How to Prepare for Coding Interviews in 2026? (with Resources)

Hello guys, are you preparing for coding interviews but not sure where to start with? Are you drowned in the sea of Data structures and algorithms and System design and what not then you have come to the right place.

In the past, I have shared best coding interview books and courses, best System design books and courses, and in this article, I will share with you a systematic approach to prepare for coding interviews and also covering all the bases.

Looking for job in this tough market is not easy as many people are looking for the job and market is flooded with a lot of talented people, thanks to what happening in the world.

But that should not be an excuse but you also need to level up yourself to stand a chance.

Here are things you can do on your side for rock solid preparation.

By the way, if you are looking for one stop shop to prepare for coding interview then DesignGurus.io is a great place to start with.

They have many Grokking courses to prepare for coding interview like OOP Design, System Design, Dynamic Programming etc and you can get access to all of their courses for a big discount by joining their All course bundle. You can also use code GURU to get 30% discount.

All Courses

Buy all courses together to save 35% and have lifetime access.

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How to Crack Coding Interviews in 2026?

Here is your step by step guide to prepare well and crack the coding interviews and covering all the topics which matters:

1. Data Structures and Algorithms

If you are rusty, start with top interview questions:

1. Algomonster — http://shrsl.com/483tp
2. Bugfree.ai — LeetCode for System Design
3. Educative-99 — https://buff.ly/3LFG4zL (Available in both Python and Java) i twill teach you 26 key coding interview patterns
4. Blind 75: lnkd.in/g5wx7QSq
5. Grind 75: lnkd.in/gvZ7_pnp —
6. Practice C++ STL or Java Collections or data structure libraries in the language of your choice — essential for fast coding

If you are a beginner, DSA requires more than 3 months of active practice. I am omitting the details in this post

If you are looking for Java programs from coding interviews, I have shared many here. javarevisited.blogspot.com/2017/07/top-…

Top 50 Java Programs from Coding Interviews

A blog about Java, Programming, Algorithms, Data Structure, SQL, Linux, Database, Interview questions, and my personal…

javarevisited.blogspot.com

2. High Level Design (HLD)

1. Books: Start with Alex Xu’s Volumes 1 and 2 or an Educative subscription amazon.com/System-Design-Interview-insi…

System Design Interview - An insider's guide

System Design Interview - An insider's guide [Xu, Alex] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. System…

www.amazon.com

2. Videos: Good channel for basic concepts of System Design Interview — see here

Top 8 YouTube Channels for System Design Interview Preparation

These are the best YouTube channels you can subscribe to prepare for System Design Interviews

medium.com

3. Engage actively and try solving problems yourself

4. Mock interviews on Pramp, tyrExponent, and other platforms — medium.com/javarevisited/3-best-mock-in…

Interview prep for product, engineering, data science, and more - Exponent

Our courses help you prepare for interviews and excel at your job. Get advice from technical leads and product owners…

bit.ly

5. Practice System Design Problems in Leetcode style on Codemia -

Master System Design Interviews Through Active Practice

Passively learning system design does not work. Now you can practice system design problems like the way you practice…

codemia.io

2. Low Level Design (LLD)

If you are rust on LLD, you can start with reading:

1. Design Principles: Read “Head First Design Patterns” (read 2nd edition)

2. OOPs concepts should be crystal clear like Virtual Methods in C++ and Abstract class vs interface, overloading vs overriding, method hiding etc.

3. Questions: Awesome Low-Level Design — https://github.com/ashishps1/awesome-low-level-design by Ashish Pratap Singh of AlgoMaster newsletter, I highly recommend that one to programmers.

