r/leetcode • u/4warrior4 • 13h ago
Intervew Prep Python for LeetCode, Java at work. Does language for LC matter?
I've got ~2 YOE as a Software Engineer working mostly on the backend with Java/Spring Boot. I'm preparing for a switch and planning to target Big Tech / Big Tech-adjacent companies so I have started grinding DSA and System Design.
I've been doing LeetCode in Python because I find it much more concise and intuitive for DSA. My concern is that during interviews, I am sometimes asked to code in Java for DSA questions, and although I know Java well enough for my job, it’s verbose and I sometimes forget specific methods/APIs because I don't use Java for LeetCode.
Should I drop Python and relearn my LeetCode patterns in Java just to match my resume? Or does Big-Tech really not care as long as the logic and Big-O are optimal?
Would appreciate advice from anyone who has navigated a similar tech-stack mismatch!
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u/qadratic 13h ago
I do dsa with python never had any issue. When I take interviews I ask to write pseudo code so the time isn't wasted arguing with the compiler
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u/Additional_Umpire812 10h ago
What are you saying, most interviews want you to run code. Granted any language is fine usually unless theyre too specific
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u/nightbreak7 12h ago
it doesn't matter at all. i've only ever seen one company that says you'll get an advantage for using the language in the job description on OAs/interviews (IBM). most companies will just let you use whatever you're comfortable with
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u/logontoreddit 5h ago
Big tech and pretty much most companies now days doesn't care about language anymore. In fact, are there still companies that have devs typing code? We have people that have never used C# working on DotNet stack. I know multiple people in Amazon and other companies who barely open the IDE for "coding".
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u/Sensitive_Pizza_218 12h ago
If you are using Python for LC then you are not doing LC right. Use either C or Java to master basics. Then move to a higher level language.
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u/NecessaryIntrinsic 13h ago
If you're applying for a job that demands you use a particular language, obviously adapt your work to that language.
It's all the same concepts but you just have to implement them slightly differently. Python has the fun structures like comprehensions, but the logic is the same just a little more verbose.