LeetCode vs HackerRank for Coding Interview Prep

Introduction

In the evolving world of tech, companies are constantly on the lookout for software engineers who can solve complex problems. As a result, the ability to perform in coding interviews is a vital skill for anyone looking to land a job in this industry. Two of the most popular platforms that software engineers use to prepare for these interviews are LeetCode and HackerRank. But which is the best? Let's break down their features, strengths, and weaknesses to give you a clearer perspective.

LeetCode

Founded in 2015, LeetCode is a platform dedicated to helping you enhance your skills in various computer science domains, particularly in preparing for coding interviews.

Pros of LeetCode

• Problems: LeetCode's problem set is vast, with over 1,800 questions spanning a wide range of computer science topics. These problems are categorized by difficulty (easy, medium, hard) and are tagged with specific topics (e.g., arrays, strings, dynamic programming), making it easy to focus on particular areas of weakness.

• Company-specific Questions: LeetCode also has company-specific question sets which are helpful if you're targeting a specific company for your job application. This unique feature allows you to understand the problem-solving approach preferred by different tech companies.

• Solutions and Explanations: Each problem in LeetCode comes with a detailed solution, often in multiple programming languages. Additionally, the platform has a highly active community where users discuss different approaches to solve a problem, making it a great learning resource.

Cons of LeetCode

• User Interface: While the overall user experience is generally good, navigating through the platform can sometimes be tricky for new users.

• Less Emphasis on Other Skills: LeetCode is primarily focused on problem-solving, which might not be ideal if you're looking to develop other skills like systems design or debugging.

HackerRank

HackerRank, founded in 2012, is a tech-based platform that helps coders learn new skills, prepare for interviews, and get hired.

Pros of HackerRank

• Variety of Domains: HackerRank offers challenges in a variety of domains such as algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, and even non-CS fields like SQL and functional programming. This makes it a more comprehensive platform for improving your overall coding skills.

• User Interface: The platform offers a user-friendly interface with a built-in code editor, which makes the coding experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Competitive Programming: HackerRank hosts coding competitions regularly, allowing users to compete and learn from each other. This can help you learn to code under time pressure, a valuable skill for interviews.

Cons of HackerRank

• Lack of Company-specific Questions: Unlike LeetCode, HackerRank doesn't offer company-specific problem sets, which could be a downside if you're focusing on a particular company.

• Complexity of Problems: Some users have noted that the difficulty level of problems in HackerRank doesn't always align with actual interview questions, which can lead to unrealistic expectations.

LeetCode vs HackerRank: Which to Choose?

Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best one for you depends on your specific goals.

If your primary focus is preparing for coding interviews with specific companies, LeetCode's comprehensive problem set and company-specific questions make it the preferred choice. For example, if you're preparing for an interview with Google, you might find LeetCode's section of Google-tagged questions beneficial. Here's a simple Python solution for a popular problem, "Two Sum":

def twoSum(nums, target):

hash_map = {}

for i, num in enumerate(nums):

remaining = target - num

if remaining in hash_map:

return [hash_map[remaining], i]

hash_map[num] = i

return []

nums = [2, 7, 11, 15]

target = 9

print(twoSum(nums, target)) # Output: [0, 1]

This problem, and its solution, showcases the sort of algorithmic thinking that tech companies often look for in their candidates.

On the other hand, if you're looking to improve your overall coding skills across a wide range of domains or enjoy competitive programming, HackerRank's broad domain coverage and regular competitions might be more appealing. For instance, if you're looking to get better at SQL, HackerRank provides a platform where you can practice SQL queries. Here's an example SQL query problem:

-- Problem: Select all the employees whose salary is above 50000

SELECT employee_name FROM employees WHERE salary > 50000;

Conclusion

LeetCode and HackerRank both offer exceptional resources for coding interview preparation. While they each have their own unique strengths, the best platform for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. It may even be beneficial to use both platforms in tandem; LeetCode for targeted interview preparation, and HackerRank for broadening your skills and enjoying the thrill of competitive programming. As with any learning resource, the key is consistent practice and active engagement with the problems you're solving. Happy coding!

1. LeetCode
2. HackerRank

Originally Posted on Medium