Top 10 Algorithms to Know for Coding Interviews in 2022

Let's look at some coding algorithms that should have basic knowledge before going to an interview.

Algorithms form the basis of all programming languages. An algorithm is a set of well-defined instructions to solve a particular problem. It is used as specifications for performing calculations and data processing. But an algorithm is just a set of statements that has a purpose and defines what the program will do and how it will do that. In this article, let's look at some of the most popular coding algorithms you should have basic knowledge of, before attending an interview.

Dynamic Programming:

Dynamic programming is both a mathematical optimization method and a computer programming method. It is a type of algorithm that works on the principle of recursion where each problem is broken into smaller sub-problems and the solution of the final problem is dependent on the solution of the smaller ones. In this process, it is guaranteed that the subproblems are solved before solving the problem. This is referred to as Dynamic Programming.

Hashing Algorithms:

A hash function is any function that can be used to map data of arbitrary size to fixed-size values. Hash functions are mathematical functions that convert complex input numbers into compressed numerical values. A hash function creates a hash value based on the input data blocks that have fixed-length data. And hashing algorithm describes how the hash function will be used and defines the complete process of breaking up the message and bringing it back together.

Tree Traversal Algorithms:

Trees are a special form of data structure that includes a root node connected to sub-trees in a linked node format. The most commonly used type is called the Binary Tree where each node can have a maximum of two children. Tree traversal is essentially the process of visiting each node of the tree while also performing some functions on all the values.

Selection Sort:

The selection sort algorithm sorts an array by repeatedly finding the minimum element from the unsorted part and putting it at the beginning. Selection Sort works by finding the smallest element or the largest element and placing them in the first position. This process continues until all elements in the array have been sorted into their proper positions. The working procedure of selection sort is also simple.

Search Algorithms:

Search algorithms are used to search for an element stored in any form of data structure. These algorithms form the foundation of any search system and find use cases in four areas viz. databases, virtual spaces, sub-structures, and quantum computers.

Insertion Sort:

Insertion sort is a simple sorting algorithm that builds the final sorted array, one item at a time. The first element in the array is assumed to be sorted. It takes the second element and stores it separately in a key. With large lists, it is less efficient when compared to more advanced algorithms

Linear Search:

Linear search is a very basic and simple search algorithm. The Linear Search algorithm is also known as Sequential Search. The search process will start from the first element and goes sequentially. This generally works well for unstructured data.

Bubble Sort:

Bubble Sort is the simplest sorting algorithm that works by repeatedly swapping the adjacent elements if they are in the wrong order. This is the easiest sorting algorithm and works by comparing adjacent values in the list and placing them in the correct order. It then continues to do that throughout the list over and over again until all the values in the list have been arranged in the preferred order.

Binary Search:

Binary Search is a searching algorithm used in sorting an array by repeatedly dividing the search interval into half. While linear search compares the input element with every element in the list starting from the first element, the binary search algorithm starts with the middle element. As it is a type of interval search algorithm, it is used only on sorted data structures.

Sorting Algorithms:

Sorting Algorithm is used to rearrange a given array or list of elements according to a comparison operator. The comparison operator is used to decide the new order of elements in the respective data structure. It helps you arrange your data in a particular form to make meaning out of it.