I'm starting my Leetcode journey but I don't know Python. I don't really have time to learn a new language for various reasons but especially because I'm currently working a full-time job.
Are there any time complexities in JS that are worse than Python that would prevent me from passing an interview compared to someone who uses Python during their interview? Sorry if this is a newbie question but I don't really know much about Python. Thanks
What would you pick for technical whiteboard intrviews? (strictly for this use - I'm not trying to compare the 2 languages here, both are great)
I know C++ and Java but haven't used them for a while. Know JS (ES6) very well and love using it and IMO its a great choice as its so concise and faster to write.
Python is even more concise. Most answers on Leetcode the Python version is the shortest and usually easy to read too.
I know Python basics and can probably pick it up. Is it worth it just for this?
For those who know both, thoughts?
tldr: python if you know enough of it to solve interviewy type questions otherwise go with what you know.
If its for a front end gig or node then sure using ES6 would probably be fine. Technical interviews also look at your problem solving approach and general depth of knowledge so the language syntax isn't as important.
Its always writing some function that does some logic expecting you to justify usage of specific data structures - map/set etc.
Ideally I would
-
Use a language that the company uses and is hiring for
-
Rather than learn python, spend the time on leetcode answering questions under time pressure in whatever lang you already know.
Depends on what position/why i am hiring the person??
I mean if they are going to be a full stack dev. with nodejs backend guess which one i ask my questions in?
Videos
What would you pick for technical whiteboard intrviews? (strictly for this use - I'm not trying to compare the 2 languages here, both are great)
I know C++ and Java but haven't used them for a while. Know JS (ES6) very well and love using it and IMO its a great choice as its so concise and faster to write.
Python is even more concise. Most answers on Leetcode the Python version is the shortest and usually easy to read too.
I know Python basics and can probably pick it up. Is it worth it just for this?
For those who know both, thoughts?
No. It is not worth it just for interviews.
The vast majority of coding jobs, and the easiest ones to get, expect you to know one or two languages, frameworks, and tech stacks very well.
Few employers are looking for "good coders in general," they are looking for "someone who knows how to use React with MongoDB" or "someone who knows how to use Django and AWS Lambda". (This is not, in my opinion, the best way to do things, but it's how most hiring is done.)
If you are good at JS, dig in and get better. Learn Node really well. Learn React. Look for JS jobs (there are SOOOOO MANY).
Learn Python if want to learn Python for your own interests, or if you have to learn Python for a specific project, or if you are particularly interested in a Python-dominated discipline (like data science). But don't learn Python just so you can be a better interviewer.
I don't see how they are interchangable; only one language has pre-install status on browsers, so it depends on whether you are working on web apps or not.
I'm planning on applying again in around 5 or 6 months. I'm most familiar with JS and have only done some Python professionally. I know the general advice is to use whatever is most familiar, but given the amount of prep time I feel it's worth considering the tradeoffs before committing.
Python pros:
-
Even simpler syntax, no brackets or semicolons
-
Seems generally preferred over JS. An Amazon recruiter once requested me to put Python on my resume. I believe Google also prefers Python over JS?
-
Has better built-in data structures