CTCI as a warm-up to EPI and LC medium/hard?

Jan 7, 2021 5 Comments

CTCI = Cracking the Coding Interview
EPI = Elements of Programming Interviews

I have heard that CTCI is not challenging enough to get into Bay Area companies and EPI/LC medium/hard is needed these days.

Since CTCI is mainly easy/medium questions, is it a good idea to use it as a warm up before starting to tackle the medium/hard questions on LC and EPI? Or do I go straight to LC easy before moving onto EPI and medium/hards?

~1 YOE, going for SWE1 roles in the Bay Area.

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TOP 5 Comments
  • Amazon / Eng
    elatedowl

    Go to company page Amazon Eng

    PRE
    Amazon
    elatedowl
    EPI is awesome!
    Jan 8, 2021 0
  • Google
    yAKt67

    Go to company page Google

    yAKt67
    I would suggest doing both if you have time. If you don't have time and have to cram then go for LC directly but you might have a tough time of you are not warmed up
    Jan 7, 2021 2
    • OP
      Thanks. I would say I have about 4-6 months before I am trying to switch so I am just trying to be as time-efficient as possible because I am new to LC interviewing. I also need to shore up my DS&A knowledge
      Jan 7, 2021
    • Google
      yAKt67

      Go to company page Google

      yAKt67
      4-6 months is plenty of time. I would say spend a week or two on CTCI and make sure you are able to understand everything there as it serves as a good foundation for everything else.
      Jan 7, 2021
  • Avanade / Consultant
    gitPullAll

    Go to company page Avanade Consultant

    gitPullAll
    CTCI has a challenging problems section as well. If you can’t solve every question in CTCI, why overthink things and assume you need another book? Fact is all 3 are good resources. It’s just a matter of personal preference.
    Jan 7, 2021 0