LeetCode – The #1 Platform for Coding Interview Practice
LeetCode is the definitive platform for software engineers preparing for technical interviews. Offering a massive library of real-world coding problems from companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple, it provides the structured practice needed to master algorithms, data structures, and system design. Whether you're a new graduate targeting your first role or a seasoned engineer preparing for a senior-level switch, LeetCode transforms interview anxiety into confident, systematic problem-solving.
What is LeetCode?
LeetCode is a specialized web application designed exclusively for technical interview preparation. It goes beyond simple coding practice by simulating the exact environment and question styles used by leading tech companies during their hiring processes. The platform's core purpose is to bridge the gap between theoretical computer science knowledge and the practical, time-pressured problem-solving required in live coding interviews. Its primary audience includes software engineers, computer science students, data scientists, and anyone seeking to pass rigorous technical screens at competitive technology firms.
Key Features of LeetCode
Vast Problem Library with Company Tags
Access over 2,000+ curated coding challenges, many tagged with the specific companies that have asked them in real interviews. This allows for targeted preparation, enabling you to focus on problems historically asked by your target employers, from FAANG to high-growth startups.
Interactive Code Editor and Judge
Write, run, and test your code directly in the browser with support for 20+ programming languages. The instant judge provides detailed feedback on correctness, runtime, and memory usage, mirroring the automated evaluation systems used in actual interviews.
Detailed Solutions and Community Discussions
Learn optimal approaches for every problem. Each challenge features official solutions and a vibrant discussion forum where users share alternative strategies, optimization tips, and language-specific implementations, fostering collaborative learning.
Mock Interviews and Contests
Simulate the real interview experience with timed mock interviews and weekly/bi-weekly coding contests. These features build stamina, improve time management under pressure, and allow you to benchmark your skills against a global community of engineers.
Progress Tracking and Study Plans
Systematically track your solved problems, streaks, and skill development. Follow curated study plans like 'Algorithm I' or 'Top Interview 150' that provide a structured learning path from beginner to advanced concepts.
Who Should Use LeetCode?
LeetCode is essential for any software professional facing a technical interview. Computer science students and new graduates use it to build foundational problem-solving skills and prepare for campus recruitment. Mid-level and senior engineers leverage it to brush up on core algorithms before job changes or promotions. Career switchers entering tech from other fields rely on its structured content to build competency quickly. Essentially, if your career goal involves passing a coding interview at a reputable tech company, LeetCode is your most effective training tool.
LeetCode Pricing and Free Tier
LeetCode offers a robust free tier that provides access to the entire problem library, basic code execution, and community discussions. For users seeking advanced features, LeetCode Premium is available via monthly or annual subscription. Premium unlocks company-specific question banks, detailed solution explanations, interview simulation tools, and an ad-free experience. The free tier is exceptionally generous, making LeetCode accessible to everyone, while Premium is a valuable investment for those in active, targeted job search mode.
Common Use Cases
- Preparing for software engineer interviews at FAANG companies (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google)
- Practicing data structure and algorithm problems for coding assessments and online screens
- Improving problem-solving speed and efficiency for technical phone interviews
Key Benefits
- Significantly increases your probability of passing technical interviews at top-tier tech firms
- Builds muscle memory for recognizing problem patterns and applying optimal algorithms quickly
- Provides a competitive edge by practicing questions that have actually been asked in recent interviews
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest and most authentic database of real interview questions from actual companies
- Excellent community and discussion forums for learning diverse solution approaches
- Powerful free tier that provides substantial value without any financial commitment
- Structured study plans guide learners from basic to advanced topics efficiently
Cons
- Focus is heavily on interview-style problems, which may not directly improve day-to-day software engineering skills like system design or debugging legacy code
- The vast number of problems can be overwhelming without a structured study plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LeetCode free to use?
Yes, LeetCode offers a comprehensive free tier that grants access to thousands of coding problems, a functional code editor, and community discussions. A Premium subscription is available for advanced features like company-specific questions and detailed video solutions.
Is LeetCode good for beginners in coding?
LeetCode is excellent for beginners who are specifically preparing for technical interviews. It offers curated study plans and an 'Easy' problem difficulty filter. However, absolute beginners to programming may want to solidify fundamentals through other resources first before tackling algorithm-focused challenges.
How many LeetCode problems should I solve before an interview?
Quality matters more than quantity. A common benchmark is to solve 150-200 problems, ensuring you cover all major data structures (arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, graphs) and algorithm patterns (two-pointer, sliding window, BFS/DFS, dynamic programming). Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing solutions.
Does LeetCode help with system design interviews?
While LeetCode's primary strength is coding and algorithms, its Premium subscription includes a dedicated 'System Design' section with curated problems and learning resources. For in-depth system design prep, it is often used alongside other specialized resources or platforms.
Conclusion
For software engineers, mastering LeetCode is no longer optional—it's a fundamental step in the modern technical hiring process. It provides the most direct, relevant, and extensive practice available for the types of challenges you will face in interviews at the world's leading technology companies. While it requires dedication and consistent practice, the return on investment is clear: dramatically improved problem-solving skills, increased interview confidence, and a significantly higher chance of receiving a competitive job offer. Start with the free tier to explore its capabilities, and consider Premium if you are in an active job search targeting specific companies.