LeetCode Premium is the superior choice for comprehensive interview preparation due to its extensive resources, up-to-date content, and advanced features. However, Cracking the Coding Interview remains a valuable resource for foundational knowledge and behavioral preparation, especially for those on a budget.
| Attribute | Cracking the Coding Interview (6th Edition) | LeetCode Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Content Quality and Accuracy | Focuses on evergreen topics like data structures and algorithms, behavioral interviews, and general interview tips. Includes insights from former interviewers at top tech companies. | Offers a curated selection of high-quality problems that closely mimic real interview questions from top tech companies. Detailed explanations are crafted by algorithm and data structure experts. |
| Coverage of Data Structures and Algorithms | Expertly covers various data structures, including arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees (binary trees, heaps, and graphs), and hash tables. Also covers essential algorithmic paradigms, such as greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, divide-and-conquer, and backtracking. | LeetCode is known for its extensive coverage of data structures and algorithms. |
| Number of Practice Questions | 189 programming questions | Over 2,000 curated problems. |
| Explanations and Solutions Clarity | Provides clear explanations, sample solutions, and analysis of coding problems. Includes a walk-through of how to derive each solution and hints. | Provides detailed official solutions, often with multiple approaches and explanations. It also offers in-depth video explanations and detailed solution articles for complex problems. |
| Coding Language Support | Not explicitly mentioned | Solutions are available in multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, and C++. |
| Mock Interview Availability | Not specified | Offers mock interview features that simulate real interview environments. You can choose the company, and the platform will select appropriate questions. |
| Behavioral Question Preparation | Offers guidance on how to approach and excel in behavioral interview questions. | NeetCode Pro (in beta) offers focused tools for behavioral prep. |
| System Design Coverage | Touches on system design, but the coverage is relatively brief. Includes an expanded system design section with real-world examples and scenarios. | Includes curated system design questions tagged by company and difficulty. It introduces design patterns through coding-based scenarios and reinforces core infrastructure concepts. |
| Community Support and Forums | Not specified | Has a discussion forum where users share approaches and solutions. Premium includes premium discussion boards with better filtering and insights. |
| Personalized Feedback | Not specified | Huru.ai's AI-powered interview practice (integrated with LeetCode) offers personalized feedback and insights based on performance, helping engineers identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time. |
| Progress Tracking | Not specified | Offers advanced analytics to track progress, identify weaknesses, and suggest areas for improvement. It provides insights into your progress over time. |
| Cost and Subscription Model | One-time cost for the book | Monthly subscription: $35. Annual subscription: $159 per year (approximately $13.25 per month). |
| Price | One-time cost for the book | Monthly subscription: $35. Annual subscription: $159 per year (approximately $13.25 per month). |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |