Preparing for a Google coding interview requires more than algorithm practice—you need strong fundamentals, structured thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure. To help you build a focused preparation plan, this guide highlights the 5 best resources to prepare for Google coding interview loops, along with practical steps for how to use each one effectively.
Whether you’re targeting the online assessment, the virtual on-site rounds, or the deep algorithmic interviews, these resources will help you approach the process with confidence.
Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns
Google interviews rely heavily on problem-solving depth. This course teaches problem patterns like recursion, tree DFS/BFS, dynamic programming, sliding window, and graph traversal—patterns that frequently underpin Google’s interview questions.
How to use it:
- Work pattern-by-pattern, not problem-by-problem.
- After completing a module, solve two or three new problems outside the course to reinforce the pattern.
- Practice explaining your reasoning aloud, as Google prioritizes clarity and algorithmic intuition.
Why it stands out: Google interviewers expect you to justify each decision. Understanding patterns makes it easier to explain why your approach works.
Google Coding Interview Guide
This guide breaks down Google’s interview structure, problem categories, expectations for communication, and thematic patterns across past interview reports.
How to use it:
- Start with the “What to expect” sections to understand the interview flow.
- Note the frequency of topics such as trees, graphs, recursion, and low-level algorithmic reasoning.
- Use the sample questions to benchmark your difficulty level and identify gaps.
Why it stands out: Google interviews are known for depth. This resource prepares you for the rigor, pacing, and expectations unique to Google.
Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns repo by dipjul
This open-source repository reinforces pattern learning with community-contributed solutions. It helps you see multiple approaches to the same problem—an essential skill in Google interviews where optimization and alternative strategies often matter.
How to use it:
- Attempt one problem per pattern without looking at hints.
- Compare your solution with the repo’s versions to spot optimizations.
- Track mistakes and revisit patterns weekly to strengthen weak areas.
Why it stands out: Google often challenges candidates to explore multiple solution paths. Seeing variations prepares you for that dynamic.
AlgoExpert Coding Interview Course
AlgoExpert is one of the most widely used external courses for Google-style interview prep. Its curated problems span a range of algorithmic topics, and the video explanations model the type of logical clarity Google evaluates.
How to use it:
- Begin with medium-difficulty problems to align with Google’s baseline expectations.
- Use timed practice mode to simulate Google’s forty-five-minute coding rounds.
- Watch video explanations to refine your ability to communicate step-by-step reasoning.
Why it stands out: Google interviewers value concise reasoning and clean code. AlgoExpert reinforces both through polished walkthroughs.
Interview Kickstart Coding Interview Prep
Interview Kickstart offers a structured, instructor-led program centered on Google’s interviewing philosophy. It includes problem-solving drills, deep data structure refreshers, mock interviews, and feedback from industry instructors.
How to use it:
- Start with the Google-focused track to build foundational strength.
- Attend mock interviews to refine your pacing and communication.
- Use instructor feedback to correct subtle reasoning gaps—an area Google emphasizes strongly.
Why it stands out: It offers mentorship, feedback loops, and rigor that help you practice the communication style Google expects.
How to stitch these resources into a prep plan
Here is a suggested six-week plan that blends structure with skill development:
| Week | Focus |
| Week one | Complete four pattern modules from Resource 1; read Resource 2 to understand expectations. |
| Week two | Solve ten to fifteen problems and compare approaches using Resource 3. |
| Week three | Begin Resource 4; use timed practice to improve clarity and speed. |
| Week four | Continue Resource 4 and incorporate one mock session from Resource 5. |
| Week five | Run two full simulation rounds (forty-five minutes each); review insights from Resources 2 and 3. |
| Week six | Strengthen weak patterns using Resources 1–3; complete three timed sessions; finalize communication practice. |
Final tips
- Clarify edge cases early—Google interviewers look for proactive thinking.
- Communicate your approach before coding; this makes the evaluation easier for your interviewer.
- Focus on time and space complexity reasoning; it matters more at Google than many companies.
- Prioritize correctness over cleverness; then optimize thoughtfully.
- Use mistakes as data: track patterns, reflect, refine, and revisit your weak topics weekly.
With these five resources and a structured study plan, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle Google’s coding interviews with confidence and discipline.
Happy learning!