4. Practice question with a 45-minute timer

5. Solutions: Low-Level Design Playlist — lnkd.in/gkVZgK4b (Credits to Soumyajit Bhattacharyay)

4. CS Fundamentals

Learn from GateSmashers videos — lnkd.in/gs6m5RQb

Operating systems — see these courses

5. Behavioral

1. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

2. Keep each section concise: 4–5 sentences per section so that it can be covered in the given time during interviews

3. Prepare both a detailed and a short version of your answers

4. For resources, check free course Grokking the Behavioral Interview on Educative.

6. Company-specific Preparation

1. You can use Leetcode Premium to solve company-tagged problems

2. Explore tab in Leetcode Premium — lnkd.in/g3_dHef4

3. Practice using Leetcode’s Interview tab → Assessment → Select the company for phone or onsite rounds — lnkd.in/g5Tq5rZi

That’s all guys. I know its not easy to crack coding interview in this tough market but following this guide and preparing for all important topics mention in this article can improve your chances a lot.

I hope these tips help you in your preparation. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need guidance.

Good luck to everyone on their journey!

P. S. — Preparing for Java certification, grab my book “Grokking the Java Interview” for just $9.99 today.

P.S.S — I am also giving away free coupon to my Java 17 Certification Practice test on Udemy. You can join to test your Java skills and see where you are. If you find the practice test worth your time, please leave ratings and reviews, it will help me attract more readers.

And, if you struggle to solve System design problem, start practicing with Codemia

Master System Design Interviews Through Active Practice

Passively learning system design does not work. Now you can practice system design problems like the way you practice…

codemia.io

Top 10 Free Courses for Java Developers to Learn Online in 2026 - Best of Lot

Hello guys, the Internet is full of useful resources, and no matter what you want to learn, there is something useful available for free. You just need to commit your time and effort. But at the same time, it's challenging to choose from the massive sea of free tutorials and courses on the internet. If you are not careful, you will spend most of your time browsing and changing classes without learning anything. That's where a curated list helps. Curation is my hobby and passion. I love to read books and courses which allows me to curate useful resources and share them with you guys.

Top 10 Algorithms books Every Programmer Should Read in 2026

Algorithms are language agnostic, and any programmer worth their salt should be able to convert them to code in their programming language of choice. Unfortunately, I have come across several programmers who are REALLY good at programming languages like Java or Python, like know minor details of API and language intricacies but have very poor knowledge of the fundamentals of Algorithms and Data Structures. Just ask them to implement any popular sorting algorithms like quicksort or merge sort, and they will fall apart. If you expect them to know more advanced and sophisticated algorithms like String processing algorithms, graph algorithms, tree traversal, or greedy algorithms, be ready to check on Interviews; otherwise, you might end up with some surprises.

Top 5 System Design and Coding Interview Substack Newsletters in 2026

Hello guys, if you want to learn System design then there are many ways you can start. For example, you can start with reading a System Design book, or joining an online course, but if you want to keep yourself updated and believe in constant learning then there is no better way then subscribing to a System Design Newsletter. When it comes to System design newsletter you can find many newsletter online, just open your LinkedIn and you will see a post popping here or there but you cannot subscribe to all of them as it doesn't make sense. A better strategy is to subscribe only the best newsletters so that you doesn't get overwhelmed but also keep learning useful concepts and new tech trends. 

12 Must Read Advance Java Books for Intermediate Programmers - Part 1

I often receive loads of email about Java books and courses recommendations, something like, I have 2 years of experience in Java and Spring, which Java books should I read to become an expert Java programmer, or I have 5 years of experience in core Java and want to become a Java expert, which books or courses should I refer? These are just some of the examples, but most of the requests are like that. It's interesting that most of the email I receive is not from beginners, I mean those who want to learn Java from scratch, but, from Java developers who have 2 to 3 years of experience. I call them Intermediate Java programmers because they are in the state of their career where they know how to program in Java, but they are not experts yet.

Top 10 Coursera Courses + Certifications to Learn Python, Data Science, and Cloud Computing in 2026 [UPDATED]

Hello folks, if you are looking for the best Coursera courses, certifications, and specialization to start your career in IT or make a career switch, you have come to the right place. Coursera is one of the leading online portals and brings the best learning material, courses, and certifications from the world's' top universities like the University of Michigan and top companies like Google, IBM, and Amazon. Learning on Coursera is a great way to learn in-demand tech skills and recognition and certification to showcase them to recruiters and companies looking to hire.  

