The Neetcode 150 Deconstructed: A Strategic

Guide to Mastering Algorithmic Patterns for

Technical Interviews

Section 1: A Strategic Framework for Success

1.1 Introduction: Beyond Memorization to True Mastery

The Neetcode 150 is a curated list of 150 LeetCode problems designed to provide comprehensive coverage of the
most critical data structures and algorithmic patterns tested in technical interviews at top technology companies.
It builds upon the highly respected "Blind 75" list by adding another 75 problems, creating a curriculum that is
ideal for individuals already familiar with basic data structures and algorithms.2

However, approaching this list as a mere checklist to be completed is a common and critical mistake. Interviewers
are not evaluating a candidate's ability to recall a memorized solution; they are assessing the candidate's
problem-solving methodology in real-time.4 The true purpose of engaging with the Neetcode 150 is not to
produce 150 correct submissions, but to internalize a finite set of approximately 15-20 core algorithmic patterns.
The problems themselves are the training data used to build a robust pattern-recognition model. A successful
preparation strategy reframes the goal from a task-based one ("solve 150 problems") to a skill-based one
("master 20 patterns"). This mental shift is the foundation of effective interview preparation.

1.2 The Core Philosophy: Coverage over Completionism

A rigorous study of the Neetcode 150 reveals a principle of diminishing returns.5 The initial 50 to 70 problems on
the list introduce the most frequently encountered patterns: hash maps for efficient lookups, binary search for
ordered data, two-pointers for array manipulation, BFS/DFS for tree and graph traversals, and the fundamentals
of dynamic programming.5 Past this point, while the problems become more complex, they often represent
variations or combinations of these core patterns rather than introducing entirely new paradigms.

This leads to a crucial strategic insight: coverage of patterns is more valuable than completion of the list.5
Spending an inordinate amount of time struggling with a single difficult problem yields less educational value than
solving three or four related medium-level problems that reinforce the same underlying pattern.5 The objective is
to develop adaptability, not just recall. A candidate who has mastered a pattern can confidently tackle a novel
problem that uses it, whereas a candidate who has only memorized specific solutions may freeze when faced with
an unfamiliar problem statement.4 A more effective benchmark for readiness is the ability to solve 3-4 variations of
each core pattern across different difficulty levels.
 1.3 A Structured Study Plan: From Easy to Hard, Category by Category

The sheer volume of 150 problems can be daunting, making a structured approach essential for consistent
progress.6 A highly effective methodology is to progress through the list by difficulty, rather than completing one
topic category at a time.

The recommended study plan is as follows:

1.​ Complete all "Easy" problems across all categories. Start with "Arrays & Hashing," complete its easy
problems, then move to "Two Pointers" and complete its easy problems, and so on.
2.​ Complete all "Medium" problems across all categories. Once all easy problems are done, repeat the
process for the medium-difficulty problems.
3.​ Complete all "Hard" problems across all categories. Finally, tackle the hard problems, building on the
strong foundation established in the previous stages.

This approach has several advantages 6:

●​ Builds Foundational Skill: It ensures a solid understanding of the basics of each topic before moving to
more complex applications.
●​ Maintains Momentum: It prevents getting stuck on a difficult problem in one category, which can stall
progress and hurt morale.
●​ Reinforces Patterns: It allows for spaced repetition of core concepts as the candidate cycles through the
categories at increasing levels of difficulty.

A reasonable timeline for this endeavor is approximately 15 weeks, averaging 10 problems per week. It is advisable
to front-load the schedule, aiming for around 15 problems per week initially and tapering to 5 per week for the
more time-consuming hard problems.6

1.4 Introducing the Prioritization Tiers

To further structure the learning process, this report organizes the Neetcode 150 topics into a five-tier hierarchy.
This prioritization is based on a combination of factors: frequency of appearance in interviews, foundational
importance (i.e., being a prerequisite for other topics), and overall applicability. This tiered system provides a clear
roadmap, guiding study time toward the highest-impact areas first and ensuring that fundamental concepts are
mastered before moving on to more specialized or advanced topics.

Table 1: Topic Prioritization and Study Roadmap

Tier Topic Name Priority/Import Recommended Key Patterns to

ance Study Order Master

1 Arrays & Critical 1 Frequency

Hashing Counting,
Prefix Sums,
Two-Sum
 Pattern

1 Two Pointers Critical 2 Converging,

Fast & Slow,
Same-Directio
n

1 Sliding Critical 3 Fixed &

Window Variable Size
Windows,
Subarray/Subs
tring Logic

1 Stack High 4 LIFO

Validation,
Monotonic
Stack

2 Binary Search High 5 Standard

Search,
Rotated Array,
Search on
Answer

2 Linked Lists High 6 Node

Manipulation,
Reversal, Cycle
Detection

2 Trees High 7 All Traversals

(Recursive &
Iterative), BST
Properties

2 Heap / Priority High 8 Top K

Queue Elements,
Median
Finding,
Min/Max Heap
Logic

3 Backtracking Medium 9 Subsets,

Permutations,
Combinations
(Decision Tree)

3 Graphs Medium 10 Representation

s (Adjacency
 List), BFS, DFS

3 Tries Medium 11 Prefix

Matching,
Node-based
String Storage

4 1-D & 2-D High 12 Optimal

Dynamic Substructure,
Programming Overlapping
Subproblems,
Memoization,
Tabulation

4 Greedy Medium 13 Greedy Choice

Algorithms Property,
Interval
Scheduling

4 Intervals Medium 14 Sorting by

Start, Merging
Logic

5 Advanced Low 15 Dijkstra's

Graphs Algorithm,
Topological
Sort

5 Bit Low 16 XOR

Manipulation Properties, Bit
Masking,
Shifting

Section 2: Tier 1 - The Bedrock: Foundational Patterns

This tier comprises the absolute essentials of data structures and algorithms. These patterns are not only
frequent but also form the building blocks for more complex problems in higher tiers. Mastery of this tier is
non-negotiable for interview success.

2.1 Arrays & Hashing: The Workhorse of DSA

Arrays and hash tables are arguably the two most fundamental data structures in coding interviews. Arrays offer
fast, constant-time access to elements via an index due to their contiguous memory layout, but suffer from slow,
linear-time insertions and deletions.7 Hash tables (or hash maps) provide average constant-time complexity for
search, insertion, and deletion by mapping keys to values using a hash function, making them incredibly versatile.8

A deep understanding of the hash map's function is crucial. It represents the quintessential space-time tradeoff:
by using extra memory (the hash table), one can often reduce the time complexity of a problem significantly.8 A
common signal that a hash map might be the optimal tool is when a brute-force solution involves a nested loop to
search for pairs or check for properties. The hash map can often eliminate the inner loop, reducing an

O(n2) complexity to O(n). The "Two Sum" problem is the canonical example of this optimization.1

Key Techniques & Patterns:

●​ Frequency Counting: Using a hash map to store elements as keys and their frequencies as values. This is
the go-to pattern for problems involving anagrams, finding duplicates, or counting occurrences.
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Contains Duplicate, Valid Anagram, Top K Frequent Elements.1
●​ Prefix/Suffix Computations: Pre-calculating a prefix sum (or product) array allows for answering
range-based queries in O(1) time. This avoids re-computing the sum/product for every possible subarray.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Product of Array Except Self.7
●​ Grouping: Using a canonical representation of an object (e.g., a sorted string for an anagram) as a key in a
hash map to group similar items together.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Group Anagrams.

Implementation Templates:

C++

In C++, std::vector serves as the primary dynamic array, while std::unordered_map is the hash table
implementation.

