Algorithms for Coding Interviews in Python

Your ultimate guide to algorithms for coding interviews. Master several must-know algorithms, and test your skills with real-world problems from top companies.

Intermediate

132 Lessons

15h

Certificate of Completion

Your ultimate guide to algorithms for coding interviews. Master several must-know algorithms, and test your skills with real-world problems from top companies.

AI-POWERED

Mock Interview

Explanations

AI-POWERED

Mock Interview

Explanations

This course includes

117 Playgrounds

42 Challenges

17 Quizzes

This course includes

117 Playgrounds

42 Challenges

17 Quizzes

Course Overview

With algorithms being one of the most common themes in coding interviews, having a firm grip on them can be the difference between being hired and not. After completing this comprehensive course, you'll have an in-depth understanding of different algorithm types in Python and be equipped with a simple process for approaching complexity analysis. As you progress, you’ll be exposed to the most important algorithms you'll likely encounter in an interview. You'll work your way through over 50 interactive codin...Show More

Course Content

Introduction

Who This Course Is For

Learning Outcomes

Algorithmic Paradigms

Asymptotic Analysis

Example: Measuring Time Complexity - Single loop

Example: Measuring Time Complexity - Nested Loop

Introduction to Asymptotic Analysis and Big O

Other Common Asymptotic Notations and Why Big O Trumps Them

Useful Formulas

Common Complexity Scenarios

Challenge: Big O of Nested Loop With Addition

Solution: Big O of Nested Loop With Addition

Challenge: Big O of Nested Loop With Subtraction

Solution: Big O of Nested Loop With Subtraction

Challenge: Big O of Nested Loop With Multiplication

Solution: Big O of Nested Loop With Multiplication

Challenge: Nested Loop With Multiplication (Basic)

Solution: Nested Loop With Multiplication (Basic)

Challenge: Nested Loop With Multiplication (Intermediate)

Solution: Nested Loop With Multiplication (Intermediate)

Challenge: Nested Loop With Multiplication (Advanced)

Solution: Nested Loop With Multiplication (Advanced)

Challenge: Nested Loop With Multiplication (Pro)

Solution: Nested Loop With Multiplication (Pro)

Complexity Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Complexity

Sorting & Searching

Graph Algorithms

Introduction to Graph Algorithms and Implementation

Challenge: Implement Breadth-First Graph Traversal

Solution: Breadth-First Graph Traversal

Challenge: Implement Depth-First Graph Traversal

Solution: Depth-First Graph Traversal

Challenge: Calculate the Number of Nodes in a Graph Level

Solution: Calculate the Number of Nodes in a Graph Level

Challenge: Transpose a Graph

Solution: Transpose a Graph

Challenge: Find All Paths Between Two Nodes

Solution: Find All Paths Between Two Nodes

Challenge: Check If a Graph is Strongly Connected

Solution: Check If a Graph is Strongly Connected

Challenge: Find All Connected Components in a Graph

Solution: Find All Connected Components of a Graph

Challenge: Remove an Edge

Solution: Remove an Edge

Challenge: Detect a Cycle in a Graph

Solution: Detect a Cycle in a Graph

Quiz on Graph Algorithms

Greedy Algorithms

12 Lessons

Dynamic Programming

25 Lessons

Conclusion

2 Lessons

Course Author

Part of the Python Interview Prep Path

Ace the Python Coding Interview

Stand out from the crowd. Cover everything you need to know to crack your coding interviews in Python.

7 Modules

Trusted by 1.4 million developers working at companies

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

Evan Dunbar

ML Engineer

Carlos Matias La Borde

Software Developer

Souvik Kundu

Front-end Developer

Vinay Krishnaiah

Software Developer

Eric Downs

Musician/Entrepeneur

Kenan Eyvazov

DevOps Engineer

Souvik Kundu

Front-end Developer

Eric Downs

Musician/Entrepeneur

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

Evan Dunbar

ML Engineer

Hands-on Learning Powered by AI

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Instant Code Feedback

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.

AI-Powered Mock Interviews

Put your skills to the test in a simulated interview setting. Receive personalized feedback based on your performance. Available in Premium & Premium Plus plans.

Adaptive Learning

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Explain with AI

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AI Code Mentor

AI Code Mentor helps you quickly identify errors in your code, learn from your mistakes, and nudge you in the right direction — just like a 1:1 tutor!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common algorithms for Python?

The five most common algorithms for Python are as follows:

Sorting algorithms
Searching algorithms
Dynamic programming
Greedy algorithms
Recursion algorithms

How do I practice Python coding for an interview?

Beginner or advanced-level developers should take courses to study Python before their coding interview. Some areas to focus on should include algorithms, familiarity with Python’s standard libraries and data structures, and practicing their skills through coding challenges.

How to crack a Python interview

While preparing for your Python interview, you should invest more time learning key areas, such as Python’s key libraries, concepts such as time and space complexity, data structures and algorithms, etc. Take some time to go through Python courses and practice solving coding problems to test your skills regularly so you can track your progress.

Which is better for Python, HackerRank, or LeetCode?

LeetCode offers diverse problems for interview prep, and HackerRank is great for learning Python basics. However, Educative stands out by combining interactive lessons to learn Python deeply and coding challenges to practice, all in one platform, making it the ideal choice for comprehensive interview preparation.

What algorithms should you know for coding interviews?

Essential algorithms for coding interviews include sorting (merge, quick, heap), searching (binary search), graph algorithms (BFS, DFS), dynamic programming (knapsack, longest common subsequence), and data structure-based algorithms (hashing, heaps, and trees).

Which sorting algorithm is the best choice in Python?

Python’s built-in sort() and sorted() use TimSort, a hybrid sorting algorithm combining merge sort and insertion sort. It’s highly efficient for real-world data, making it the best choice for most sorting tasks in Python.

How do I learn algorithms for coding?

Start by studying algorithm basics, solving problems on platforms like Educative, and practicing frequently. Focus on understanding core concepts like recursion, dynamic programming, and divide-and-conquer strategies, and gradually tackle more complex problems.

What algorithm should I learn first?

Start with basic sorting algorithms like bubble, selection, and insertion sort, then move on to more complex algorithms like merge sort, quicksort, and graph traversal algorithms like BFS and DFS.

How can I memorize algorithms easily?

Memorize algorithms by practicing regularly, solving problems multiple times, and understanding the underlying principles. Break down algorithms into smaller steps, visualize their workings, and implement them in different programming languages for better retention.