Failed Coding Interview? [18 Best Coding Interview Resources for Bouncing Back]

Failed coding interview?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

Some people fail three, eight, even thirty coding interviews.

So how can you make sure that doesn’t happen to you?

By checking out these 18 best coding interview resources.

These courses and books can help put you ahead of the pack and pass your next technical interview.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you buy something. Read my disclosure for more details.

TLDR: Failed coding interview?

Here are the best resources for bouncing back:

🔥 Best Course 🔥
Grokking the Coding Interview – Educative.io

💥 Best Book 💥
Cracking the Coding Interview

Failed coding interview? Try these courses.

1. AlgoExpert

AlgoExpert is one of the best courses to take so you don’t experience a failed coding interview.

The platform is video-based, containing over 100 hours of video.

But you’ll also work on over 150 questions in the 4-pane integrated workspace.

Here you’ll:

• watch the video
• read the prompt
• use the scratchpad
• read AlgoExpert’s solutions

This dark mode workspace also allows you to choose syntax highlighting, programming language and more.

You can solve your problems with 9 programming languages:

JavaScript	Python	Swift
C++	Java	C#
Go	Kotlin	TypeScript

The questions on AlgoExpert range from Easy to Very Hard. And they contain questions in 15 categories such as:

• arrays
• graphs
• linked lists
• strings
• recursion
• heaps
• stacks

And more.

Also, there’s a crash course on data structures. Should you need it.

Want to know more? Read our full review on AlgoExpert.

💰 Price: $99 per year
⏲️ Duration: 100+ hours
📉 Level: Beginner to Advanced
🖥️ Format: Video and interactive learning
🎖️ Certificate: Yes

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2. Grokking the Coding Interview – Educative.io

Back in the day, practicing a few coding questions was enough to prepare for the coding interview.

But that’s not the case anymore.

Now the process has become more competitive.

And Grokking the Coding Interview can be a solution for that.

The team that created the course brainstormed on what the biggest challenge was during their own coding interviews.

So they came up with the idea to create a course to help students “map a new problem to an already known problem.”

And in this course you can work with 16 patterns for coding questions.

So the idea is that once you’re familiar with a pattern, you’ll be able to solve countless problems with it.

Some of the 16 patterns you’ll work with include:

• merge intervals
• cyclic sort
• two heaps
• subsets
• K-way merge
• 0/1 Knapsack

And beyond.

With 182 lessons, you’ll practice with 1063 coding playgrounds.

In addition, you’ll work on 125 coding challenges.

There are over 200 illustrations throughout the course to reinforce concepts.

Educative.io is an interactive learning platform.

So you’ll do all your work in the same browser.

This course has helped developers land jobs at FAANG companies.

Want to know more? Read our full review of Grokking the Coding Interview.

💰 Price: $79 per year for the course / $59 per month or $199 per year ($16.66/mo) for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: 50 hours
📉 Level: Beginner+
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning
🎖️ Certificate: Yes

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3. Coderust: Hacking the Coding Interview – Educative.io

If you’re dealing with the disappointment of a failed coding interview, Coderust: Hacking the Coding Interview might be just the solution you need.

It was created by former hiring managers from some of today’s top tech companies.

There are over 80 problems and detailed solutions asked at actual coding interviews.

With 11 modules, you’ll work on problems based on:

• arrays
• linked lists
• strings
• trees
• stacks and queues
• graphs
• dynamic programming

And beyond.

And with over 1500 illustrations, you’ll get step-by-step visualizations on how to work through each problem.

Solutions for each problem are available in 5 programming languages:

• Python
• C++
• Java
• JavaScript
• Ruby

With 84 lessons, you’ll work on 430 challenges.

In addition, there are 580 coding playgrounds.

So that means that Educative.io is an interactive learning environment where you do all work inside the same browser.

Want to know more? Read our full review of Coderust: Hacking the Coding Interview.