C++

#include <iostream>​
#include <vector>​
#include <unordered_map>​
#include <string>​
#include <algorithm>​
​
// Pattern: Frequency Counting (e.g., Valid Anagram)​
bool isAnagram(std::string s, std::string t) {​
if (s.length()!= t.length()) {​
return false;​
}​
std::unordered_map<char, int> counts;​
for (char c : s) {​
 counts[c]++;​
}​
for (char c : t) {​
counts[c]--;​
if (counts[c] < 0) {​
return false;​
}​
}​
return true;​
}​
​
// Pattern: Prefix/Suffix Computations (e.g., Product of Array Except Self)​
std::vector<int> productExceptSelf(std::vector<int>& nums) {​
int n = nums.size();​
std::vector<int> result(n, 1);​
​
// Calculate prefix products​
int prefix = 1;​
for (int i = 0; i < n; ++i) {​
result[i] = prefix;​
prefix *= nums[i];​
}​
​
// Calculate suffix products and multiply with prefix products​
int suffix = 1;​
for (int i = n - 1; i >= 0; --i) {​
result[i] *= suffix;​
suffix *= nums[i];​
}​
​
return result;​
}​

Python

Python's built-in list and dict are highly optimized and easy to use. The collections.Counter class is a specialized
dictionary for frequency counting.

Python

from collections import Counter​

​
# Pattern: Frequency Counting (e.g., Valid Anagram)​
def isAnagram(s: str, t: str) -> bool:​
if len(s)!= len(t):​
 return False​
# Using collections.Counter is concise and efficient​
return Counter(s) == Counter(t)​
​
# Pattern: Prefix/Suffix Computations (e.g., Product of Array Except Self)​
def productExceptSelf(nums: list[int]) -> list[int]:​
n = len(nums)​
result = * n​
​
# Calculate prefix products​
prefix = 1​
for i in range(n):​
result[i] = prefix​
prefix *= nums[i]​
​
# Calculate suffix products and multiply​
suffix = 1​
for i in range(n - 1, -1, -1):​
result[i] *= suffix​
suffix *= nums[i]​
​
return result​

2.2 Two Pointers: Traversing with Efficiency

The two-pointers technique is an elegant and efficient method for solving problems involving sorted arrays, linked
lists, or strings. It optimizes solutions by avoiding nested loops, typically reducing time complexity from O(n2) to
O(n).12

The power of this technique, particularly the converging pointers variation, is often unlocked by a preliminary
sorting step. Sorting an array, which takes O(nlogn) time, establishes an order that allows for a deterministic,
linear-time traversal with the two pointers. For problems involving pairs or triplets that must sum to a target, this
Sort + Two Pointers strategy is a dominant pattern. The sorting provides the crucial property that moving one
pointer in a specific direction will predictably increase or decrease the sum, allowing for an efficient search.12

Key Variations & Patterns:

●​ Converging Pointers: Two pointers start at opposite ends of a sorted collection and move toward each
other. This is ideal for finding pairs that satisfy a certain condition.
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Two Sum II, 3Sum, Container With Most Water, Valid Palindrome.1
●​ Fast & Slow Pointers (Tortoise and Hare): One pointer moves one step at a time (slow), while the other
moves two steps (fast). This pattern is the canonical solution for cycle detection in linked lists.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Linked List Cycle.14
●​ Same-Direction Pointers: Both pointers start at the beginning of the collection. The right pointer expands a
window of elements, and the left pointer contracts it when a condition is violated. This is the foundation of
the Sliding Window technique.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters.11
Implementation Templates:

C++

A template for the converging pointers pattern on a sorted vector.

C++

#include <vector>​
#include <algorithm>​
​
// Pattern: Converging Pointers (e.g., Two Sum II)​
std::vector<int> twoSumSorted(std::vector<int>& numbers, int target) {​
int left = 0;​
int right = numbers.size() - 1;​
​
while (left < right) {​
int sum = numbers[left] + numbers[right];​
if (sum == target) {​
return {left + 1, right + 1};​
} else if (sum < target) {​
left++; // Need a larger sum​
} else {​
right--; // Need a smaller sum​
}​
}​
return {}; // Should not be reached based on problem constraints​
}​

Python

A Pythonic implementation of the same converging pointers pattern.

Python

# Pattern: Converging Pointers (e.g., Two Sum II)​

def twoSumSorted(numbers: list[int], target: int) -> list[int]:​
left, right = 0, len(numbers) - 1​
​
 while left < right:​
current_sum = numbers[left] + numbers[right]​
if current_sum == target:​
return [left + 1, right + 1]​
elif current_sum < target:​
left += 1​
else:​
right -= 1​
return​

2.3 Sliding Window: Subarray and Substring Mastery

The sliding window technique is a specialized form of the two-pointers pattern, optimized for problems involving
contiguous subarrays or substrings.16 It maintains a "window" (a subsegment of the data) and slides it across the
collection. By intelligently adding elements to the end of the window and removing them from the beginning, it
avoids the redundant calculations inherent in a naive approach that would re-evaluate every possible subarray,
thus reducing time complexity from

O(n2) or O(nk) to O(n).17

Problem statements that include keywords like "subarray," "substring," "contiguous," or ask for the "longest,"
"shortest," or "maximum sum" of such a segment are strong indicators that a sliding window approach may be
applicable.5

Key Variations & Patterns:

●​ Fixed-Size Window: The problem specifies a fixed window size, k. The window is formed over the first k
elements, its value is computed, and then it slides one position at a time. For each slide, the new element is
added and the element that falls out of the window is subtracted, allowing for an O(1) update per step.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Sliding Window Maximum.1
●​ Variable-Size Window: The window size is not fixed. It expands by moving the right pointer and contracts by
moving the left pointer. The logic for expansion and contraction is dictated by a specific condition that the
window must satisfy (e.g., containing no more than k distinct characters, or having a sum greater than a
target).
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters, Minimum Window Substring,
Longest Repeating Character Replacement.5

Implementation Templates:

C++

A generic template for a variable-size window problem, such as finding the length of the longest substring with
unique characters.
 C++

#include <string>​
#include <unordered_map>​
#include <algorithm>​
​
// Pattern: Variable-Size Window (e.g., Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters)​
int lengthOfLongestSubstring(std::string s) {​
std::unordered_map<char, int> char_counts;​
int left = 0;​
int max_length = 0;​
​
for (int right = 0; right < s.length(); ++right) {​
char_counts[s[right]]++;​
​
// While the window is invalid (e.g., contains duplicates)​
while (char_counts[s[right]] > 1) {​
char_counts[s[left]]--;​
left++;​
}​
​
max_length = std::max(max_length, right - left + 1);​
}​
return max_length;​
}​

Python

A Python template for the same variable-size window pattern.

Python

# Pattern: Variable-Size Window (e.g., Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters)​

def lengthOfLongestSubstring(s: str) -> int:​
char_set = set()​
left = 0​
max_length = 0​
​
for right in range(len(s)):​
# While the window is invalid (current char is already in the set)​
while s[right] in char_set:​
char_set.remove(s[left])​
left += 1​
​
 char_set.add(s[right])​
max_length = max(max_length, right - left + 1)​
​
return max_length​

2.4 Stack: Last-In, First-Out Logic

The stack is a linear data structure that follows the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) principle. Its simplicity belies its power
in solving a specific class of problems involving nested structures, sequential processing, and backtracking-like
behavior.10

Key Patterns:
●​ Matching/Validation: The most common use case for a stack is to validate sequences with paired elements,
such as parentheses, brackets, and braces. Opening elements are pushed onto the stack, and upon
encountering a closing element, the stack is popped and checked for a match.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Valid Parentheses.1
●​ Monotonic Stack: A more advanced and powerful pattern where the elements in the stack are maintained in
a strictly increasing or decreasing order. When a new element is considered, elements are popped from the
stack until the monotonic property is restored. This is extremely useful for efficiently finding the "next greater
element" or "previous smaller element" for every item in an array in a single pass (O(n)).
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Daily Temperatures, Largest Rectangle in Histogram, Car Fleet.1

Implementation Templates:

C++

Using std::stack to implement a solution for the "Valid Parentheses" problem.

