The hottest Coding Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Problem 75: Reorder List [Meta/Facebook]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The newsletter discusses a coding problem about reordering a linked list, which requires understanding of linked lists, pointer manipulation, and problem-solving skills.
  2. There is emphasis on focusing on important problems rather than mindlessly solving a large number of problems, suggesting that quality over quantity is key in interview preparation.
  3. The post also offers a premium subscription service to enhance tech skills, providing expert insights, tips, and resources, with a discount for new subscribers.

That time I broke login at Box

Basta’s Notes • 204 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Reusing code can be beneficial, but be cautious of reusing business logic as it can lead to unexpected dependencies.
  2. When rewriting code, consider extending existing functionality rather than reusing entire systems to prevent potential issues.
  3. Make sure to thoroughly understand the business logic behind the code to avoid unintended consequences, especially when dealing with complex systems.

Mastering the Craft: Why Reading Other People's Code Makes You Code Like A Pro

Weekend Developer • 39 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Reading code written by experienced programmers exposes you to different techniques and approaches, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities.
  2. By studying established best practices in code, like proper organization and naming conventions, you develop good coding habits from the start, resulting in more maintainable and readable code.
  3. Understanding complex systems through reading code helps you build crucial skills for professional software development, such as the ability to work with large codebases and collaborate effectively with other developers.

The Recursive Function Template[Technique Tuesdays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 12 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The recursive function template provides a step-by-step guide to solving recursive problems, helping you avoid overwhelm and work through coding challenges smoothly.
  2. The template includes key components like checking termination cases, processing outcomes, handling recursive cases, and resetting side effects, making problem-solving structured and manageable.
  3. Isolating recursion into helper functions improves code organization, and future Technique Tuesdays may cover the power of helper functions in depth.

Best YouTube Channels to learn about Graph Theory for Software Engineering for free[Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
🚌 Education Coding
  1. Focus on using a mix of channels to become an expert in Graph Theory for Software Engineering. Channels vary in their emphasis on math, coding, and computer science.
  2. Utilize the recommended channels like Wrath of Math, David Amos, Trev Tutor, and FreeCodeCamp to sharpen your understanding of Graph Theory.
  3. Engage with the content from different channels to build strong theoretical foundations and improve your performance in coding interviews.
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[Solution]Problem 72: Permutation in String [Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem discussed is about validating a binary search tree, ensuring the left subtree contains smaller values, the right subtree contains greater values, and both are valid binary search trees.
  2. Examples are provided to illustrate the concept, showing a valid and an invalid binary search tree.
  3. Constraints include the number of nodes and the value ranges in the tree.

Why 97% Fail to Learn Software Engineering

Brain Bytes • 19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Imposter Syndrome can make you doubt your abilities as a beginner coder, but it's important to set small, achievable goals, seek feedback, and believe in yourself.
  2. Creating a structured roadmap with daily tasks and clear goals is crucial for effective self-teaching in programming. It helps in visualizing progress and staying on track.
  3. Balancing theory with implementation by working on real projects is key. Dedicate time to writing code, fixing issues, and consistent practice to become a proficient programmer.

Problem 72: Permutation in String [Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem discusses validating a binary search tree by checking if the left subtree contains keys less than the node's key and the right subtree contains keys greater than the node's key.
  2. It's important to ensure that both the left and right subtrees of a node are also binary search trees, following specific rules for structure and key values.
  3. Validating a binary search tree involves evaluating constraints like the number of nodes in the tree and the range of node values it can contain.

Reality Check for the Coding Community: Mastery, Illusions, & Vanishing Entry-Level Jobs

ppdispatch • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. AI can help with coding, but real skill comes from hands-on experience and hard work. Skipping the tough parts can lead to a lack of understanding.
  2. Entry-level tech jobs are disappearing fast, especially in big companies. Newcomers need to find creative ways to showcase their skills.
  3. Modern computers might not speed up older code as much as you'd think. It's often the tools and techniques we use to write code that make a big difference.

Problem 43: Jump Game (Amazon)

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem involves determining if you can reach the end of an array with elements representing maximum jump lengths at each position.
  2. It highlights the use of Greedy Algorithms for a specific optimization in this problem.
  3. The post encourages audience engagement by suggesting feedback, surveys, and subscribing for additional content.

Using Sentinel Nodes to improve your Doubly Linked Lists[Technique Tuesdays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 28 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Using sentinel nodes in Doubly Linked Lists can improve performance and make code easier to read and implement
  2. Implementing sentinel nodes removes special cases in DLL implementations, simplifies code, and makes it more provably correct
  3. Although using sentinel nodes may require some extra memory, the simplification it brings to the code is often worth the tradeoff

How to be an amazing Junior Developer/Intern [StoryTime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Standing out in your early career stages can speed up your personal and professional growth significantly.
  2. Making a strong impression at work can lead to better opportunities, save you time, and provide protection against layoffs.
  3. Actions that help junior devs/interns stand out include turning an internship into a return offer and moving quickly up the career ladder.