💰 Price: $79 per year for the course / $59 per month or $199 per year ($16.66/mo) for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: 40 hours
📉 Level: Beginner+
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning
🎖️ Certificate: Yes

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4. Master the Coding Interview: Data Structures + Algorithms – Zero to Mastery

Master the Coding Interview is a bootcamp-style course by well-loved instructor Andrei Neagoie on the Zero to Mastery platform.

It contains almost everything you need to ace the coding interview.

First you’ll learn how to implement different data structures.

In addition, you’ll learn how to master computer science fundamentals to make you a better programmer.

Then you’ll learn how and when to use different algorithms.

Also, you’ll learn some soft skills such as:

• getting advice on how to land more interviews
• handle offers
• negotiate raises

And beyond.

Zero to Mastery is a video-based learning platform.

That means you’ll be doing all work outside of the browser.

So Master the Coding Interview is best for visual learners.

There’s over 19 hours of video and 55 downloadable resources in this course.

In addition, you’ll get access to the ZTM community.

💰 Price: $29 per month or $264 per year ($22/mo) for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: 19+ hours
📉 Level: Beginner+
🖥️ Format: Video
🎖️ Certificate: Yes

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5. Technical Interview Practice with Python – Codecademy

Unfortunately, you know that with a failed coding interview, you aren’t going to get hired.

Luckily, these interviews can be somewhat predictable.

While you may not see the same coding problems, you’ll see the same types of coding problems.

And Technical Interview Practice with Python can be a great way to make the next technical interview work in your favor.

First you’ll work on your whiteboarding skills.

In addition, you’ll learn how to break technical interview problems into bite-sized pieces.

Then you’ll work on problems related to lists and linked lists.

You’ll also learn about strategies to construct the ideal solutions for each problem.

Finally, you’ll learn about dynamic programming techniques.

Codecademy is an interactive learning platform.

So all work is done in the same browser with an interactive code editor.

Python not your preferred programming language? Take the course Technical Interview Practice with Java or Technical Interview Practice with JavaScript instead.

💰 Price: $39.99 per month / $239.88 per year ($19.99/mo) for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: 5 hours
📉 Level: Intermediate
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning
🎖️ Certificate: Yes

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6. Pass the Technical Interview with Python Skill Path – Codecademy

Pass the Technical Interview with Python is a little different than a course. Rather, it’s a collection of courses called a Skill Path.

So if you’re taking your failed coding interview seriously, you may want to consider taking this path.

There are 8 modules in Pass the Technical Interview with Python.

First you’ll go over interview prep. This covers Python data structures and algorithms.

Then you’ll get into the meat of the Skill Path.

You’ll learn about:

• linear data structures
• hash maps
• algorithmic concepts
• sorting algorithms
• graphs and graph traversals

And more.

Then you’ll work on interview prep and practice problems.

Throughout the course you’ll work on a series of mini projects such as creating games and building a graph search program.

Codecademy Pro has an interactive learning environment.

So you’ll learn and do all work in the same browser.

Python not your preferred programming language? Take the Skill Path Pass the Technical Interview with Java or Pass the Technical Interview with JavaScript instead.

💰 Price: $39.99 per month / $239.88 per year ($19.99/mo) for full platform access
⏲️ Duration: 8 weeks
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Interactive learning
🎖️ Certificate: Yes

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7. Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization – Coursera

Data Structures and Algorithms is a Specialization.

Specializations are similar to Skill Paths. Instead of one course, there are multiple.

So the Specialization takes months to complete.

There are 6 courses in Data Structures and Algorithms:

• Algorithmic Toolbox
• Data Structures
• Algorithms on Graphs
• Algorithms on Strings
• Advanced Algorithms and Complexity
• Genome Assembly Programming Challenge

First you’ll learn how to solve various computational problems by using algorithmic techniques.

You’ll also work on about 100 algorithm problems throughout the Specialization.

There are 2 real-world projects in Data Structures and Algorithms.

First you’ll learn how to compute the shortest distance between San Francisco and New York.

Then you’ll assemble genomes from DNA fragments.