C++

#include <stack>​
#include <string>​
#include <unordered_map>​
​
// Pattern: Matching/Validation (e.g., Valid Parentheses)​
bool isValid(std::string s) {​
std::stack<char> st;​
std::unordered_map<char, char> mapping = {{')', '('}, {']', '['}, {'}', '{'}};​
​
for (char c : s) {​
if (mapping.count(c)) { // It's a closing bracket​
if (st.empty() |​
​
| st.top()!= mapping[c]) {​
return false;​
}​
st.pop();​
} else { // It's an opening bracket​
st.push(c);​
}​
}​
return st.empty();​
}​

Python

Using a Python list as a stack for the same problem.

Python

# Pattern: Matching/Validation (e.g., Valid Parentheses)​

def isValid(s: str) -> bool:​
stack =​
mapping = {")": "(", "]": "[", "}": "{"}​
​
for char in s:​
if char in mapping: # It's a closing bracket​
if not stack or stack.pop()!= mapping[char]:​
return False​
else: # It's an opening bracket​
stack.append(char)​
​
return not stack​

Section 3: Tier 2 - Essential Structures and Search Algorithms

This tier builds upon the foundational patterns with core data structures and the indispensable binary search
algorithm. These topics are frequently tested and are essential for tackling a wide range of medium-difficulty
problems.

3.1 Binary Search: Divide and Conquer on Sorted Data

Binary search is a highly efficient searching algorithm with a time complexity of O(logn). Its fundamental
requirement is that the data collection must be sorted.21 The algorithm works by repeatedly dividing the search
space in half, comparing the target value to the middle element, and discarding the half where the target cannot
possibly lie.23

Key Variations & Patterns:

●​ Standard Binary Search: The classic application of finding a target value in a sorted array. A robust
implementation must carefully handle edge cases and pointer updates to avoid infinite loops or off-by-one
errors. Using a while (left <= right) condition and calculating the middle index as mid = left + (right - left) / 2
(to prevent potential integer overflow) is best practice.21
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Binary Search.
●​ Search in Rotated Sorted Array: The input array is sorted but has been rotated at an unknown pivot (e.g.,
``). The core challenge is to determine which half of the array remains sorted after the split at mid. The
search is then narrowed down to that sorted half if the target lies within its bounds, or to the other half
otherwise.
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Find Minimum in Rotated Sorted Array, Search in Rotated Sorted Array.1
●​ Binary Search on the Answer: This is the most abstract and powerful application of binary search. It is used
when the problem asks to find the minimum or maximum value that satisfies a certain condition. Instead of
searching over the input array, the algorithm searches over the range of possible answers. For each mid
value in the answer range, a helper function checks if it's "possible" to achieve that value. Based on the
result, the search space of answers is halved.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Koko Eating Bananas.

Implementation Templates:

C++

A robust iterative template for standard binary search.

C++

#include <vector>​
​
// Pattern: Standard Binary Search​
int binarySearch(std::vector<int>& nums, int target) {​
int left = 0;​
int right = nums.size() - 1;​
​
while (left <= right) {​
int mid = left + (right - left) / 2;​
​
if (nums[mid] == target) {​
return mid;​
 } else if (nums[mid] < target) {​
left = mid + 1;​
} else {​
right = mid - 1;​
}​
}​
return -1; // Target not found​
}​

Python

A Python implementation of the same template. Python's bisect module provides a library implementation of
this.22

Python

# Pattern: Standard Binary Search​

def binarySearch(nums: list[int], target: int) -> int:​
left, right = 0, len(nums) - 1​
​
while left <= right:​
mid = left + (right - left) // 2​
​
if nums[mid] == target:​
return mid​
elif nums[mid] < target:​
left = mid + 1​
else:​
right = mid - 1​
​
return -1 # Target not found​

3.2 Linked Lists: Pointers and Nodes

A linked list is a linear data structure composed of nodes, where each node contains data and a pointer (or
reference) to the next node in the sequence.24 Unlike arrays, nodes are not stored in contiguous memory
locations, which allows for efficient

O(1) insertion and deletion at any point in the list (given a pointer to the preceding node), but requires O(n) time
for access to an element by index.26
Key Techniques & Patterns:
●​ Node Manipulation (Dummy Head): Many linked list problems involving insertion or deletion can be
simplified by using a "dummy" or "sentinel" head node. This dummy node points to the actual head of the list
and eliminates the edge case of modifying the head itself.
●​ Reversal: A fundamental operation. The iterative approach involves three pointers: prev, curr, and next_temp.
In each step, curr's next pointer is redirected to prev, and then all three pointers advance.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Reverse Linked List.
●​ Merging: Combining two sorted linked lists into a single sorted list. This is typically done iteratively by
comparing the heads of the two lists and appending the smaller node to the result list.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Merge Two Sorted Lists.
●​ Cycle Detection (Floyd's Tortoise and Hare Algorithm): This is a critical pattern that uses a slow pointer
(moves one step) and a fast pointer (moves two steps). If the list contains a cycle, the fast pointer will
eventually lap the slow pointer, and they will meet. If there is no cycle, the fast pointer will reach the end of
the list (null). This solves the problem in O(n) time and O(1) space, a significant improvement over a hash set
approach which uses O(n) space.28
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Linked List Cycle, Find the Duplicate Number.2

Implementation Templates:

C++

Defining a ListNode and implementing Floyd's algorithm for cycle detection.

C++

// Definition for singly-linked list.​

struct ListNode {​
int val;​
ListNode *next;​
ListNode(int x) : val(x), next(nullptr) {}​
};​
​
// Pattern: Cycle Detection​
bool hasCycle(ListNode *head) {​
if (!head ||!head->next) {​
return false;​
}​
​
ListNode *slow = head;​
ListNode *fast = head->next;​
​
while (slow!= fast) {​
if (!fast ||!fast->next) {​
return false;​
}​
 slow = slow->next;​
fast = fast->next->next;​
}​
​
return true;​
}​

Python

The Python equivalent for cycle detection.

Python

# Definition for singly-linked list.​

class ListNode:​
def __init__(self, x):​
self.val = x​
self.next = None​
​
# Pattern: Cycle Detection​
def hasCycle(head: ListNode) -> bool:​
slow, fast = head, head​
​
while fast and fast.next:​
slow = slow.next​
fast = fast.next.next​
if slow == fast:​
return True​
​
return False​

3.3 Trees: Hierarchical Data Structures

A tree is a non-linear data structure that represents hierarchical relationships. It consists of nodes connected by
edges, with a single designated root node.32 Each node has a parent (except the root) and zero or more children.
Nodes with no children are called leaves.34 For interviews, the most common type is the

Binary Tree, where each node has at most two children: a left child and a right child.35 A special variant is the

Binary Search Tree (BST), which maintains the property that for any given node, all values in its left subtree are
smaller, and all values in its right subtree are larger.33
The absolute foundation for solving tree problems is mastery of the four traversal algorithms. They provide the
framework for visiting and processing every node in a structured manner.

