Algorithm Study Guide¶
Full-stack (backend) interview prep for DSA exams.
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69 Implementations
15 topics, typed Python 3.14+, 42 core daily drills
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647 Tests
Property-based testing with Hypothesis, class-based pytest
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7 Concept Modules
T-strings, typing, Hypothesis, benchmarking, FFT, Flask, Pydantic
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9 Reference Sheets
Printable cheat sheets from stdlib to system design
Quick Start¶
direnv allow # nix devshell + python 3.14 venv
just test # 647 tests
just lint # ruff + mypy strict
just docs # this site, locally
Interview Flow¶
| Stage | Round | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-screen | Headhunter chats with CTO and hiring manager based on FOSS contributions, PR experience, etc. |
| 2 | Hiring manager interview | Role fit, experience, expectations. |
| 3 | Engineering lead interview | Technical depth, architecture thinking, team dynamics. |
| 4 | Backend algo deep dive | 1-3 hrs coding. Graphs, DP, strings, optimization. |
| 5 | Frontend / cross-team engineering | 1-3 hrs. Cross-team collaboration, full-stack breadth. |
| 6 | On-site intensive | 6-8 hrs. All-day in-person interviews across multiple rounds. |
| 7 | CEO interview | Culture, vision, team fit. |
| 8 | Offer & negotiation | Offer terms, agreements, logistics. |
Daily Drill¶
42 core algorithms, all of them, every single day. Challenge mode strips solutions — Jess re-implements from the signature and docstring alone.
just challenge graphs dijkstra # strip solution
just study graphs # watch mode — tests re-run on save
just solution graphs dijkstra # peek if stuck
just challenge-done graphs dijkstra
just challenge-progress
The decision tree maps problem signals to patterns. The cross-reference guide maps patterns to implementations.
Printable Booklet¶
123-page reference: decision trees, pattern keywords, and every algorithm with full implementation — one per page.