I think you need a basic understanding of data structures and algorithms. But there is no substitute for actually building stuff. Focus on building things above everything else. Theory and actual craftsmanship often are two separate things.

Being able to get the questions of Google and Amazons interviews correct is basically good for one thing and one thing only – getting hired at those places.

I have done hundreds of interviews and there are so many other things that I look for before evaluating their knowledge of bloom filters. Maybe I am old school.

I’ve met a couple of developers who know all the theory but who could never get anything done and delivered. Then again, my company isn’t Google.