Key Patterns: Tree Traversals

●​ Depth-First Search (DFS): These traversals explore as far down one branch as possible before
backtracking. They are naturally implemented using recursion, or iteratively using a stack.
○​ In-order (Left, Root, Right): Critically, this traversal visits the nodes of a BST in sorted order, which is a
frequently tested property.36
○​ Pre-order (Root, Left, Right): This order is useful for tasks like creating a copy of a tree or serializing it,
as the root is processed before its descendants.36
○​ Post-order (Left, Right, Root): This is used when an operation on a node requires its children to be
processed first, such as calculating the size of subtrees or safely deleting nodes.36
●​ Breadth-First Search (BFS) / Level-Order Traversal: This traversal visits nodes level by level, from top to
bottom and left to right. It is implemented iteratively using a queue. BFS is the basis for finding the shortest
path between two nodes in a tree (as it explores layer by layer) and for problems that involve processing
nodes at the same depth.38
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Binary Tree Level Order Traversal, Binary Tree Right Side View.40

Implementation Templates:

C++

Recursive and iterative templates for In-order traversal.

C++

#include <vector>​
#include <stack>​
​
struct TreeNode {​
int val;​
TreeNode *left;​
TreeNode *right;​
TreeNode(int x) : val(x), left(nullptr), right(nullptr) {}​
};​
​
// Pattern: In-order Traversal (Recursive)​
void inorderRecursive(TreeNode* root, std::vector<int>& result) {​
if (!root) return;​
inorderRecursive(root->left, result);​
result.push_back(root->val);​
inorderRecursive(root->right, result);​
}​
​
// Pattern: In-order Traversal (Iterative with Stack)​
std::vector<int> inorderIterative(TreeNode* root) {​
std::vector<int> result;​
std::stack<TreeNode*> st;​
TreeNode* curr = root;​
​
while (curr ||!st.empty()) {​
while (curr) {​
st.push(curr);​
curr = curr->left;​
}​
curr = st.top();​
st.pop();​
result.push_back(curr->val);​
curr = curr->right;​
}​
return result;​
}​

Python

Python templates for recursive and iterative In-order traversal.

Python

class TreeNode:​
def __init__(self, val=0, left=None, right=None):​
self.val = val​
self.left = left​
self.right = right​
​
# Pattern: In-order Traversal (Recursive)​
def inorderRecursive(root: TreeNode, result: list):​
if not root:​
return​
inorderRecursive(root.left, result)​
result.append(root.val)​
inorderRecursive(root.right, result)​
​
# Pattern: In-order Traversal (Iterative with Stack)​
def inorderIterative(root: TreeNode) -> list[int]:​
result =​
stack =​
curr = root​
​
while curr or stack:​
 while curr:​
stack.append(curr)​
curr = curr.left​
curr = stack.pop()​
result.append(curr.val)​
curr = curr.right​
​
return result​

3.4 Heaps / Priority Queues: Ordering on the Fly

A heap is a specialized tree-based data structure that satisfies the heap property: in a min-heap, the parent
node is always smaller than or equal to its children; in a max-heap, the parent is always greater than or equal to its
children.41 This property ensures that the smallest (in a min-heap) or largest (in a max-heap) element is always at
the root of the tree, allowing for

O(1) access to this extreme value. Heaps are typically implemented using an array for memory efficiency.41

The primary application of a heap is as an implementation of a priority queue, an abstract data type where each
element has an associated priority. Operations like inserting an element or removing the highest-priority element
both take O(logn) time.42

Key Use Cases:

●​ Top K Elements: To find the K largest elements in a collection, a min-heap of size K is maintained. As the
collection is iterated, if an element is larger than the smallest element in the heap (the root), the root is
popped and the new element is pushed. At the end, the heap contains the K largest elements. The same logic
applies for finding the K smallest elements using a max-heap.
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Top K Frequent Elements, Kth Largest Element in an Array.2
●​ Median Finding from a Data Stream: This classic problem is solved by using two heaps: a max-heap to
store the smaller half of the numbers and a min-heap to store the larger half. The heaps are kept balanced in
size (or differ by at most one). The median can be found in O(1) time by looking at the roots of the two heaps.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Find Median from Data Stream.
●​ Merging K Sorted Lists: A min-heap is used to efficiently track the smallest element among the current
heads of all K lists. The smallest element is popped from the heap, added to the result, and the next element
from its original list is pushed onto the heap.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Merge K Sorted Lists.

Implementation Details:
●​ C++: The std::priority_queue in the C++ STL is a container adaptor that provides a max-heap by default. To
create a min-heap, a custom comparator (std::greater) must be provided.​
C++​
#include <queue>​
#include <vector>​
​
// Max-heap (default)​
std::priority_queue<int> max_heap;​
​
// Min-heap​
 std::priority_queue<int, std::vector<int>, std::greater<int>> min_heap;​

●​ Python: The heapq module provides functions that operate on a standard Python list to maintain the
min-heap property.44 To simulate a max-heap, a common trick is to push the negative of the values onto the
min-heap and negate them again upon popping.42​
Python​
import heapq​
​
# Min-heap​
min_heap =​
heapq.heappush(min_heap, 5)​
heapq.heappush(min_heap, 1)​
smallest = heapq.heappop(min_heap) # smallest is 1​
​
# Max-heap (simulated)​
max_heap =​
heapq.heappush(max_heap, -5)​
heapq.heappush(max_heap, -1)​
largest = -heapq.heappop(max_heap) # largest is 5​

Section 4: Tier 3 - Advanced Traversal and Combinatorics

This tier introduces topics that require exploring a complex state space or using specialized data structures.
These problems often involve recursion and a systematic way of navigating choices and possibilities.

4.1 Backtracking: Exploring the Solution Space

Backtracking is an algorithmic technique for solving problems recursively by trying to build a solution
incrementally, one piece at a time, and removing those solutions that fail to satisfy the constraints of the problem
at any point in time.45 It is a refined brute-force approach that systematically explores a "decision tree" of choices.
When a path in this tree leads to a dead end or an invalid state, the algorithm "backtracks" to the previous
decision point and explores the next available option.47

This technique is the go-to solution for problems that ask for "all possible" solutions, such as generating all
subsets, permutations, or combinations that meet a certain criteria.46

The Backtracking Template:

A general recursive template forms the basis for most backtracking solutions.
1.​ Base Case: Define a condition that signifies a complete and valid solution has been found. Add this solution
to the results and return.
2.​ Recursive Step: Iterate through all possible "choices" that can be made from the current state.
3.​ Action: For each valid choice:​
a. Choose: Add the choice to the current partial solution.​
 b. Explore: Make a recursive call with the updated state.​
c. Un-choose (Backtrack): Remove the choice from the partial solution to explore other paths.

Key Patterns:
●​ Subsets: Generate all possible subsets of a given set of numbers. The decision for each number is binary:
either include it in the current subset or do not.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Subsets, Subsets II.11
●​ Combinations: Find all combinations of size k that sum up to a target. The decision involves choosing which
numbers to include, often with constraints on reusing numbers.
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Combination Sum, Combination Sum II.11
●​ Permutations: Generate all possible orderings of a given set of numbers.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Permutations.11

Implementation Templates:

C++

A template for generating all subsets of a given vector.

C++

#include <vector>​
​
// Pattern: Subsets​
void findSubsets(int index, std::vector<int>& nums, std::vector<int>& currentSubset, std::vector<std::vector<int>>& result) {​
// Add the current subset path to the result​
result.push_back(currentSubset);​
​
// Explore further choices​
for (int i = index; i < nums.size(); ++i) {​
// Choose​
currentSubset.push_back(nums[i]);​
// Explore​
findSubsets(i + 1, nums, currentSubset, result);​
// Un-choose (Backtrack)​
currentSubset.pop_back();​
}​
}​
​
std::vector<std::vector<int>> subsets(std::vector<int>& nums) {​
std::vector<std::vector<int>> result;​
std::vector<int> currentSubset;​
findSubsets(0, nums, currentSubset, result);​
return result;​
}​
Python

A Python template for the same subsets problem.

