What's the best programming language for coding interviews?
This is the second in a multi part series of articles focused towards sharing insights around coding interview preparation for top tier tech companies. If you haven’t checked out the previous edition, definitely recommend to do so.
Today, we dive into a topic that often leaves techies pondering - which programming language should you use in your coding interviews? 🤔
Q: Python is simple and easy to understand, so it's the best for coding interviews, right?
A: Well, I don’t disagree with Python being a gem of a programming language. But I take issue with it being the best programming language for coding interviews.
Why's that? The best programming language is the language that you are the best at. It could be Python, or it very well might not be.
So, is that it? All I take away from this edition of the newsletter is that I should pick the language I am best at?
Well, not so fast 😉
Your choice of programming language in coding interviews depends on a few factors.
🏢 Company requirements
While most companies won’t force you to code in a particular programming language, several have strict guidelines around which programming language you could code in. For example, high-frequency trading firms often want their candidates to code in languages like C++ for its low-level system control, efficient memory management, and minimal runtime overhead, enabling ultra-fast algorithm execution critical for exploiting market opportunities with minimal latency.
📱 Role requirements
In certain cases, you may be applying for specific types of roles or domain-specific positions which may influence your choice of programming language. Candidates aiming for Android or iOS development roles should focus on Java/Kotlin and Swift/Objective-C, respectively, as these are the primary languages for mobile app development. Interviewers often assess language proficiency to evaluate a candidate's ability to work on the platform effectively, as these languages are crucial in mobile development ecosystems.
🚀 Ease of use
Another factor that might influence your choice of programming language in a coding interview would be the ease of writing code in a particular language. For instance, Python's simplicity and readability make it a popular choice for coding interviews, allowing candidates to express complex ideas concisely. On the other hand, languages like C++ might require more intricate memory management, potentially diverting focus from solving the actual problem.
Hands on heart, each of these is just as easy as others? Here's a quick comparison:
C (using malloc):
int *dynamicArray = (int *)malloc(size * sizeof(int));Python (using a list):
dynamic_list = []Java (using ArrayList):
List<Integer> dynamicList = new ArrayList<>();These lines demonstrate how to initialize dynamic arrays in each language, with C using malloc, Python using a list, and Java using an ArrayList.
I’ll leave it to you to decide what you want to play with on the interview hotseat.
📚 Standard libraries support
In a programming interview, choose a language with strong support for inbuilt data structures like Python or Java, as it can simplify code and showcase problem-solving skills. Avoid languages lacking such support to focus on the problem itself rather than low-level details. For example, in C, several data structures are missing by default but are readily available in Java and Python. These data structures include stacks, queues, linked lists, hashmaps, etc. None of this is to say that C isn’t a good programming language, it’s great and I love it 😻 . But when it comes to programming interviews, it may/may not be the best bet.
🚫 Esoteric languages
Avoid using esoteric languages like Brainfuck or Malbolge in interviews. Opt for mainstream languages such as Python, Java, or C++ that interviewers are likely to be familiar with. Using niche languages can obscure your problem-solving skills and create unnecessary communication challenges during the interview. Furthermore, esoteric languages may not provide the standard libraries and data structures commonly used in interviews, putting you at a disadvantage when tackling coding challenges. Sticking to widely recognized languages ensures a smoother interview experience and a clearer demonstration of your coding abilities.
🤝 Language familiarity
I saved the best and the most important for last. The single most critical factor in deciding which programming language to code in an interview is the language you are the most familiar with. Opting for a language you're well-versed in allows you to confidently showcase your problem-solving skills, rather than wrestling with syntax or language intricacies. Your comfort and fluency in the chosen language can be a game-changer in effectively conveying your coding expertise to interviewers.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider the above factors and pick your ally 💪
I hope you found this post insightful, and I look forward to sharing more coding interview preparation nuggets with you in our future editions. Stay tuned!
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