Ask HN: What language should I use for tech interviews? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What language should I use for tech interviews?

2 pointsdrywater24 comments

Hello HN.

I have a background in C++ development and I'm kind of sick of it and recently quit my job due to burnout and toxic environment. I began learning go and rust for a change and it seems more interesting and easy to write.

Regarding tech interviews, I did some research and it seems Python is a lot easier to write algorithms in a short amount of time. I'm considering learning enough Python to deal with coding interviews.

I know most of you would give an answer like "use the language you are most comfortable with", but if, hypothetically speaking, someone knew all languages at the same level, which language would be the easiest and fastest to write code that involves queues, stacks, linked lists, binary trees, etc.?

Thanks for reading. I'm very curious about your answers.

To "which language would be the easiest and fastest to write code that involves queues, stacks, linked lists, binary trees, etc." you need to add the qualifier that it's used commonly enough that interviewers understand it. (Of course, it's obvious from your question that's what you're asking.)

I love Lisps, but they're a risky choice. Python is a great choice. For the types of questions asked in interviews, a language like Java or C# is also a great choice.

Using a/the language of the company is effective. If you are strong in Python, Java, and C# (or whatever languages) then use what they use. Their language is usually indicated in the job listing.

The one you’re most comfortable with that the company either uses or is looking to use. Unless otherwise specified of course.

The goal should be to prove how you think out of a hole, not necessarily the language unless certain features will help you solve that specific problem.

IMO

Scheme. It handles these types of problems easily and clearly. As a bonus, by using a Lisp, they may think you are especially brainy.

Wow. This seems a little hardcore. A friend of mine managed to get a job at Amazon by interviewing in Haskell.

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