Python

# Pattern: Subsets​
def subsets(nums: list[int]) -> list[list[int]]:​
result =​
current_subset =​
​
def find_subsets(index):​
# Add the current subset path to the result​
result.append(list(current_subset))​
​
# Explore further choices​
for i in range(index, len(nums)):​
# Choose​
current_subset.append(nums[i])​
# Explore​
find_subsets(i + 1)​
# Un-choose (Backtrack)​
current_subset.pop()​
​
find_subsets(0)​
return result​

4.2 Graphs: Navigating Nodes and Edges

A graph is a non-linear data structure consisting of a set of vertices (nodes) and edges that connect them.48
Unlike trees, graphs can have cycles and may be disconnected. They are used to model networks of all kinds, from
social networks to road systems.49

For interviews, the most common way to represent a graph is using an adjacency list, which is typically a map or
dictionary where each key is a vertex and the value is a list of its neighbors. This is generally more efficient for
sparse graphs (graphs with few edges) than an adjacency matrix.48

The two most fundamental graph algorithms are the traversal methods: BFS and DFS.

Key Traversal Algorithms:

 ●​ Breadth-First Search (BFS): Explores the graph layer by layer, starting from a source node. It uses a queue
to manage the order of nodes to visit. BFS is guaranteed to find the shortest path between two nodes in an
unweighted graph.49
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Number of Islands, Clone Graph, Rotting Oranges.10
●​ Depth-First Search (DFS): Explores as far as possible along each branch before backtracking. It can be
implemented recursively (using the call stack) or iteratively (using an explicit stack). DFS is well-suited for
problems involving pathfinding, cycle detection, and exploring all parts of a graph.49
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Number of Islands, Clone Graph, Course Schedule.10

Implementation Templates:

C++

An iterative BFS implementation using an adjacency list.

C++

#include <vector>​
#include <queue>​
#include <unordered_set>​
​
// Pattern: Breadth-First Search (BFS)​
std::vector<int> bfs(int startNode, std::unordered_map<int, std::vector<int>>& adjList) {​
std::vector<int> traversalOrder;​
std::queue<int> q;​
std::unordered_set<int> visited;​
​
q.push(startNode);​
visited.insert(startNode);​
​
while (!q.empty()) {​
int node = q.front();​
q.pop();​
traversalOrder.push_back(node);​
​
for (int neighbor : adjList[node]) {​
if (visited.find(neighbor) == visited.end()) {​
visited.insert(neighbor);​
q.push(neighbor);​
}​
}​
}​
return traversalOrder;​
}​
Python

A recursive DFS implementation using an adjacency list.

Python

from collections import defaultdict​

​
# Pattern: Depth-First Search (DFS)​
def dfs(start_node, adj_list):​
traversal_order =​
visited = set()​
​
def _dfs_recursive(node):​
if node in visited:​
return​
​
visited.add(node)​
traversal_order.append(node)​
​
for neighbor in adj_list[node]:​
_dfs_recursive(neighbor)​
​
_dfs_recursive(start_node)​
return traversal_order​

4.3 Tries (Prefix Trees): Efficient String Searching

A Trie, or prefix tree, is a specialized tree-like data structure used for storing and efficiently retrieving strings.53
Unlike a standard tree, each node in a Trie represents a single character. A path from the root to a node
represents a prefix, and if a node is marked as an "end of word" node, that path represents a complete word
stored in the Trie.

This structure allows for extremely fast prefix-based searches. For example, checking if any word starts with a
given prefix takes time proportional to the length of the prefix, regardless of how many words are stored in the
Trie. This makes it ideal for applications like autocomplete systems and spell checkers.53

Key Operations:
●​ Insert: To insert a word, traverse the Trie from the root, creating new nodes for characters that do not yet
exist. Mark the final node as the end of a word.
●​ Search: To search for a complete word, traverse the Trie according to the characters in the word. The search
 is successful only if the path exists and the final node is marked as an end-of-word node.
●​ StartsWith: To check for a prefix, simply traverse the Trie. If the path corresponding to the prefix exists, the
operation is successful.

Neetcode 150 Examples: Implement Trie (Prefix Tree), Design Add and Search Words Data Structure, Word Search
II.11

Implementation Templates:

C++

A basic implementation of a TrieNode and the Trie class.

C++

#include <string>​
#include <memory>​
​
class TrieNode {​
public:​
std::unique_ptr<TrieNode> children;​
bool isEndOfWord;​
TrieNode() : isEndOfWord(false) {​
for (int i = 0; i < 26; ++i) {​
children[i] = nullptr;​
}​
}​
};​
​
class Trie {​
private:​
std::unique_ptr<TrieNode> root;​
public:​
Trie() {​
root = std::make_unique<TrieNode>();​
}​
​
void insert(std::string word) {​
TrieNode* curr = root.get();​
for (char c : word) {​
int index = c - 'a';​
if (!curr->children[index]) {​
curr->children[index] = std::make_unique<TrieNode>();​
}​
curr = curr->children[index].get();​
}​
 curr->isEndOfWord = true;​
}​
​
bool search(std::string word) {​
TrieNode* curr = root.get();​
for (char c : word) {​
int index = c - 'a';​
if (!curr->children[index]) {​
return false;​
}​
curr = curr->children[index].get();​
}​
return curr && curr->isEndOfWord;​
}​
};​

Python

A Python implementation using a dictionary for children, which is more flexible.

Python

class TrieNode:​
def __init__(self):​
self.children = {}​
self.is_end_of_word = False​
​
class Trie:​
def __init__(self):​
self.root = TrieNode()​
​
def insert(self, word: str) -> None:​
curr = self.root​
for char in word:​
if char not in curr.children:​
curr.children[char] = TrieNode()​
curr = curr.children[char]​
curr.is_end_of_word = True​
​
def search(self, word: str) -> bool:​
curr = self.root​
for char in word:​
if char not in curr.children:​
return False​
curr = curr.children[char]​
 return curr.is_end_of_word​

Section 5: Tier 4 - Optimization and Advanced Patterns

This tier covers topics that are often the key to solving medium-to-hard problems. Dynamic Programming is a
critical area that requires significant practice, while Greedy and Intervals represent powerful patterns for specific
problem classes.

5.1 1-D & 2-D Dynamic Programming (DP)

Dynamic Programming (DP) is a powerful technique for solving optimization problems by breaking them down into
simpler, overlapping subproblems.54 A problem is a candidate for DP if it exhibits two key properties 56:
1.​ Optimal Substructure: The optimal solution to the overall problem can be constructed from the optimal
solutions of its subproblems.
2.​ Overlapping Subproblems: The same subproblems are encountered and solved multiple times during a
naive recursive approach.

DP avoids re-computing these subproblems by storing their solutions in a cache (an array or hash map).58

Two Main Approaches:

●​ Top-Down with Memoization: This approach maintains the natural recursive structure of the solution. A
function is written to solve the problem recursively, but before computing a result, it checks if the solution for
the current state is already in the cache. If so, it returns the cached value; otherwise, it computes the result,
stores it in the cache, and then returns it.56 This is often more intuitive to write.
●​ Bottom-Up with Tabulation: This approach solves the problem iteratively. It starts by solving the smallest,
base-case subproblems and fills a DP table (usually an array or matrix). Each entry dp[i] is computed using
the already-calculated values of previous entries (e.g., dp[i-1], dp[i-2]). This approach avoids recursion and
can sometimes be more space-efficient.54

Common DP Patterns:
●​ 1-D DP (Sequences): The DP state is typically dp[i], representing the answer to the problem for the subarray
ending at index i.
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Climbing Stairs, Coin Change, House Robber, Longest Increasing
Subsequence.10
●​ 2-D DP (Grids/Two Sequences): The DP state is dp[i][j], often representing the answer for a subproblem
defined by two parameters, such as the subgrid ending at (i, j) or the prefixes of two strings s1[:i] and s2[:j].
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Unique Paths, Longest Common Subsequence, Edit Distance.2

Implementation Templates:

C++
A bottom-up (tabulation) approach for the "Climbing Stairs" problem.