Coursera is primarily a video-based platform. So you’ll be doing most work outside of the browser.

💰 Price: $49 per month
⏲️ Duration: 8 months
📉 Level: Intermediate
🖥️ Format: Video-based
🎖️ Certificate: Yes

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8. Technical Interviewing – Treehouse

🚨 ALERT 🚨

As of September 2021, Treehouse has laid off 90% of its staff. The future of Treehouse is unknown.

Technical Interviewing is a short, 51-minute course on Treehouse.

In this seminar-style course, you’ll learn how technical interviews vary by company.

You’ll also come to understand interview best practices and how to prepare for the interview.

With 6 videos, you’ll learn:

• what technical interviewing is
• how to prepare for questions
• whiteboarding
• whiteboarding examples
• alternatives to whiteboarding
• tools

Treehouse is a video-based platform.

So for Technical Interviewing, you’ll do most work outside of the platform.

However, there are on-platform multiple choice quizzes.

💰 Price: $29.99 per month / $239.88 per year ($19.99 per month) for access to all courses and tracks
⏲️ Duration: 51 minutes
📉 Level: Beginner
🖥️ Format: Video
🎖️ Certificate: No

Failed coding interview? Try these books.

9. Cracking the Coding Interview

Cracking the Coding Interview is one of the best ways to remedy a failed coding interview.

Author Gayle Laakmann McDowell should know. She’s a former software engineer at a couple of FAANGs.

In addition, she was an interviewer for Google. So she interviewed hundreds of applicants. And looked at thousands more resumes.

In Cracking the Coding Interview, you’ll first learn about non-programming aspects of the interview.

This includes learning about:

• the interview process
• special situations
• behavioral questions (soft skills)
• getting the job offer

And much more.

In addition, there’s extensive coverage of big O notation.

Then, you’ll move onto the meat of the book: 189 programming questions.

Each question has:

• hints similar to those given at coding interviews
• a solution
• solution walkthroughs

And more.

Most solutions are presented in Java.

However, there are limited questions in C and C++.

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10. Programming Interviews Exposed

Programming Interviews Exposed by John Mongan is comparable to Cracking the Coding Interview.

First you’ll start with non-technical aspects of the interview.

For example, you’ll learn how to approach phone screens with non-technical recruiters.

In addition, you’ll learn how to use verbalization to demonstrate your skills.

Also, you’ll become familiar with GitHub.

And you’ll learn how to speak to the interviewer to advance to the next level.

Then you’ll work on the technical aspect of interviews.

This includes working on classic problems covering data structures and algorithms.

But you’ll also work on more modern programming concepts like data science, statistics, probability and machine learning.

Every answer includes a solution walkthrough.

11. The Algorithm Design Manual

The Algorithm Design Manual is another banger for those who have suffered a failed coding interview.

Author Steven Skiena uses relatable, real-world stories to reinforce concepts. And make the content more easily understood.

It’s also jam packed with color illustrations.

In this latest edition, there are 100 new problems.

In addition, there’s expanded coverage of:

• randomized algorithms
• hashing
• divide and conquer
• approximation algorithms
• quantum computing

And much more.

It also contains a catalog of 75 of the most commonly found algorithmic problems.

These are questions that are asked at actual coding interviews.

Keep in mind that The Algorithm Design Manual is a textbook.

So it’s ideal for students who work best with academic curriculum.

Many of the solutions are written in C.

12. Elements of Programming Interviews in Java

Elements of Programming Interviews in Java by Adnan Aziz, et al. contains over 250 coding problems in Java.

And every problem contains a detailed solution and walkthrough.

In addition, there are over 200 illustrations to highlight particular concepts.

Coding problems are broken down into 5 categories:

• searching
• sorting
• concurrency
• algorithm design principles
• advanced data structures

Every chapter contains a brief introduction to the concept.

Then there’s a case study.

After that, you’ll examine tips to tackle those types of problems.

You’ll also review library methods.

Finally, you’ll work on the coding interview problems.

