Data Structures for Coding Interviews in Java Course Syllabus

Overview: This comprehensive, hands-on course is designed to equip Java developers with the foundational data structure knowledge and problem-solving skills essential for excelling in technical coding interviews at top-tier technology companies. Through a series of structured, interactive modules totaling approximately 35 hours, learners will build core data structures from scratch, analyze algorithmic complexity, and solve real-world interview problems. Each module combines conceptual learning with coding challenges and quizzes to reinforce understanding. While the course is text-based and requires self-discipline, it offers unparalleled depth and practical preparation for FAANG-level interviews.

Module 1: Complexity Measures

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Introduction to asymptotic analysis
• Comparing algorithm performance
• Big O of loops and nested structures
• Hands-on challenges: calculating Big O for complex code snippets

Module 2: Arrays & Strings

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Array operations and resizing techniques
• String manipulation fundamentals
• Pattern search algorithms
• Problem-solving: 'two-sum', 'reverse words', and similar classical challenges

Module 3: Linked Lists

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Singly and doubly linked list implementations
• Linked list reversal techniques
• Cycle detection algorithms (e.g., Floyd’s cycle detection)
• Merging linked lists and common interview problems

Module 4: Stacks, Queues & Deques

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Stack and queue usage patterns
• Circular queue behavior and implementation
• Deque operations and applications
• Designing an LRU cache using deque principles

Module 5: Trees & Graphs

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Binary trees and binary search trees (BSTs)
• Tree traversal techniques (inorder, preorder, postorder)
• Graph representations (adjacency list, matrix)
• Breadth-First Search (BFS) and Depth-First Search (DFS)
• Connected components and shortest path problems

Module 6: Heaps & Priority Queues

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Heap data structure and properties
• Heap operations: insert, extract-min/max, heapify
• Applications in top-K problems

Module 7: Hash Maps & Sets

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Hash table design and implementation
• Collision handling techniques (chaining, open addressing)
• Common use cases and performance trade-offs
• Applying hashing to solve interview problems

Module 8: Comprehensive Review & Challenges

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Consolidation of all data structures
• Mixed coding challenges across topics
• Past interview-style assessments
• Interactive problem-solving practice

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic Java syntax and programming concepts
• Understanding of fundamental programming constructs (loops, conditionals, functions)
• Basic knowledge of recursion and object-oriented principles

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Implement core data structures in Java from scratch
• Analyze time and space complexity using Big-O notation
• Solve common coding interview problems involving arrays, strings, and linked lists
• Design and manipulate trees, graphs, heaps, and hash maps efficiently
• Approach technical interviews at top tech firms with confidence and proven problem-solving skills