C++

#include <vector>​
​
// Pattern: 1-D DP (Tabulation) for Climbing Stairs​
int climbStairs(int n) {​
if (n <= 2) return n;​
​
std::vector<int> dp(n + 1);​
dp = 1;​
dp = 2;​
​
for (int i = 3; i <= n; ++i) {​
dp[i] = dp[i - 1] + dp[i - 2];​
}​
​
return dp[n];​
}​

Python

A top-down (memoization) approach for the same problem.

Python

# Pattern: 1-D DP (Memoization) for Climbing Stairs​

def climbStairs(n: int) -> int:​
memo = {}​
​
def solve(k):​
if k in memo:​
return memo[k]​
if k <= 2:​
return k​
​
memo[k] = solve(k - 1) + solve(k - 2)​
return memo[k]​
​
 return solve(n)​

5.2 Greedy Algorithms

A greedy algorithm builds up a solution piece by piece, always choosing the option that looks best at the current
moment without considering future consequences.62 This "greedy choice" is myopic. For this strategy to yield a
globally optimal solution, the problem must possess the

greedy choice property, meaning a locally optimal choice will indeed lead to a globally optimal solution.

Greedy algorithms are often simpler and faster than DP solutions, but they only work for a specific class of
problems. Proving that a greedy approach is correct can be complex, but for interviews, recognizing common
greedy patterns is usually sufficient.64

Key Use Cases & Patterns:

●​ Interval Scheduling: Selecting the maximum number of non-overlapping activities from a set. The greedy
choice is to always select the activity that finishes earliest.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Non-overlapping Intervals.10
●​ Dijkstra's Algorithm: A classic graph algorithm that finds the shortest path from a source to all other nodes
in a weighted graph. It greedily selects the unvisited node with the smallest known distance from the source.
●​ Huffman Coding: A compression algorithm that greedily combines the two least frequent characters to build
an optimal prefix-free encoding tree.
●​ Fractional Knapsack: Unlike the 0/1 Knapsack problem (which requires DP), the fractional version can be
solved greedily by taking items with the highest value-to-weight ratio first.64

Implementation Example (Activity Selection):

C++

Solving the "Non-overlapping Intervals" problem, which is a variation of activity selection.

C++

#include <vector>​
#include <algorithm>​
​
// Pattern: Greedy Interval Problem​
int eraseOverlapIntervals(std::vector<std::vector<int>>& intervals) {​
if (intervals.empty()) return 0;​
​
// Sort by end time​
std::sort(intervals.begin(), intervals.end(),(const auto& a, const auto& b) {​
 return a < b;​
});​
​
int removals = 0;​
int last_end_time = intervals;​
​
for (size_t i = 1; i < intervals.size(); ++i) {​
// If the current interval overlaps with the last chosen one​
if (intervals[i] < last_end_time) {​
removals++;​
} else {​
// No overlap, so we "keep" this interval​
last_end_time = intervals[i];​
}​
}​
return removals;​
}​

5.3 Intervals

Interval problems are a common subclass of array problems where the input is a list of pairs, each representing a
start and end point.65 The primary challenge in these problems is managing the various ways intervals can
overlap, contain, or abut each other.

A nearly universal first step for interval problems is to sort the intervals based on their start times. This creates
an ordered structure that simplifies the logic for merging or comparing subsequent intervals.65

Key Patterns:
●​ Merging Overlapping Intervals: Given a collection of intervals, merge all that overlap. After sorting by start
time, iterate through the intervals. If the current interval overlaps with the previous one, merge them by
updating the end time of the previous interval to be the maximum of the two end times. If they don't overlap,
add the current interval as a new, distinct interval.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Merge Intervals.67
●​ Inserting an Interval: Insert a new interval into a sorted list of non-overlapping intervals, merging if
necessary. The approach is to find the correct position for the new interval and then merge it with any
overlapping intervals before and after it.
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Insert Interval.10
●​ Finding Intersections / Free Time: Identifying periods of overlap (e.g., meeting rooms needed) or gaps
between intervals (e.g., employee free time).

Implementation Templates:

C++
A canonical solution for the "Merge Intervals" problem.

C++

#include <vector>​
#include <algorithm>​
​
// Pattern: Merge Intervals​
std::vector<std::vector<int>> merge(std::vector<std::vector<int>>& intervals) {​
if (intervals.size() <= 1) {​
return intervals;​
}​
​
std::sort(intervals.begin(), intervals.end());​
​
std::vector<std::vector<int>> merged;​
merged.push_back(intervals);​
​
for (size_t i = 1; i < intervals.size(); ++i) {​
// If current interval overlaps with the last one in merged list​
if (intervals[i] <= merged.back()) {​
merged.back() = std::max(merged.back(), intervals[i]);​
} else {​
merged.push_back(intervals[i]);​
}​
}​
return merged;​
}​

Section 6: Tier 5 - Specialized Topics

This final tier covers topics that are less frequent but can appear in more challenging interviews, especially for
specialized roles. A solid understanding of these can be a significant differentiator.

6.1 Advanced Graphs

While BFS and DFS are the foundation, certain problems require more sophisticated graph algorithms.
●​ Dijkstra's Algorithm: The classic algorithm for finding the shortest path from a single source to all other
nodes in a weighted graph with non-negative edge weights. It is a greedy algorithm that uses a
min-priority queue to always explore the "closest" unvisited node.49
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Network Delay Time, Cheapest Flights Within K Stops (a variation).
 ●​ Topological Sort: An algorithm for ordering the vertices of a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) such that for
every directed edge from vertex u to vertex v, u comes before v in the ordering. It is used for problems
involving dependencies or prerequisites.48 A common implementation uses Kahn's algorithm (based on
in-degrees and a queue).
○​ Neetcode 150 Examples: Course Schedule, Course Schedule II, Alien Dictionary.10
●​ Minimum Spanning Tree (MST): An MST of a connected, undirected, weighted graph is a subgraph that
connects all the vertices together with the minimum possible total edge weight, without forming a cycle.
Common algorithms are Prim's and Kruskal's.50
○​ Neetcode 150 Example: Min Cost to Connect All Points.
●​ Union-Find (Disjoint Set Union): A data structure that keeps track of a set of elements partitioned into a
number of disjoint (non-overlapping) subsets. It has two primary operations: find (determine which subset an
element belongs to) and union (join two subsets). It is highly efficient and used in Kruskal's algorithm and for
problems involving connected components.49

6.2 Bit Manipulation

Bit manipulation involves using bitwise operators (AND, OR, XOR, NOT, shifts) to solve problems at the binary
level.68 These techniques can lead to highly efficient solutions with low-level optimizations, though they are less
common in generalist software engineering interviews than other topics.69

Key Tricks & Patterns:

●​ XOR (^) Properties:
○​ x ^ x = 0: XORing a number with itself results in zero.
○​ x ^ 0 = x: XORing with zero is a no-op.
○​ x ^ y = y ^ x: Commutative.
○​ (x ^ y) ^ z = x ^ (y ^ z): Associative.
○​ These properties are key to solving problems like "Single Number" (where all other numbers appear
twice) and "Missing Number."
●​ AND (&) for Checking Bits:
○​ n & (n - 1): This expression unsets the rightmost set bit of n. This is the core of Brian Kernighan's
algorithm for counting set bits.68
○​ (n & (n - 1)) == 0: Checks if a number is a power of two (for n > 0).70
○​ n & 1: Checks if a number is odd.
●​ Masking and Shifting (<<, >>):
○​ 1 << k: Creates a mask with only the k-th bit set.
○​ n & (1 << k): Checks if the k-th bit of n is set.
○​ n | (1 << k): Sets the k-th bit of n.
○​ n & ~(1 << k): Clears the k-th bit of n.