Java not your preferred programming language? Check out Elements of Programming Interviews in Python or Elements of Programming Interviews in C++.

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13. System Design Interview

Maybe you failed the system design interview, perhaps the most difficult technical job interview.

Don’t worry too much.

System Design Interview by Alex Xu is a top-rated book meant to help you navigate – and pass – the system design interview.

Using real-world examples, you’ll work on 16 design interview questions such as designing a:

• key-value store
• rate limiter
• URL shortener
• web crawler
• chat system

And beyond.

Also you’ll design YouTube and Google Drive.

In addition, you’ll use a 4-step framework meant to help you solve any system design problem.

There are 188 full-color diagrams to reinforce concepts throughout the book.

🏁 Dive into more challenging problems with Alex Xu’s latest release System Design Interview – An Insider’s Guide: Volume 2.

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14. The Complete Coding Interview Guide in Java

We consider The Complete Coding Interview Guide in Java by Anghel Leonard to be one of the best remedies for a failed coding interview.

First of all, there’s over 200 coding problems.

And of course those are accompanied by detailed solutions.

In addition, you’ll find ample illustrations to reinforce concepts throughout the book.

You’ll also learn how to overcome coding challenges presented in object-oriented programming, recursion and beyond.

But The Complete Coding Interview Guide in Java is so much more than just problems and solutions.

You’ll also learn about how to prepare for the interview.

This includes:

• resume tips
• non-technical questions
• phone screens
• handling failure

And much more.

By the end of the book, you should be able to navigate Java problems commonly asked at coding interviews.

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15. Grokking Algorithms

Maybe your failed coding interview is a result of algorithm difficulties.

Grokking Algorithms by Aditya Bhargava might be your solution to that.

Here you’ll learn how to apply common algorithms to every day problems.

First you’ll start with:

• recursion
• sorting
• searching
• hash tables

And more.

Then you’ll work on more complex concepts like artificial intelligence and data compression.

There are over 400 illustrations to highlight and reinforce concepts.

All code samples are presented in the Python programming language.

16. 40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know

40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know by Imran Ahmad is another book you want to pick up after a failed coding interview.

First you’ll learn about the techniques you need to know in order to properly design algorithms.

Then you’ll learn how to choose the correct data structures.

In addition, you’ll learn about neural networks and techniques for deep learning.

You’ll get to work on fun problems like:

• implementing graph algorithms for fraud detection
• clustering tweets using machine learning algorithms
• predicting the weather

And much more.

All solutions are presented in Python.

By the end of 40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know, you should be able to confidently use algorithms with real-world problems.

17. Daily Coding Problem

Daily Coding Problem by Alex Miller and Lawrence Wu is another way to avoid a failed coding interview.

The idea is that you work on one coding problem per day to ace the technical interview.

Every problem has a solution with a detailed walkthrough. That’s to make sure you understand all the concepts within the problem.

Some concepts covered include:

• linked lists
• heaps
• trees
• arrays
• stacks and queues
• graphs
• system design

And much more.

At the beginning of each chapter, there’s a crash course on a new concept.

Then you’ll go through possible algorithms to use. And you’ll choose based on the patterns presented.

Finally, you’ll go step-by-step and implement the algorithms.

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18. Surviving the Whiteboard Interview

Surviving the Whiteboard Interview by William Gant is a little different than the other books in this list.

You see, sometimes it’s the soft skills that are responsible for a failed coding interview.

So you need to know how to talk to your interviewer and convince them that you’re the right programmer for the job.

First you’ll work on the psychological roadblocks of coding interviews.

Now this includes things like public speaking and performing. And interacting with strangers.

Then you’ll work on other improvements you can make with your resume and online presence.

Finally, you’ll learn how to solve common whiteboarding challenges in various programming languages.

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Failed Coding Interview: Conclusion

Today we looked at the best coding interview resources to help you avoid another failed coding interview.

From there, we chose our favorites:

Best Course
Grokking the Coding Interview – Educative.io

Best Book
Cracking the Coding Interview

What coding interview resources did you choose?

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