Unless you work in a highly specialized field, you’re likely going to need to know how to code at some point in your career. And if you want to become a software developer or engineer, you’ll need to be able to pass the coding interview.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of computer science coding interview questions that will help you prepare for the challenge. Armed with these questions, you’ll be well on your way to success!
Computer Science Basics
Computer Science coding interview questions can be broken down into three categories: programming challenges, problem solving, and algorithm questions.
Programming Challenges
In this category, you’ll likely be asked to design or solve a program or problem. Some common challenges you might face include: writing a function or routine that prints the Fibonacci sequence, creating a program to calculate the sum of two numbers, or creating a program to print the digits of a number in reverse order.
Problem Solving
In this category, you’ll be asked to identify and solve problems. Some common problem solving challenges you might face include: designing a sorting algorithm to sort an array of numbers, devising a way to move blocks of text around on a computer screen, or determining how many cars are traveling on a given road during rush hour.
Algorithm Questions
In this category, you’ll be asked to solve problems by using algorithms. Algorithms are sets of steps that work together to solve a problem. Some common algorithm questions you might face include: calculating the square root of a number, finding the median value in an array of data, or generating all possible
Data Structures
The most important thing to remember when coding is to use as few constructs as possible. When you find yourself needing to use a construct that you haven’t used before, research its usage online or in a book. For example, the while loop is a common construct used in coding. However, if you’re not sure how it works, you can Google “while loop explained” to learn more about it.
Another important rule to remember when coding is to always test your code before you submit it. This means running it through a computer program that checks for errors and makes suggestions for improvement. There are many online programming testing services available, and many programming books also include online testing modules.
Finally, never be afraid to ask for help when you need it. A good way to get started is by using online forums or chat rooms where experienced programmers can offer guidance and support.
Algorithms
Computer science algorithms are the foundation of any data-driven system. Knowing how to code these algorithms can give you an edge in an coding interview. Here are some questions to consider when preparing for a computer science coding interview:
1. What is the difference between a sorting algorithm and a search algorithm?
2. How do you choose between three sorting algorithms?
3. Explain the efficiency of a hashing algorithm.
4. What is the difference between a linked list and a stack?
5. How do you write an efficient Fibonacci algorithm?
Software Development
- What is the difference between development and programming?
- What is a coding challenge?
- How can you use a code editor for the best results?
- What are some common coding challenges that come up in interviews?
- How do you debug code?