Neetcode 150 Examples: Sum of Two Integers, Number of 1 Bits, Counting Bits, Missing Number, Reverse Bits.10

Section 7: Mastering Implementation: C++ vs. Python

The choice of programming language can influence the ease and style of implementation. Both C++ and Python
are excellent choices for interviews, each with its own strengths.
●​ C++:
○​ Strengths: Performance, static typing (catches errors at compile time), and a powerful Standard
Template Library (STL). Familiarity with C++ is often valued in systems programming, game development,
and high-frequency trading roles.
○​ Key STL Containers:
■​ std::vector: The default dynamic array.
■​ std::unordered_map / std::map: Hash map and balanced binary search tree map, respectively.
unordered_map is generally faster for average-case lookups.
■​ std::unordered_set / std::set: The set equivalents.
■​ std::stack, std::queue: Container adaptors for LIFO and FIFO behavior.
■​ std::priority_queue: A max-heap by default.42
○​ Considerations: Can be more verbose than Python. Manual memory management is not typically
required in interviews but understanding pointers is essential for data structures like linked lists and trees.
●​ Python:
○​ Strengths: Readability, concise syntax, and a rich set of built-in data structures and standard libraries
that can significantly reduce coding time. It is often faster to write a correct solution in Python during a
time-constrained interview.
○​ Key Data Structures/Libraries:
■​ list: A versatile dynamic array that can also be used as a stack (append, pop).
■​ dict: A highly optimized hash map implementation.
■​ set: A hash set for storing unique elements.
■​ collections.deque: A double-ended queue, ideal for efficient FIFO operations (BFS) and stack-like
operations.51
■​ heapq: A library providing min-heap functionality on top of a standard list.44

Ultimately, the best language is the one the candidate is most proficient in. The ability to quickly and correctly
implement a chosen algorithm is more important than the language itself.

Section 8: Beyond the Code: Acing the Technical Interview

A correct technical solution is necessary but often not sufficient to pass a top-tier interview. Communication,
problem-solving process, and professionalism are also heavily evaluated.

8.1 The Communication Protocol

The interview should be treated as a collaborative problem-solving session with a future colleague, not a
confrontational exam. This reframes the entire dynamic from one of pressure to one of partnership. The
interviewer often wants to help and may provide hints; a candidate who communicates their thought process is in
a much better position to receive and act on this guidance.
●​ Clarify the Problem: Before writing a single line of code, it is imperative to understand the problem fully. Ask
clarifying questions about input constraints, edge cases, and expected output format. This avoids the
 common mistake of solving the wrong problem.73
●​ Verbalize Your Thought Process: Think aloud. Explain the initial brute-force approach, discuss its time and
space complexity, and then articulate the plan to optimize it. This gives the interviewer a clear window into
the candidate's analytical abilities, even if the final code has minor bugs.74
●​ Structured Answers: For any behavioral questions, use a clear, concise structure. Briefly state the context,
describe the challenge or task, explain the action taken, and report the result. This prevents rambling and
demonstrates clear communication skills.74

8.2 Common Technical Mistakes and Pitfalls

●​ Weak Fundamentals: A candidate must be fluent in their chosen language's syntax and standard library.
Struggling with basic loops, data structure initialization, or function definitions signals a lack of preparation.74
●​ Premature Optimization: It is often better to start by outlining a simple, even inefficient, brute-force
solution. This demonstrates an understanding of the problem. From there, one can identify bottlenecks and
discuss more optimal approaches.
●​ Failure to Test: After writing code, a candidate should proactively test it by walking through a small example
and considering edge cases (e.g., empty input, single-element input, duplicates). This demonstrates a
rigorous and professional mindset.

8.3 Professionalism and Mindset

●​ Honesty and Humility: If a concept is unfamiliar, it is far better to admit it than to pretend to know and be
unable to answer follow-up questions. Honesty builds trust.73
●​ Enthusiasm and Engagement: Show genuine interest in the problem and the company. An engaged
candidate who is curious and positive is a more attractive potential colleague than one who is passive or
defensive.73
●​ Handling Feedback: A candidate who can gracefully accept feedback or a hint from the interviewer
demonstrates coachability and a collaborative spirit.

Conclusions

The Neetcode 150 is an invaluable resource for preparing for software engineering technical interviews. However,
its value is only fully realized when approached with a strategic, pattern-oriented mindset. The key to success is
not to memorize 150 individual solutions, but to use these curated problems to build a deep and flexible
understanding of the underlying algorithmic patterns.

A prioritized study plan, such as the tiered approach outlined in this report, is essential for efficiently allocating
study time to the most foundational and frequently tested topics. By mastering the bedrock patterns in Tier 1 and
Tier 2 before moving to more advanced concepts, a candidate builds a solid foundation that enables them to solve
a wide variety of unseen problems.

Furthermore, technical proficiency alone is not enough. The interview process is a holistic evaluation of a
candidate's problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and professional conduct. By adopting a collaborative
mindset, clearly articulating one's thought process, and demonstrating a rigorous approach to testing and
validation, a candidate can significantly increase their chances of success. Ultimately, the Neetcode 150 should be
viewed as a curriculum for becoming a better problem-solver, a skill that is the true hallmark of an excellent
software engineer.