Problem 57:Longest Repeating Character with Replacement[Google]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 21 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem involves finding the longest substring with the same repeated character after replacing some characters. It's about choosing characters and performing operations.
  2. The examples illustrate how to approach the problem by changing characters in the string according to the constraints given.
  3. Constraints include the length of the input string, the character constraints in the string, and the limit on character replacements.

Now is the time to rethink engineering productivity

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Engineering teams need to focus more on actively improving productivity rather than just collecting data. It's important to turn insights into actions for better results.
  2. AI coding assistants can struggle and require guidance, as they might not always provide accurate code. Understanding when to rely on AI and when to take control is key.
  3. Using pen and paper can boost creativity and memory. Sometimes stepping away from screens leads to fresh ideas and deeper thinking.

How to Get Ahead of 99% of Software Engineers

Brain Bytes • 19 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Invest time in personal coding projects, starting with small ones and progressing to more complex ones. Quantity is crucial in the beginning, followed by a focus on quality.
  2. Define clear, measurable goals and work backward to plan your learning journey. Reverse engineering your goals helps to track progress and stay motivated.
  3. Develop not just technical skills but also soft skills like communication and teamwork. Networking and surrounding yourself with other developers can lead to valuable opportunities.

The rainbow of disgust and joy

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 15 May 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. When working on code, it's common to feel frustrated with the design. It's important to remember that things often need to move quickly to stay competitive.
  2. Finding a balance between speed and maintaining good code is key. Being too perfect can be as problematic as moving too fast.
  3. Emotions about your code can help gauge your progress. Being slightly embarrassed yet moving fast usually leads to better outcomes.

[Solution]Problem 54:Multiply Strings[Google]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem discussed involves multiplying two non-negative integers represented as strings without using built-in libraries or converting them directly to integers. This approach is used to prevent overflow.
  2. Understanding the process of multiplication and breaking it down into individual steps is crucial in tackling problems like this. It helps in figuring out the next steps and finding a path forward.
  3. Consider unique approaches, such as examining how computers encode characters and utilizing this knowledge to work around constraints. Building a strong foundation in software engineering fundamentals is beneficial for problem-solving.

Linear Inequalities [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
🚌 Education Coding
  1. Linear Inequalities are crucial in math for coding, although they may seem trivial at first.
  2. Linear Inequalities help codify bounds and constraints efficiently, aiding in filtering out bad solutions and narrowing search spaces.
  3. Practicing breaking down real-life situations into equations and inequalities is key to mastering Linear Inequalities.

Don't serialize money as a float

CodeFaster • 108 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Avoid serializing money as a float due to precision issues
  2. Use integers and the smallest denomination for accurate calculations
  3. Leading financial institutions prefer integer math over floating point for money handling

[Solution]Problem 50:Rotting Oranges[Microsoft]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem of rotting oranges involves graph theory and BFS algorithms, and it can be challenging due to multiple oranges rotting simultaneously.
  2. The goal is to find the minimum number of minutes required for all fresh oranges to rot. If impossible, return -1.
  3. Understanding the problem thoroughly and having a structured approach to solving it is essential in coding interviews.

Problem 49:Min Stack[Google]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Problem 49 involves designing a stack to support various operations like push, pop, and finding the minimum element in constant time
  2. The newsletter celebrates almost reaching 50 problems by offering a special promo of 50% off the subscription for a limited time
  3. To enhance problem-solving skills, the newsletter encourages tackling challenging questions like the Boolean Satisfiability problem and provides solutions and guidance

How to Study Data Structures and Algorithms [Technique Tuesday]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 06 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Experts often give bad advice for studying Data Structures and Algorithms, like relying solely on Leetcode.
  2. To effectively learn DSA, take time to understand the history and purpose of each data structure beyond just learning the mechanics.
  3. Don't rush through learning Data Structures and Algorithms; taking it slow and grasping the fundamentals thoroughly will lead to better mastery and understanding.

Expansion hack: The Shining the Holy Ark Rhythm Challenge (Saturn)

Rings of Saturn • 14 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The game _Shining the Holy Ark_ has a hidden rhythm challenge that wasn't included in the final version. Players must match animal sounds to buttons, but it's tricky and fast-paced.
  2. To play this mini-game, you need to patch the game, as it’s not enabled by default. If you succeed, you can access a debug menu that can help you during gameplay.
  3. The rhythm game has some complex coding that reveals how it works behind the scenes. There’s a chance to modify save files to keep playing even on an unpatched game.

