Hello everyone, there is no doubt you can crack the Programming exam. Job interviews are complex, and it's even more difficult if you want to crack coding interviews at tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
However, you can still break them by carefully planning and preparing the essential topics that matter the most, such as Data structures and Algorithms, System Design, Multithreading and Concurrency, SQL and Database design, OOP, Linux concepts, Computer networks, and, of course, working on your problem-solving skills.
As the author of Java and a programming blog, I am frequently asked how to prepare for coding interviews. How can you go through Google or Microsoft Software Developer interviews? Or how can you get a job in software development at Amazon or Facebook?
After responding to many of my Facebook and LinkedIn readers individually, we compiled a list of critical coding interview topics.
This list can help you prepare for any tech business interview, such as those at Google and Amazon. However, even if you are not aiming for Google and want to work as a software engineer, you can prepare for these topics.
Preparing for tech behemoths like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Facebook puts you miles ahead of the competition, and you will almost certainly receive multiple job offers from smaller corporations, startups, and investment banks.
We recommend aiming higher because even if you don't get what you want, you'll still get job offers that many programmers wish.
Another essential point to remember is that various interviews require different skills. For example, if you go to a Java developer interview, you must be familiar with Java. Similarly, for a Python developer interview, you should be familiar with Python and specific prominent Python frameworks such as Django and Flask.
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are essential abilities for a web developer, and you will be tested on them, as well as modern web development frameworks such as Angular, React, and Vue.js, with a little node.js thrown in for good measure. But there is more than this.
So, let's look at what programming topics to learn as you prepare for an interview and become a developer. Let us get started.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Many programmers believe that data structures and algorithms (DSAs) are something you must "get through" in school but will never use in practice. They are, however, astonished that so many interviews include DSA queries. Companies are interested in prospective employees' DSA knowledge for various reasons, and programmers should also be.
Writing code is only the last step of a long process for many firms, including Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Most of a programmer's time is spent thinking about the best method to tackle a project, including the best data structures and algorithms. These judgments significantly impact the company's resource utilization and profitability. Thus, it's no wonder that DSAs play a significant role in their interview process. These questions are also substantial for companies outside of Silicon Valley because they demonstrate a programmer's basic knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
DSAs continue to participate in day-to-day work once a coder holds the position. Data structures, in particular, are a specific technique of organizing data so that it may be used most effectively, and there are several to select from.
An array is a popular data structure that stores and organizes items of the same type, such as integers.
Two more data structures are stacks, which let programmers access newly added things first like they would the first book in a pile, and linked lists, which arrange data in a linear, sequentially linked order.
Algorithms are instructions that programmers give computers to solve problems, much like a recipe for a cook. These detailed instructions can carry out several tasks, including identifying and classifying data in an organized and logical manner.
Furthermore, many startups and FAANG employers seek programmers with the agility to scale programs and innovate through DSAs.
Read More: Learn Data Structures and Algorithms
Object Oriented Programming Language (OOPs)
OOP languages offer a programming style (also referred to as a paradigm) that is based on classes and objects. Consider classes to be groups of similar things, like fruits, with objects that tell us more about specific items in that class, like apples.
This programming paradigm is significant because it enables programmers to reuse complex code across multiple programs quickly. For example, if I say "my apple," I don't have to tell you everything about it (red, round, grew on a tree, belongs to me). Similarly, a programmer can easily convey instructions or information across many programs by employing an object (my apple) from a class (fruit), producing more effective and efficient code.
As a result, OOP languages like Java, C++, Python, and Perl are essential for programmers, and they must have at least one in their skill set.
Furthermore, JavaScript and PHP work well with OOP languages to improve efficiency and functionality.
Database and SQL
One of the most basic assumptions of every programmer is that they understand fundamental database concepts. This is because data is the fuel that drives businesses, and it permeates practically every facet of every project.
While there are other database languages, the most used is Structured Query Language (SQL — pronounced "sequel"). Even though SQL was created in the 1980s, it is still the primary language for communicating with relational databases and is regarded as essential for modern programmers. PC databases have widely utilized SQL in recent years because it simplifies access to distributed databases (e.g., those scattered across numerous computer systems), allowing multiple local users to access the same network simultaneously. SQL also facilitates the storing and organizing of data in relational databases (databases in which common data link tables together).
Practicing with MySQL may be beneficial if you want to obtain SQL experience. This open-source software, known as a relational database management system (RDMS), is based on SQL and is used by many aspiring coders to work on constructing their systems, applications, and websites for free.
NoSQL is a popular database management system (DBMS) that stores and accesses data using key-value pairs rather than relational tables, allowing for greater flexibility. MongoDB, an open-source program that may be used for high-volume document data storage and handles well with document structure variations, is an example of a NoSQL database.
Of course, while mastering databases, there are many more systems and software packages to learn, but having a solid foundation in database concepts and SQL is a vital first step for all programmers.
Web Development
Many experts view web development as a branch of or specialization within programming. Therefore, learning the relevant tech and languages makes perfect sense for those who intend to work in web development. Well, perhaps not.
Programmers who intend to engage in web development must have a solid foundation in the fundamental tools. These tools include, among others:
HTML & CSS: HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are fundamental coding languages, and web developers frequently learn them as their first two. HTML helps a web page's structure and content, while CSS controls its appearance and style.
JavaScript: Although it is occasionally used for back-end programming, JavaScript is more frequently utilized for front-end development.