Appendix A: The Neetcode 150 Master Checklist

Topic LeetCode # Problem Name Difficulty

Arrays & Hashing 217 Contains Duplicate Easy

Arrays & Hashing 242 Valid Anagram Easy

Arrays & Hashing 1 Two Sum Easy

Arrays & Hashing 49 Group Anagrams Medium

Arrays & Hashing 347 Top K Frequent Medium

Elements

Arrays & Hashing 238 Product of Array Medium

Except Self

Arrays & Hashing 36 Valid Sudoku Medium

Arrays & Hashing 271 Encode and Medium

Decode Strings

Arrays & Hashing 128 Longest Medium

Consecutive
Sequence

Two Pointers 125 Valid Palindrome Easy

Two Pointers 167 Two Sum II - Input Medium

Array Is Sorted

Two Pointers 15 3Sum Medium

Two Pointers 11 Container With Medium

Most Water
Two Pointers 42 Trapping Rain Hard
Water

Sliding Window 121 Best Time to Buy Easy

and Sell Stock

Sliding Window 3 Longest Substring Medium

Without Repeating
Characters

Sliding Window 424 Longest Repeating Medium

Character
Replacement

Sliding Window 567 Permutation in Medium

String

Sliding Window 76 Minimum Window Hard

Substring

Sliding Window 239 Sliding Window Hard

Maximum

Stack 20 Valid Parentheses Easy

Stack 155 Min Stack Medium

Stack 150 Evaluate Reverse Medium

Polish Notation

Stack 22 Generate Medium

Parentheses

Stack 739 Daily Temperatures Medium

Stack 853 Car Fleet Medium

Stack 84 Largest Rectangle Hard

in Histogram

Binary Search 704 Binary Search Easy

Binary Search 74 Search a 2D Matrix Medium

Binary Search 875 Koko Eating Medium

Bananas
Binary Search 153 Find Minimum in Medium
Rotated Sorted
Array

Binary Search 33 Search in Rotated Medium

Sorted Array

Binary Search 981 Time Based Medium

Key-Value Store

Binary Search 4 Median of Two Hard

Sorted Arrays

Linked List 206 Reverse Linked List Easy

Linked List 21 Merge Two Sorted Easy

Lists

Linked List 143 Reorder List Medium

Linked List 19 Remove Nth Node Medium

From End of List

Linked List 138 Copy List with Medium

Random Pointer

Linked List 2 Add Two Numbers Medium

Linked List 141 Linked List Cycle Easy

Linked List 287 Find the Duplicate Medium

Number

Linked List 146 LRU Cache Medium

Linked List 23 Merge K Sorted Hard

Lists

Linked List 25 Reverse Nodes in Hard

k-Group

Trees 104 Maximum Depth of Easy

Binary Tree

Trees 226 Invert Binary Tree Easy

Trees 572 Subtree of Another Easy
Tree

Trees 100 Same Tree Easy

Trees 543 Diameter of Binary Easy

Tree

Trees 110 Balanced Binary Easy

Tree

Trees 102 Binary Tree Level Medium

Order Traversal

Trees 199 Binary Tree Right Medium

Side View

Trees 1448 Count Good Nodes Medium

in Binary Tree

Trees 98 Validate Binary Medium

Search Tree

Trees 230 Kth Smallest Medium

Element in a BST

Trees 105 Construct Binary Medium

Tree from Preorder
and Inorder
Traversal

Trees 235 Lowest Common Medium

Ancestor of a
Binary Search Tree

Trees 124 Binary Tree Hard

Maximum Path Sum

Trees 297 Serialize and Hard

Deserialize Binary
Tree

Tries 208 Implement Trie Medium

(Prefix Tree)

Tries 211 Design Add and Medium

 Search Words Data
Structure

Tries 212 Word Search II Hard

Heap / Priority 703 Kth Largest Easy

Queue Element in a Stream

Heap / Priority 1046 Last Stone Weight Easy

Queue

Heap / Priority 973 K Closest Points to Medium

Queue Origin

Heap / Priority 215 Kth Largest Medium

Queue Element in an Array

Heap / Priority 621 Task Scheduler Medium

Queue

Heap / Priority 355 Design Twitter Medium

Queue

Heap / Priority 295 Find Median from Hard

Queue Data Stream

Backtracking 78 Subsets Medium

Backtracking 39 Combination Sum Medium

Backtracking 46 Permutations Medium

Backtracking 90 Subsets II Medium

Backtracking 40 Combination Sum II Medium

Backtracking 79 Word Search Medium

Backtracking 131 Palindrome Medium

Partitioning

Backtracking 17 Letter Medium

Combinations of a
Phone Number
Backtracking 51 N-Queens Hard

Graphs 200 Number of Islands Medium

Graphs 133 Clone Graph Medium

Graphs 695 Max Area of Island Medium

Graphs 417 Pacific Atlantic Medium

Water Flow

Graphs 130 Surrounded Medium

Regions

Graphs 994 Rotting Oranges Medium

Graphs 207 Course Schedule Medium

Graphs 210 Course Schedule II Medium

Graphs 261 Graph Valid Tree Medium

Graphs 323 Number of Medium

Connected
Components in an
Undirected Graph

1-D DP 70 Climbing Stairs Easy

1-D DP 322 Coin Change Medium

1-D DP 300 Longest Increasing Medium

Subsequence

1-D DP 139 Word Break Medium

1-D DP 198 House Robber Medium

1-D DP 213 House Robber II Medium

1-D DP 91 Decode Ways Medium

1-D DP 416 Partition Equal Medium

Subset Sum
1-D DP 5 Longest Medium
Palindromic
Substring

1-D DP 647 Palindromic Medium

Substrings

2-D DP 62 Unique Paths Medium

2-D DP 1143 Longest Common Medium

Subsequence

2-D DP 309 Best Time to Buy Medium

and Sell Stock with
Cooldown

2-D DP 518 Coin Change II Medium

2-D DP 494 Target Sum Medium

2-D DP 97 Interleaving String Medium

2-D DP 329 Longest Increasing Hard

Path in a Matrix

2-D DP 115 Distinct Hard

Subsequences

2-D DP 72 Edit Distance Medium

2-D DP 312 Burst Balloons Hard

2-D DP 10 Regular Expression Hard

Matching

Greedy 53 Maximum Subarray Medium

Greedy 55 Jump Game Medium

Greedy 45 Jump Game II Medium

Greedy 134 Gas Station Medium

Greedy 846 Hand of Straights Medium

Greedy 57 Insert Interval Medium

Greedy 56 Merge Intervals Medium

Greedy 435 Non-overlapping Medium

Intervals

Greedy 763 Partition Labels Medium

Greedy 621 Task Scheduler Medium

Intervals 57 Insert Interval Medium

Intervals 56 Merge Intervals Medium

Intervals 435 Non-overlapping Medium

Intervals

Intervals 252 Meeting Rooms Easy

Intervals 253 Meeting Rooms II Medium

Math & Geometry 48 Rotate Image Medium

Math & Geometry 54 Spiral Matrix Medium

Math & Geometry 73 Set Matrix Zeroes Medium

Math & Geometry 202 Happy Number Easy

Math & Geometry 66 Plus One Easy

Math & Geometry 50 Pow(x, n) Medium

Math & Geometry 43 Multiply Strings Medium

Math & Geometry 2013 Detect Squares Medium

Bit Manipulation 191 Number of 1 Bits Easy

Bit Manipulation 338 Counting Bits Easy

Bit Manipulation 190 Reverse Bits Easy

Bit Manipulation 268 Missing Number Easy

Bit Manipulation 371 Sum of Two Medium

Integers

Bit Manipulation 136 Single Number Easy

Advanced Graphs 743 Network Delay Medium

Time

Advanced Graphs 332 Reconstruct Hard

Itinerary

Advanced Graphs 1584 Min Cost to Medium

Connect All Points

Advanced Graphs 787 Cheapest Flights Medium

Within K Stops

Advanced Graphs 778 Swim in Rising Hard

Water

Advanced Graphs 269 Alien Dictionary Hard

Appendix B: Data Structure & Algorithm Complexity Cheat Sheet

Data Structure Operation Average Time Worst Time Space

/ Algorithm

Array / Vector Access O(1) O(1) O(n)

Search O(n) O(n) O(n)

Insertion O(n) O(n) O(n)

Deletion O(n) O(n) O(n)

Hash Table / Search O(1) O(n) O(n)

Unordered
Map
 Insertion O(1) O(n) O(n)

Deletion O(1) O(n) O(n)

Singly Linked Access O(n) O(n) O(n)

List

Search O(n) O(n) O(n)

Insertion O(1) O(1) O(n)

(Head)

Deletion O(1) O(1) O(n)

(Head)

Stack Push O(1) O(1) O(n)

Pop O(1) O(1) O(n)

Peek O(1) O(1) O(n)

Queue Enqueue O(1) O(1) O(n)

Dequeue O(1) O(1) O(n)

Binary Heap / Insertion O(logn) O(logn) O(n)

Priority
Queue

Get Min/Max O(1) O(1) O(n)

Extract O(logn) O(logn) O(n)

Min/Max

Binary Search Search O(logn) O(n) O(n)

Tree

Insertion O(logn) O(n) O(n)

Deletion O(logn) O(n) O(n)

Trie Search O(L) O(L) O(N⋅L)

Insertion O(L) O(L) O(N⋅L)

 Algorithm

Linear Search Search O(n) O(n) O(1)

Binary Search Search O(logn) O(logn) O(1)

Quick Sort Sort O(nlogn) O(n2) O(logn)

Merge Sort Sort O(nlogn) O(nlogn) O(n)

Heap Sort Sort O(nlogn) O(nlogn) O(1)

BFS/DFS Traversal O(V+E) O(V+E) O(V)

(Graph)

Dijkstra's Shortest Path O(ElogV) O(ElogV) O(V)

Algorithm

Note: n refers to the number of elements in the data structure. For graphs, V is the number of vertices and E is the
number of edges. For Tries, L is the length of the word and N is the number of words.

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