Top 5 Skills Developer Should Learn in 2026 Apart from AI

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links; I may receive compensation if you purchase products or services from the different links provided in this article.

image_credit - Exponent

Hello devs, if you have been doing programming and software development, then you know that there is only one constant in our field, and that is "Change".

We always need to learn new tools, technologies, frameworks, and skills to do our job, and there is no end to it. If you don't learn, you will be left behind with others; that's why I always look for new skills to learn.

In this article, I am going to share 5 skills programmers and developers can learn in 2026 to become better at their job and also become more efficient.

In the past, I talked about difference between API Gateway vs Load Balancer and Horizontal vs Vertical Scaling, Forward proxy vs reverse proxy, which you guys liked a lot and in this article I am going to share top five developer skills that are set to take center stage in 2026.

P.S. Keep reading until the end. I have a bonus for you.

These skills include both new and old but essential skills like prompt engineering, coding, cloud computing realms, system design, and Python; these skills are in demand and essential for any software developer.

Whether you're an experienced developer looking to upgrade yourself or an intermediate developer who wants to enhance their profile, these skills will certainly help you.

5 Skills Software Engineers Should Learn in 2026

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead of the curve is essential for developers seeking to thrive in 2026 and beyond.

As we navigate through the dynamic realms of software development, certain skills have emerged as indispensable for the modern developer, and that's what you are going to learn in this article.

Let's deep dive into the top five developer skills that are poised to make a significant impact in 2026.

1. System Design

In 2026, developers need to go beyond traditional coding practices and embrace modern system design principles. This involves understanding distributed systems, microservices architecture, and designing scalable and resilient applications.

Developers who can navigate complexities in system design are better equipped to create robust solutions that can handle the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

If you want to learn System Design in depth, then you can also check out sites like ByteByteGo, Design Guru, Exponent, Educative, Bugfree.ai and Udemy which have many great System design courses

If you need more resources, then here is a list of System design books, courses, and websites to learn and master Software design and architecture in 2026.

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2. Prompt Engineering

In this era of AI tools, Software development is not untouched, and more and more AI tools are coming to help you with Coding, debugging, and testing, but you need prompt engineering to make effective use of these tools.

In other words, Prompt engineering has become a crucial skill for developers aiming to deliver high-quality products quickly.

This involves not only writing efficient and concise code but also adopting agile methodologies and tools to streamline the entire development process.

Developers proficient in prompt engineering can rapidly respond to changing requirements, ensuring their software remains adaptable and resilient in the face of evolving market demands.

If you need a resource to learn ChatGPT and Prompt Engineering, then I suggest you see ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers course on Coursera.

If you need more options, then you can also see these ChatGPT and Prompt Engineering courses to learn more.

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3. Coding

While coding might seem like an obvious skill, its significance cannot be overstated. Mastery in coding goes beyond writing functional programs; it involves writing clean, maintainable, and scalable code.

Developers should focus on enhancing their proficiency in programming languages, understanding algorithms, and implementing best practices.

A solid foundation in coding forms the bedrock for success in any development endeavor. And, if you need a resource, you can check out The Complete JavaScript Course 2026: Build Real Projects to start with.

If you need more choices, you can also check out these Programming and Coding courses

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4. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has transcended from being a buzzword to an essential skill for developers. With the increasing reliance on cloud services, developers must be well-versed in deploying, managing, and optimizing applications in cloud environments.

Platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are integral to modern development, and developers proficient in cloud computing can create scalable and cost-effective solutions.

And, if you need resources, you can see these articles where you can find highly recommended resources to learn Cloud Computing

And, if you need more choices, you can also see this article where you can find highly recommended AWS Fundamentals Specialization on Coursera. This program is created by AWS itself.

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5. Python

Python continues to assert its dominance as a versatile and powerful programming language. From web development to data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, Python is at the forefront of innovation.

