular, manageable sessions that fit your routine.