For anyone preparing for technical interviews, mastering data structures and algorithms is crucial. Many candidates turn to online resources, and one popular choice is Grokking the Coding Interview by Design Gurus. But is this course worth the investment?
This content provides an in-depth review of Grokking the Coding Interview, examining its content, benefits, limitations, and how it compares to other resources.
What is Grokking the Coding Interview?
Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions is an online course designed to help software engineers prepare for technical coding interviews, particularly at FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) and other top tech companies.
Instead of focusing on isolated problems, this course teaches coding patterns that can be applied to multiple problems. This pattern-based approach is intended to improve problem-solving skills and reduce the time spent on interviews.
The course is hosted on Educative.io, a platform known for interactive, text-based learning with built-in coding environments.
Key Features of Grokking the Coding Interview
1. Pattern-Based Learning Approach
Unlike traditional resources that present random coding problems, this course groups them into common patterns. Some of the major patterns include:
- Sliding Window Used for problems involving subarrays.
- Two Pointers Helpful for problems involving sorted arrays.
- Fast ‘ Slow Pointers Used for linked list cycle detection.
- Merge Intervals Common in scheduling and interval-related problems.
- Topological Sort Essential for graph-related questions.
By understanding these patterns, candidates can recognize similar structures in different problems and solve them more efficiently.
2. Interactive, Text-Based Learning
Unlike video-based courses, Grokking the Coding Interview is text-based with built-in coding exercises. This format is useful for learners who prefer reading over watching videos and want to practice coding directly within the platform.
3. Real-World Interview Problems
The course contains 150+ coding problems that are frequently asked in interviews at Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook. The problems are structured in a way that helps candidates learn optimal solutions for common challenges.
4. Detailed Explanations ‘ Step-by-Step Solutions
Each problem is broken down into:
- Problem statement
- Pattern recognition
- Step-by-step approach
- Time and space complexity analysis
This helps learners understand why a solution works instead of just memorizing answers.
5. No Prerequisites Required
The course is designed for beginners and intermediate learners. While basic knowledge of data structures and algorithms is helpful, the explanations are clear enough for self-study.
Pros of Using Grokking the Coding Interview
? Pattern-Based Learning Makes Problem Solving Easier
Instead of learning hundreds of individual problems, recognizing patterns makes it easier to apply solutions to new problems. This is particularly useful for time-constrained technical interviews.
? Ideal for FAANG and Big Tech Interviews
The problems in this course are similar to those asked at top companies. If youre targeting FAANG or high-paying tech jobs, this course can be highly relevant.
? Interactive Coding Experience
Unlike watching videos, coding directly within the course helps learners retain knowledge better.
? Structured Learning Path
The course follows a logical progression, making it easier to track progress and build confidence gradually.
? Beginner-Friendly and Well-Explained
Even if youre new to coding interviews, the detailed explanations and step-by-step guides make it accessible.
Cons of Using Grokking the Coding Interview
? Expensive Compared to Other Resources
The course is not free and requires a subscription to Educative.io. Some users may find it expensive compared to free alternatives like LeetCode or YouTube tutorials.
? Limited Video Content
Some learners prefer video-based explanations, but this course is entirely text-based. If you prefer watching tutorials, this might not be the best fit.
? Fewer Advanced Topics
While the course covers core patterns, it lacks advanced topics like:
- Dynamic Programming (DP) in depth
- Advanced Graph Theory
- System Design
For senior-level interviews, you may need additional study materials.
Who Should Use Grokking the Coding Interview?
? Beginners ‘ Intermediate Coders If youre new to coding interviews, this structured approach is great for building confidence.
? Software Engineers Preparing for FAANG Interviews If youre targeting Google, Facebook, or Amazon, the pattern-based method is highly effective.
? Self-Learners Who Prefer Text-Based Courses If you like reading and interactive exercises, this course is a great fit.
? Time-Constrained Job Seekers If you dont have time to solve hundreds of LeetCode problems, learning patterns is a faster way to improve problem-solving skills.
How Does Grokking the Coding Interview Compare to Other Resources?
1. Grokking the Coding Interview vs. LeetCode
| Feature | Grokking the Coding Interview | LeetCode |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Style | Pattern-Based | Problem-Based |
| Interactive Coding | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Problems | 150+ | 2500+ |
| Video Content | No | No |
| Subscription Required? | Yes | Some parts are free |
| Best For | Learning Patterns | Practicing Problems |
?? Verdict: If you need structured learning, choose Grokking the Coding Interview. If you want tons of problems, LeetCode is better.
2. Grokking the Coding Interview vs. Cracking the Coding Interview (Book)
| Feature | Grokking the Coding Interview | Cracking the Coding Interview |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Online Course | Book |
| Pattern-Based Learning | Yes | No |
| Interactive Coding | Yes | No |
| Depth of Content | Moderate | Extensive |
?? Verdict: If you prefer reading a book with in-depth explanations, Cracking the Coding Interview is better. If you want interactive coding and a pattern-based approach, go for Grokking the Coding Interview.
Is Grokking the Coding Interview Worth It?
? When Its Worth It:
? If you struggle with recognizing patterns in coding problems.
? If you prefer reading over watching videos.
? If you want a structured learning path without solving thousands of problems.
? If youre preparing for FAANG or top tech interviews.
? When Its Not Worth It:
? If you prefer video-based learning.
? If youre looking for a free resource.
? If you need advanced topics beyond coding patterns.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Grokking the Coding Interview?
Grokking the Coding Interview is a great resource for beginner and intermediate candidates who want to master coding interview patterns efficiently. The structured approach, clear explanations, and real-world problems make it a valuable investment, especially for FAANG aspirants.
However, its not the only resource youll need. If you need advanced topics, system design, or video-based learning, consider supplementing it with LeetCode, YouTube tutorials, or Cracking the Coding Interview.
Ultimately, if you want to learn faster and improve problem-solving skills, Grokking the Coding Interview is worth it.