Developers in 2026 should invest in mastering Python, as it not only facilitates rapid development but also provides a gateway to a plethora of cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of the industry.

If you want to learn and master Python in 2026, you can start with this Python course 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for 2026, which I am also using to learn Python nowadays.

If you need more resources, you can also see these Python books, courses, and websites to learn Python in depth.

That's all about the top 5 developer skills you can learn in 2026. In conclusion, the top developer skills for 2026 reflect the industry's demand for agility, adaptability, and technical excellence.

Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting your coding journey, honing these skills will undoubtedly position you as a valuable asset in the ever-evolving world of software development.

Embrace the challenges, stay curious, and embark on a journey of continuous learning to thrive in the dynamic landscape of 2026 and beyond.

Bonus

As promised, here is the bonus for you, a free book which you can read to learn Distributed System Design. You can either download the Free PDF or read online on Microsoft --- https://info.microsoft.com/rs/157-GQE-382/images/EN-CNTNT-eBook-DesigningDistributedSystems.pdf

And let me know in the comments which skills you are learning in 2026? I am always eager to learn skills that can enhance my profile as a software developer.

Thank you

Top 10 Essential Tools for DevOps Engineers to Learn in 2026

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links; I may receive compensation if you purchase products or services from the different links provided in this article.

Hello friends, In the last few articles, I talked about System Design interview questions, and WHERE vs HAVING in SQL, and today, I will talk about essential DevOps tools that both developers and DevOps should know.

In today's fast-paced software development landscape, DevOps practices and tools have become essential for efficient Software development and delivery.

DevOps is all about breaking down the traditional silos between development and operations teams, fostering collaboration, and automating key processes.

To achieve these goals, a wide array of DevOps tools and technologies has emerged, each addressing specific aspects of the software delivery lifecycle.

In this article, I am going to share the top 10 DevOps tools that play an important role in the way organizations build, test, deploy, and monitor software.

These tools span a range of categories, from version control and continuous integration to container orchestration and monitoring.

Whether you're a DevOps Engineer or a Senior developer looking to expand your toolkit or an organization seeking to adopt DevOps practices, these tools can help streamline your software development and operations processes.

10 Essential DevOps Tools You Can Learn in 2026

Let's dive into the world of DevOps and discover the top 10 tools that can empower your team to achieve faster, more reliable software delivery.

1. Git

Git revolutionized version control, making it one of the foundational tools in DevOps. It allows developers to track changes in their codebase, collaborate seamlessly, and manage multiple code branches effectively.

Git hosts like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket have further enhanced their capabilities, providing a platform for distributed version control, code review, and project management.

And if you want to learn Git, you can start with Git Complete: The definitive, step-by-step guide to Git, one of the most comprehensive courses on Udemy.

If you need more choices, then you can also see these best Git online courses for beginners in 2026. It contains git courses and tutorials for both beginners and experienced DevOps engineers.

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2. Jenkins: Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

Jenkins is an open-source automation server that plays a crucial role in automating the CI/CD pipeline. It allows developers to build, test, and deploy code continuously, ensuring that changes are integrated smoothly and errors are detected early in the development process.

With a vast library of plugins, Jenkins can be customized to suit the specific needs of your development environment.

And if you want to learn Jenkins in depth then you can start with Jenkins, From Zero To Hero: Become a DevOps Jenkins Master course, its a nice course to learn Jenkins.

If you need more choices, then you can also see these best Jenkins courses for 2026.

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3. Docker: Containerization for Portability

Docker has revolutionized how applications are packaged and deployed. With Docker containers, you can bundle your application and its dependencies into a single, lightweight unit that runs consistently across different environments.

This portability and isolation make Docker a key tool for DevOps teams aiming to achieve consistency from development to production.

And if you want to learn Docker in 2026, you can start with Docker and Kubernetes: The Complete Guide course, it's a nice course to learn Docker from scratch.

If you need more choices, then you can also see these best Docker courses for beginners in 2026 to start with.

