Interview prep can feel overwhelming, especially when every Grokking-style course claims to have the “secret sauce” for cracking patterns. But which ones truly deliver on that promise?
In this blog, we break down the leading Grokking-style options to reveal which course actually trains you to make smart trade-offs, stay calm under pressure, and think like an engineer when it matters most.
Are all Grokking courses the same?
At first glance, most Grokking-style courses seem interchangeable (they promise pattern-based learning and interview prep). But dig a little deeper, and the differences start to show.
Some courses throw a list of problems at you with no guidance. Others lean heavily on video content without giving you a chance to practice. And some expect you to connect the dots between concepts with no clear roadmap.
Pattern recognition is the heart of effective interview prep. But not all Grokking courses grok what matters.
What sets a top-tier Grokking course apart?
A great course does more than solve problems; it teaches you how to think. Structured problem solving isn’t about cramming 100 solutions. It’s about building a mental toolbox that helps you approach unfamiliar problems with confidence and speed.
What to look for in a quality course
- Pattern-driven system: Learn the underlying structure behind problems.
- Real interactivity: Decode directly in the platform, debug, and learn through doing.
- Language support: Use the programming language you’re most comfortable with.
- Curated depth: Get thoughtfully sequenced questions that build insight.
- Progressive scaffolding: Start with the fundamentals and build up fluency over time.
Courses that emphasize these attributes tend to create stronger, more adaptable problem-solvers, exactly what interviewers want.
Top Grokking the Coding Interview Courses
Educative’s Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns
Educative’s Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns is widely regarded as the gold standard for interview prep. What sets this course apart is its structured pattern-based approach that breaks down common coding interview problems into 15 reusable patterns. This not only accelerates problem-solving but also boosts confidence in tackling unseen problems.
Key highlights:
- Interactive, text-based lessons (no videos)
- In-browser coding for hands-on learning
- 15 core problem-solving patterns
- Beginner-friendly but deep enough for advanced learners
- Ideal for busy professionals preparing for FAANG-level interviews
DesignGuru’s Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions
The Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions course by DesignGuru was one of the original pioneers of the pattern-based teaching method. It focuses on the same 15 foundational patterns, often using similar language and examples as the Educative course.
Pros:
- Proven, foundational content
- Focus on 15 essential patterns
Cons:
- Minimal interactivity
- Less polished UI and UX
- Explanations may lack clarity or depth
This course may appeal to learners who prefer a more straightforward, no-frills approach to learning patterns.
Udemy’s Master the Coding Interview: Big Tech (FAANG) Interviews
Udemy’s Master the Coding Interview: Big Tech (FAANG) Interviews course takes a more traditional approach, relying on long-form video lectures, walkthroughs, and whiteboard-style problem solving. It offers a broad overview of the coding interview landscape.
What you get:
- Long-form video lectures
- Walkthroughs and whiteboard-style explanations
- Behavioral interview and resume prep coverage
Drawbacks:
- Passive learning with minimal hands-on practice
- No real-time coding environment
- Slower learning experience compared to interactive formats
Good for visual learners, but best used alongside a more practice-oriented course.
GitHub’s dipjul repository
The open-source GitHub dipjul repository is a community-maintained collection of LeetCode problems categorized by patterns. It’s best used as a companion resource.
Advantages:
- Free and open-source
- Categorized LeetCode problems by pattern
Limitations:
- No structured curriculum
- Lacks instructional explanations or guidance
- Not beginner-friendly
A solid checklist for experienced learners, but not a standalone solution for interview prep.
Side-by-side comparison of Grokking-style courses
| Course | Platform | # of Patterns | Interactivity | Language Support | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns | Educative | 26 | Full coding playground | Python, Java, C++, JS, Go | Original. Structured. Trusted by FAANG | Premium pricing |
| Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions | DesignGurus | 28 | Limited | Java, Python | Decent content, pattern-first | Less polished UI, no embedded IDE |
| Master the Coding Interview: Big Tech (FAANG) Interviews | Udemy | 0 (not pattern-based) | Video only | JavaScript | Budget-friendly intro | No pattern organization, no interactivity |
| dipjul / Grokking-the-Coding-Interview-Patterns-for-Coding-Questions | GitHub | ~21 | None | Python | Free & open-source | No walkthroughs, no structure |
What kind of learner are you?
Not every course fits every learner. Here’s a quick breakdown of who benefits most from each resource:
| Learner Type | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Total beginner | Udemy | Offers a casual, low-cost video-based intro to key concepts |
| Visual learner | DesignGurus | Strong explanatory walkthroughs and readable content |
| Hands-on/prepping for FAANG | Educative | Structured, interactive, and pattern-driven—great for serious prep |
| Self-directed and cost-conscious | GitHub | Free and flexible, but requires you to build your system |
Are you learning in a vacuum?
Support can make or break your momentum, especially when prepping under time pressure. Struggling with a tough problem is inevitable. The question is whether your course gives you the help you need to push through.
Here’s how the top Grokking-style options stack up when it comes to learner support:
- Educative: Offers built-in hints, detailed step-by-step solutions, and active user discussions. You can ask questions, see others’ struggles, and get clarity.
- DesignGurus: While explanations are thorough, support is mostly limited to static content. There’s little opportunity to ask questions or receive direct feedback.
- Udemy: Instructor response depends heavily on the course’s availability and popularity. Some learners report great responsiveness, while others feel like they’re at a dead end.
- GitHub: No structured support or community features. You’re entirely alone, which may work for advanced learners but can be daunting for most.
Educative offers the most supportive ecosystem if you’re a learner who benefits from clarification, real-time feedback, or simply knowing you’re not alone. It doesn’t just throw you into the deep end; it hands you a lifeline when you need it most.
Who’s behind the content?
The quality of a course is directly tied to the experience of its creators:
- Educative: Created by engineers with FAANG interview experience.
- DesignGurus: Built by developers with solid content, but limited transparency.
- Udemy: Instructor-dependent, so quality varies widely.
- GitHub: Community-contributed; quality and coverage are inconsistent.
Credibility counts, especially when your prep time is limited!
Educative’s Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns offers practice and provides a learning blueprint for pattern recognition. Each module includes:
- Thorough explanations and use cases
- Instant, in-browser coding exercises
- Multiple supported languages
- Curated question sets that build on each other
It’s a complete system designed to train your instincts and skills.
Final takeaway
Each course targets a different type of learner and offers a range of features: from casual video content to raw, open-source repositories. But Educative’s Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns leads the pack in mastering common problem archetypes and problem-solving with real interactivity and structured depth.
Why? Because it offers more than just problems, it builds thinking frameworks. You’re not just memorizing questions; you’re developing instincts. You’re not just watching someone else code; you’re actively building your fluency in a real coding environment.
