Decode the Coding Interview in Java: Real-World Examples Course Syllabus

Overview: This intensive course is designed to prepare Java developers for technical interviews at top-tier companies. With a hands-on, code-first approach, it covers essential data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving patterns used in real-world coding interviews. Structured across 8 modules, the course spans approximately 8 weeks with a recommended commitment of 6–8 hours per week. Each module combines conceptual learning with practical coding challenges in Java, culminating in mock interviews and a capstone simulation. The text-and-code format emphasizes active practice over passive viewing, making it ideal for self-driven learners aiming to master algorithmic thinking and coding efficiency.

Module 1: Java Foundations & Problem Solving

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Java syntax refresher
• Java Collections Framework overview
• Time and space complexity analysis
• Implementing and analyzing sorting and searching algorithms

Module 2: Arrays & Strings

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Two-pointer technique
• Sliding window pattern
• Frequency counting methods
• Solving 'Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters' and 'Array Pair Sum'

Module 3: Linked Lists & Stacks/Queues

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Singly and doubly linked list implementations
• Stack and queue operations using Deque
• Hands-on: Reverse a Linked List
• Hands-on: Valid Parentheses checker

Module 4: Trees & Graphs

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Binary tree traversals (inorder, preorder, postorder)
• Binary Search Tree operations
• Breadth-First Search (BFS) and Depth-First Search (DFS) on graphs
• Implementing 'Lowest Common Ancestor' and 'Graph Cycle Detection'

Module 5: Recursion & Backtracking

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Recursive patterns and call stack mechanics
• Pruning in recursive solutions
• Backtracking techniques
• Solving 'N-Queens' and 'Permutations' using recursion in Java

Module 6: Dynamic Programming & Greedy

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Memoization vs. tabulation
• Identifying optimal substructure and overlapping subproblems
• Greedy algorithm strategies
• Solving 'Coin Change' and 'Longest Increasing Subsequence'

Module 7: Mock Interviews & Optimization

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Simulated technical interview scenarios
• Code optimization techniques
• Space/time trade-offs
• Interview etiquette and communication best practices

Module 8: Capstone Challenge

Estimated time: 8 hours

• End-to-end coding interview simulation
• Solving multi-problem challenges in timed conditions
• System design primer for algorithm-focused roles

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic Java syntax and object-oriented programming
• Understanding of fundamental programming constructs (loops, conditionals, methods)
• Basic knowledge of data structures like arrays and lists

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Master core data structures and algorithms in Java
• Apply proven problem-solving patterns to coding challenges
• Analyze time and space complexity using Big O notation
• Write clean, efficient, and optimized Java code under time constraints
• Approach technical interviews at top tech companies with confidence