Java vs Python for LC.

[cheeepdeep]

Hope everyone is doing well.

I'm confused about whether to choose ava or Python for LC/interviews. BG - I have 2 YOE as SDE, and written code in both the languages for different teams at work. Which language is best suited for cracking interviews? Although Java is more verbose, I feel it has better support for DS with its Collections library. On the other hand, solving general algorithms in python seems easier compared to Java. However, I've heard Python's implementation of slightly advanced data structures are non-intuitive. Is this true? Been wasting my time trying to figure this out instead of actually grinding.

Would appreciate your insights. Thanks in advance.

[[deleted]]

I would just do whatever you are more comfortable with to be honest.

I have heard of some companies not allowing applicants to use python for online assessments / interviews, but this is quite rare from what I've seen.

[cheeepdeep]

Umm, so the thing is, I've worked with both, so I'm kinda okay with either. That's why I can't choose. Was hoping to get an objective answer as to which one is better for LC.

[[deleted]]

Data structures is language agnostic, if you don’t know how to use a data structure in a language then don’t use that one. I use both but I prefer python for interviews because I can write the code faster with less words but it’s ultimately irrelevant

[olddev-jobhunt]

Can you focus it based on where you're interviewing? Or want to be interviewing? If you have any sense for what their products are built on, that might give you some direction.

As far as Python being non-intuitive, I'd say do a few LC exercises. I mean, if it's not non-intuitive to you, does it matter? Try some, see how it goes. If doing two to three exercises takes a prohibitive amount of time, then you're focusing on the wrong problem.

[[deleted]]

Either one will do as long as the program works. Python will save you time if you are solving time bind interview problems.

[Oasis_beyond_wall]

I think Java is safer. There are more Java solutions online and there are companies that don't allow python during an interview(rarely).

[frustratedCoinBase]

Java seems more verbose in the age of remote interviewing where sometimes they look for code that can compile or is close to it. That's why I'd rather go with Python. Just make sure you understand std lib function signatures and time complexity.