How to Figure out the correct distance finding algorithm [Technique Tuesday]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 30 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. BFS and DFS algorithms are foundational and crucial for various graph traversal problems, forming the basis for more complicated algorithms.
  2. Topological Sort, Djikstra's Algorithm, and A* are important graph traversal algorithms to master, especially for weighted graphs and AI applications like self-driving cars.
  3. For determining the correct graph traversal algorithm, identify if you need to find the shortest path (use BFS or A* for unweighted/weighted graphs), or if you need to visit the complete graph (use DFS for problems involving the entire graph).

Log invalid values

CodeFaster • 36 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Logging invalid values helps in debugging and understanding errors better. By including the actual value in the log, you can see what went wrong.
  2. Using clear and structured logging formats, like JSON, makes it easier to extract useful information later. This can save time and make troubleshooting smoother.
  3. Fast programming techniques and commands can enhance your workflow, letting you focus on coding efficiently rather than getting stuck on minor issues.

Problem 64:Group Anagrams[Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Group Anagrams problem involves using strings, hashing, and dictionaries for solutions.
  2. Anagrams are words formed by rearranging letters from other words, and this problem requires grouping anagrams together.
  3. Consider solutions beyond sorting for better performance, especially with large input strings.

How to Solve Leetcode Brain Teasers [Technique Tusdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Brain teasers in interviews may seem simple but can be tricky to solve because of their deceptive simplicity.
  2. When stuck on a problem, look for something familiar to latch onto and analyze it in depth to gain clarity on possible solutions.
  3. Talking out loud about the problem can help make connections, leading to better problem-solving and understanding.

Design an Application with 3 Layer Architecture[Systems Design Sundays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. One of the classic patterns in software design is the Layers Pattern, promoting low coupling and high cohesion among different layers.
  2. 3 Layer Architecture has been widely used in software development for decades, segregating applications into three logical and physical computing tiers.
  3. Despite modern advancements, the simplicity, flexibility, and practicality of the 3-layer architecture make it a foundational choice in software development.

What I have been so busy with

Basta’s Notes • 81 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The author built a website with a bold and animated design that may not please everyone, but aimed to excite their target audience of podcasters.
  2. The website underwent significant development, transitioning from a DOM-based approach to using Canvas for animations, like with a globe section featuring looping videos.
  3. Challenges were overcome by techniques such as using Perlin noise for wiggling animations and rendering inline SVG images via React for intricate visual elements.

Problem 62: Arrange Robots by Model[Brilliant]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The post discusses a puzzle about arranging robots by model, focusing on logic and problem-solving skills without coding.
  2. The author encourages readers to fill out surveys, engage with the content, and consider a premium subscription for more benefits.
  3. There is a special request for readers to support the newsletter's visibility by recommending it on Substack, showcasing community engagement.

Abundance mindset (not LinkedIn cringe)

CodeFaster • 36 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. An abundance mindset helps you think creatively and work faster by focusing on possibilities instead of limitations. It's about believing that resources, like time and tech, are plentiful.
  2. A scarcity mindset can slow you down and lead to poor decisions, like overcomplicating simple tasks. Thinking that everything is limited makes you hesitant to create and innovate.
  3. In today's tech world, many resources are cheap and accessible. With advancements like AI, we can keep creating without worrying too much about waste or pollution.

Avoiding the Billion Dollar Mistake Managers and Engineers Make [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 09 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Fixing the billion-dollar mistakes made by managers and engineers can lead to significant financial benefits that will continue to grow.
  2. By addressing this mistake, individuals can achieve great rewards while actually reducing the amount of work they do.
  3. Learning to avoid this mistake could result in monetary gains without the need for extra long hours or hard work.

[Solution]Problem 21: Rotate List by k elements[Facebook/Meta]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. When trying to solve a problem involving rotating a list by k elements, consider the pattern finding technique to optimize the solution.
  2. Understanding the periodic nature of the problem can help reduce the number of operations needed, especially with large values of n and k.
  3. A key insight for rotating a list by k elements is to split the list into sublists based on the pivot (k) and manipulate these sublists to achieve the desired rotation without creating new copies.

Problem 59:Invert Binary Tree [Google]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 06 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Inverting a binary tree is a classic problem that demonstrates important concepts like recursion and trees.
  2. This problem can help build a strong foundation for tackling more complex coding challenges involving recursion, trees, graphs, and dynamic programming.
  3. The process of inverting a binary tree involves swapping left and right children recursively starting from the root.