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4. Kubernetes

Kubernetes has emerged as the de facto standard for container orchestration. It simplifies the management of containerized applications, automating tasks such as scaling, load balancing, and fault tolerance.

Kubernetes provides the foundation for building resilient, Microservices-based applications, and it's a must-have tool for modern DevOps teams.

And if you want to learn Kubernetes in depth, you can start with this beginner-level hands-on course Kubernetes for the Absolute Beginners --- Hands-on by Mumshad Mannambeth on Udemy.

If you need more choices, here are the best Kubernetes courses for DevOps Engineers to join in 2026.

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5. Ansible

Ansible is a powerful open-source tool for automating configuration management and application deployment. It allows you to define infrastructure as code, making it easier to provision and manage servers and services.

Ansible's simplicity and agentless architecture make it a favorite among DevOps professionals for automating repetitive tasks.

And if you want to learn Ansible in depth, you can start with the Ansible for the Absolute Beginner — Hands-On — DevOps course by KodeCloud Training on Udemy. It's a nice hands-on course to learn Ansible.

If you need more options, you can always check these best Ansible online courses in 2026. It contains Ansible courses for both beginner and intermediate DevOps engineers.

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6. Terraform

Terraform is another key tool for infrastructure as code. It enables you to define and provision infrastructure resources across various cloud providers and on-premises environments.

Terraform's declarative syntax and modular design make it a versatile choice for managing infrastructure at scale.

And if you want to learn Terraform in depth, then you can start with the Terraform for the Absolute Beginners with Labs course by Kodecloud training.

If you need more choices, then you can also check out these best Terraform courses for 2026.

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7. Prometheus

Prometheus is an open-source monitoring and alerting toolkit designed for reliability and scalability. It can collect metrics from various sources, allowing you to gain insight into the health and performance of your applications and infrastructure.

With its flexible query language and robust alerting capabilities, Prometheus empowers DevOps teams to proactively identify and address issues.

If you need a course to learn Prometheus, you can start with Prometheus | The Complete Hands-On for Monitoring & Alerting course on Udemy. I took this course last month, its quite nice.

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8. ELK Stack

The ELK Stack, which consists of Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana, provides a comprehensive solution for log management and analysis, particularly in the microservices world.

It allows DevOps teams to collect, parse, store, and visualize log data from various sources.

This stack is invaluable for troubleshooting, performance optimization, and security monitoring.

And, if you want to learn more about the ELK stack, you can start with the Complete Elasticsearch Masterclass with Logstash and Kibana course from Udemy. It's a nice beginner-level course for the ELK stack.

And, if you need more choices, you can always take a look at these best ELK stack courses for Beginners in 2026

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9. Jenkins X

Jenkins X is a Kubernetes-native CI/CD solution that brings automation and GitOps principles to the forefront. It simplifies the process of building, testing, and deploying cloud-native applications on Kubernetes clusters.

Jenkins X streamlines the development workflow and promotes best practices for containerized applications.

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10. Grafana

Grafana is a popular open-source platform for data visualization and monitoring. It can integrate with various data sources, including Prometheus, to create dynamic dashboards and alerts.

DevOps teams use Grafana to gain real-time insights into application and infrastructure performance, facilitating data-driven decision-making. If you want to learn Grafana in depth, you can start with the Grafana course on Udemy. It's a nice course to learn Grafana from scratch.

If you need more choices, then you can also check out these best Grafana online courses in 2026.

That's all about the 10 essential tools DevOps can learn in 2026. The DevOps landscape is continually evolving, and the tools mentioned above are just a snapshot of the vast ecosystem available to DevOps practitioners.

Each tool plays a crucial role in different aspects of the software delivery pipeline, from version control and continuous integration to container orchestration and monitoring.

The key to successful DevOps adoption is selecting the right tools that align with your organization's needs and goals.

By embracing these DevOps tools, your organization can streamline its development and operations processes, reduce manual effort, improve collaboration, and deliver high-quality software at a faster pace.