Data Structures and Algorithms - Interview Preparation Guide

📚 Table of Contents

Data Structures

1. Arrays
2. Linked Lists
3. Stacks and Queues
4. Trees
5. Graphs
6. Hash Tables
7. Heaps

Algorithms

1. Sorting Algorithms
2. Searching Algorithms
3. Dynamic Programming
4. Greedy Algorithms
5. Graph Algorithms
6. String Algorithms
7. Recursion and Backtracking

Interview Questions by Company

1. FAANG Questions
2. Company-Specific Questions
3. Difficulty-Based Questions

Problem-Solving Patterns

1. Two Pointers
2. Sliding Window
3. Fast & Slow Pointers
4. Merge Intervals
5. Cyclic Sort

Complexity Analysis

1. Time Complexity
2. Space Complexity
3. Big O Notation

🎯 How to Use This Guide

1. Start with Fundamentals: Begin with basic data structures and their operations
2. Practice Implementations: Code each data structure from scratch
3. Solve Problems: Work through interview questions progressively
4. Analyze Complexity: Always consider time and space complexity
5. Review Patterns: Learn common problem-solving patterns
6. Mock Interviews: Practice explaining your solutions

📈 Study Plan

Week 1-2: Fundamentals

• Arrays, Strings, Linked Lists
• Basic sorting and searching
• Stacks and Queues

Week 3-4: Advanced Data Structures

• Trees (Binary, BST, Balanced)
• Heaps and Priority Queues
• Hash Tables and Sets

Week 5-6: Graph Algorithms

• Graph representations
• BFS, DFS, Topological Sort
• Shortest Path algorithms

Week 7-8: Dynamic Programming

• Basic DP concepts
• Common DP patterns
• Optimization problems

Week 9-10: Advanced Topics

• Advanced graph algorithms
• String algorithms
• System design basics

🏆 Interview Tips

1. Clarify the Problem: Ask questions about constraints and edge cases
2. Think Out Loud: Explain your thought process
3. Start Simple: Begin with a brute force solution, then optimize
4. Test Your Code: Walk through examples manually
5. Discuss Trade-offs: Explain time vs space complexity decisions

📝 Practice Resources

• LeetCode: Primary platform for coding practice
• HackerRank: Good for specific algorithm practice
• CodeSignal: Interview simulation
• InterviewBit: Structured learning path
• Pramp: Mock interview practice

🔗 Quick Reference

• Cheat Sheets
• Common Formulas
• Template Code
• Interview Checklist

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Good luck with your interview preparation! Remember: consistency is key. Practice a little every day rather than cramming.