DSA Patterns for Coding Interviews¶
Helps you spot which pattern a coding interview question needs, with a Python template ready for each one.
The 15 patterns behind most coding interview questions — how to spot each one from the problem's wording, a Python template, a worked example with its real output, the Big-O and the classic problems to practise. Plus 4 advanced patterns (monotonic deque, difference array, quickselect, Fenwick tree) and the one idea behind each pattern. 59 examples run on Python 3.12, 90+ practice problems and a 4-week plan. 12 parts on 13 printable pages. Free.
- For
- Coding interview candidates
- Level
- Intermediate
- Format
- PDF · 13 pages · light + dark
- Pages
- 13
- Language
- English
- Delivery
- Instant download after you enter your email
- Licence
- Free to share unchanged, with credit
- Support
- aiwithpriyabrat@gmail.com
Who it's for¶
For: Coding interview candidates. Level: Intermediate.
What you get¶
| File | What it is |
|---|---|
dsa-patterns-cheat-sheet.pdf | Light version, 13 pages |
dsa-patterns-cheat-sheet-dark.pdf | Dark version, 13 pages |
Highlights
- 13-page PDF, light and dark versions
- 59 runnable Python examples with real output
- 90+ practice problems and a 4-week plan
What's inside¶
- A signals table that maps the problem's wording to the right pattern, plus Big-O by input size
- Two pointers, sliding window, prefix sums, hashing and binary search (including on the answer)
- Linked lists, monotonic stacks, intervals, heaps, trees, tries and graphs (BFS, topo sort, union-find, Dijkstra)
- Backtracking, bit tricks, dynamic programming (knapsack, LIS, LCS, edit distance), greedy and 4 advanced patterns
- 59 runnable Python examples, the key idea behind every pattern, a must-do list and a 4-week plan
Preview and sample pages¶
Real pages rendered from the PDF.
Requirements and compatibility¶
| You need | Any PDF reader — your web browser is enough |
| Works on | Desktop, tablet and phone Light version for printing, dark version for screens |
| Format | PDF · 13 pages · light + dark |
| Pages | 13 |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Language | English |
How to use it¶
- Open the PDF in any PDF reader, including your web browser.
- Print the light version on A4 paper; use the dark version on a screen.
What's included and what's not¶
Included
- dsa-patterns-cheat-sheet.pdf
- dsa-patterns-cheat-sheet-dark.pdf
Not included
- Editable source files: the download is the PDF
Licence¶
Free downloads may be downloaded, printed and shared unchanged, with credit: keep the author's name, the website link and the footer on every page. You may not sell them, include them in a paid product, or remove or change the author credit. Full wording: Terms, section 2.
Delivery and support¶
The download starts as soon as you enter your email or continue with Google.
Support: email aiwithpriyabrat@gmail.com or use the contact page. We reply within 2 working days (Monday–Friday).
FAQ¶
Is it really free?
Yes. Enter your email (or continue with Google) and the download starts straight away. No payment and no account. You'll get an occasional email about new free notes and cheat sheets; unsubscribe any time.
Which version should I download?
The light version prints well; the dark version is easier on screens. The content is the same.
Can I share it?
Yes, unchanged and with credit: keep the author's name, the website link and the footer on every page. You may not sell it or include it in a paid product.
Your next step¶
Next: An approach for system design interviews. Interview loops usually pair a coding round with a design round; this note covers how to run the second one.
Go further: System Design Quick Revision Sheet (coming soon, ₹99 at launch). The DSA sheet prepares you for the coding round. The System Design Quick Revision Sheet covers the design round: the 6-step framework, the numbers to know and 26 classic problems.
Related products¶
Free to start with: All free cheat sheets
The GenAI System Design Interview Guide
A framework, an estimation toolkit and four worked case studies for GenAI system design interviews.
Level: Advanced For: GenAI and ML engineering candidates
- 35-page PDF in 8 chapters, personalised with your name
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GenAI and LLM Cheat Sheet
LLMs, RAG, agents and LLMOps on 17 printable pages, with 45 interview Q&As.
Level: Intermediate For: AI engineers and interview candidates
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System Design Quick Revision Sheet
Revise a whole system design round in 15 minutes: the framework, the numbers and 26 classic problems.
Level: Intermediate For: System design interview candidates
- 13-page PDF, light and dark, personalised with your name
- 26 classic problems, one card each
- 30 interview Q&As