According to a Mozilla writer, JavaScript is likely used whenever a web page displays anything other than static information for you to view, such as timely content updates, interactive maps, dynamic 2D/3D visuals, scrolling video jukeboxes, etc.
The remote server portion, an API (Application Programming Interface), handles user queries and communicates responses to the remainder of the server and website. Programmers configure the API of a website to respond to user requests and connect them to an external server without navigating away from the original site. Any list of essential web development skills includes an understanding of APIs because it enhances website user experience.
PHP: To support front-end programming efforts, PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a highly accessible, all-purpose scripting language that can be readily integrated into HTML. PHP is executed on the server instead of the client like JavaScript is.
Even programmers who don't want to work in web development can gain from knowing the fundamentals.
For instance, a web component is a common component of projects that programmers work on. Programmers can better comprehend how data will be collected and used, what functionality may be needed in the future, and how enterprise systems may be impacted with a basic understanding of web development ideas, concerns, and limits.
Programmers will undoubtedly benefit from having a deeper understanding of how to produce not just their component of the project but also how to provide different solutions to those whose expertise is centered on client-side functionality.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is expanding rapidly because all firms that want to move their environments, storage, and digital assets to the cloud need cloud developers. 87% of worldwide IT decision-makers concur, according to LogicMonitor, that the COVID-19 pandemic has sped up cloud migration for most organizations.
Additionally, once converted, firms will require programmers knowledgeable in the necessary hardware to operate cloud-native applications efficiently. Work in the cloud is even more crucial as firms increasingly rely on data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence because algorithms and models need a lot of resources. As a result of these corporate changes and requirements, cloud engineers, developers, and programmers are in great demand.
The good news is that many languages required for cloud computing are already among the most popular ones among programmers. These include:
Python
Java
Ruby
Go
Additionally, it's a bright idea for programmers to become familiar with cloud platforms like:
AWS, or Amazon Web Services
Windows Azure
(GCP) Google Cloud Platform
You can improve your comprehension of how others operate by concentrating on one to acquire crucial functions, which will enhance your skill set.
Containers
Without the need for downloads to a physical computer, containers are preset environments that package the code and other dependencies an application needs to run.
By bundling the application code with related configuration files, libraries, and dependencies, containers reduce the risk of bugs compared to traditional methods (such as virtual machines), where code is developed in a specific computing environment and transferred to another location. Additionally, containers virtualize the operating system because the operating system (OS) files are present, allowing the program to execute anywhere. Programmers can create and deploy apps more quickly and securely as a result.
A teacher preparing for their Python programming session is a straightforward illustration of container utilization in education. It is easier to prepare and guarantees that students will have the necessary access to learn Python from anywhere by using a container to get the required application, libraries, and dependencies (including the OS).
The following are some of the most well-liked container management programs:
AWS Docker Fargate
Engine for Google Kubernetes
Linux containers on Amazon ECS
Services for Microsoft Azure Containers
Git
Programmers can manage and monitor changes to source code throughout the development process using the version control system Git. Because every version is recorded and retrievable upon request, it makes it simple to fix any mistakes that might arise. Additionally, programmers are encouraged to develop through trial and error while employing version control because they don't have to worry about losing their earlier coding attempts.
Git is the version control system that businesses use the most; therefore, when considering a job in programming, it's crucial to be knowledgeable about and prepared to utilize it.
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
IDEs are workbenches for programmers where all the required tools are laid out and ready for use, similar to a workbench with a saw, drill, nails, and hammer if you intend to construct a birdhouse. IDEs combine several development tools through a single graphical user interface (GUI).
Using an IDE allows developers to master several tools that cooperate rather than studying each tool individually and putting the appropriate tools together for each coding activity. In addition, the programmer saves time by not switching between applications because all the tools are accessible through a single GUI.
The fact that IDEs are language-specific—that is, they can be made to function with one or more programming languages—must be kept in mind.
Text Editors
Text editors are applications that make it possible to open, examine, and edit plain text files. Programmers can write and edit the text in programming and markup languages using text editors since they do not apply to formats like word processing programs.
Text editors also assist programmers in maintaining configuration files and producing documentation files.
Below is the list, which includes some of the most popular text editors:
Visual Studio Code
Sublime Text
Notepad++
UltraEdit
Computer Networking
Along with computer science fundamentals, computer networks is another subject you can adequately study. At least, you should be familiar with fundamental protocols like HTTP, FTP, SSH, TCP, UDP, etc.
You can prepare for the following Computer Networks topics:
Network Topologies and How Computer Networks Operate
Devices for Networking and Cabling
The TCP/IP and OSI Models
Switches and Routers for Subnetting and IP Addressing
Internet Wireless
Network Protection
Process for Network Planning & Design
Understanding the concept and what IT workers do is crucial; you don't need to master implementation-level specifics. We recommend enrolling in Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies if you need a refresher course; it suits both technical and non-technical persons.
Conclusion
Programmers have promising career prospects. According to CareerOneStop, 9,700 programming job openings will be in the United States year through 2030, with a median pay of $89,190.
Interestingly, many people who start learning to code through individual study eventually join a coding boot camp. Boot camps are a terrific way to learn in-demand skills in a hands-on setting where students use their newly acquired knowledge on projects that will eventually make up their professional portfolios.
The correct mix of in-demand hard and soft skills will accelerate your progress toward a fulfilling career in programming, regardless of the educational path you pick.