Google asking for preferred interviewing language c++ vs Java

Apr 21, 2021 19 Comments

I usually do algorithm problems with c++, very familiar with the algorithm stl. Problem is my coding style might be nitpicked because I haven’t use it professionally. Do I have to use smart pointers?

I also have the feelings that c++ interviewer tend to be competitive programmers..

Should I still choose it? I am proficient at Java too but it is so much more verbose that might slow me down.

Which one?

Or is it fine to mix and match in google interviews?

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TOP 19 Comments
  • Google
    theUser_

    Go to company page Google

    theUser_
    Unless your interviewer expects you to write in particular language, eg. to check your domain knowledge, use your strongest language. If Google is asking for preferred language it means that they want to match interviewers who have experience in the language, to check if your usage of the language is correct. It is unlikely that you will be evaluated only on style.
    Also don't overuse the STL, during coding you can ask if you can use STL function of write your own version. The answers will depend on the problem and on what the interviewer is looking for.
    Apr 21, 2021 5
  • After interviewing dozens of candidates over the years, I am always mind blown by people chosing c++ or java for the coding interview. Any problem, even simple, require 2 to 3 times more code than the same in python or javascript. Also c++ and java code is WAY more complex to get it right, so many more ways to make mistakes.

    Big part of the job is to chose the right tools for the problem at hand. I see it as an orange flag when people chose c++ and java for the coding interview. They better nail it from start to end. If they chose an overcomplicated language and then forgot a ; and have a solution that doesn’t even compile, this is red flag.
    Apr 23, 2021 7
    • If you only know complex and verbose language then I would highly recommend to leetcode in python or javascript. After 30 easy and 100 medium you will know enough of those language to pass the coding interview. Read a few article about ecosystem, like package manager, interpreter history and limitation etc.. and you will be good.

      Just my 2cents. I also saw hired who used c++. I just think it is harder.
      Apr 23, 2021
    • So for reference I am a hiring manager, and I’ve passed the technical interview bar at Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Facebook. I know how interviewing works.

      I would agree with you that sometimes you get bad interviewers and you can’t help it - and an interviewer that fails you for missing a semicolon is a bad interviewer. But so is an interviewer who doesn’t judge you on your performance but instead makes preconceptions about you based on your language choice.

      Interviewing in a language you aren’t strong in is a bad choice every time. If you get unlucky and get a bad interviewer who looks down on you for choosing a language they don’t like…you got unlucky and that’s unfortunate.

      Learning a new language isn’t a bad thing, but you shouldn’t have to learn a new language just to interview especially if the job doesn’t actually entail using said language. Thinking otherwise is evidence that our process is failing us.
      Apr 23, 2021
  • Use STL algos and containers, a lot. Chances are you will not need any smart pointers other than for proper signatures.
    Apr 21, 2021 1
  • Use the language you’re most comfortable with. That’s it.
    Apr 21, 2021 0
  • I’m a C programmer and use C++ for interviews. As long as you write decent code, not knowing something like smart pointers shouldn’t be a huge deal.
    Apr 21, 2021 0