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James Cutajar

Have you ever wondered what makes a good developer? Why it is that big tech companies are increasingly asking candidates to solve challenging coding puzzles in interviews? Or why you should bother to learn about complicated algorithms?

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Have you ever wondered what makes a good developer? Why it is that big tech companies are increasingly asking candidates to solve challenging coding puzzles in interviews? Or why you should bother to learn about complicated algorithms?

With regards to technical skills a good developer has an understanding of computer science and knows when to apply this knowledge. Tech companies know that if someone has a good grasp of these fundamentals, she will likely be fine learning any programming language, using any new tool and solving a wide range of programming problems. As a developer comprehending data structures and algorithms you’ll be better equipped to tackle some of the more difficult problems both in your day-to-day job and for coding interviews.

Dynamic Programming is a topic in data structures and algorithms. It covers a method (the technical term is “algorithm paradigm”) to solve a certain class of problems. In this course we will go into some detail on this subject by going through various examples. The course is designed not to be heavy on mathematics and formal definitions. Instead you will learn through practical everyday programming algorithms and through some coding interview puzzles. We present a method to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming and then build an efficient solution through small gradual steps.

In addition, you will also learn how to gamble professionally, how to be an air traffic controller and how to become a serious writer.*

*Not really… but hey it’s hard to make Dynamic Programming sound exciting...

All code in this course can be found on github, username/project: cutajarj/DynamicProgrammingInJava

At the end of the course we have a small coding exercise to test your knowledge.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Recognize a problem that can be solved using dynamic programming
  • Come up with both a top down and bottom up dynamic programming solution using java
  • Use dynamic programming for coding interview puzzles and practical applications
  • Improve your problem-solving skills and become a better developer
  • Revise your recursion knowledge

Syllabus

Introduction
Top Down Solution
Useful links and resources
Understanding Recursion
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers dynamic programming, a common topic in coding interviews at tech companies, and teaches how to apply it to solve challenging puzzles
Teaches dynamic programming using Java, which allows learners to immediately apply the concepts to real-world projects and coding challenges
Explores recursion, which is a fundamental concept in computer science and a prerequisite for understanding dynamic programming
Presents both top-down and bottom-up approaches to dynamic programming, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the problem-solving technique
Includes a coding exercise to test knowledge, which allows learners to assess their understanding and identify areas for improvement
Requires familiarity with recursion, which may require additional study for learners without a strong foundation in this area

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Reviews summary

Dp for coding interviews in java

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in dynamic programming, specifically geared towards tackling coding interview problems using Java. Many found the explanations clear and concise, appreciating the step-by-step approach to breaking down complex problems. The course includes various practical examples and coding exercises that are seen as highly relevant for interview preparation. While some felt the coverage was sufficient for beginners or those new to DP, a few noted it might be less challenging for experienced individuals or could benefit from more advanced topics or additional problems. Overall, it's viewed as a valuable resource for improving algorithm skills for technical interviews.
Great starting point for Dynamic Programming.
"This course is perfect for someone who is new to dynamic programming."
"I was a beginner in DP and this course gave me a solid understanding."
"Easy to understand for those with basic recursion knowledge."
"A good introduction to the topic without being overly mathematical."
Gradual building of problem solutions.
"I liked the gradual steps to build up the solution from recursion to optimized DP."
"The progression from top-down to bottom-up was clearly demonstrated."
"Breaking down problems into smaller parts was a great help."
"Learned a structured way to approach DP problems."
Practical examples reinforce learning.
"The examples provided were very helpful in understanding how to apply dynamic programming."
"The coding exercises are challenging but very beneficial."
"The course uses good examples like Maximum Sub Array and Text Justification to illustrate the concepts."
"I appreciate the hands-on coding and variety of problems presented."
Directly applicable to coding interviews.
"Excellent course if you are looking for dynamic programming in Java relevant to interviews."
"Very helpful for coding interview preparation."
"The problems covered are highly relevant to coding interviews and provide a good framework for thinking about DP."
"This course directly addresses the types of DP problems I encounter in interviews."
Concepts explained well, easy to follow.
"The course explains the dynamic programming concepts really well and provides a clear step by step way to solve problems."
"Explanations are concise and clear. Easy to grasp the concepts."
"The explanations were good and easy to follow. Highly recommended for beginners."
"I liked how he broke down the concepts. The explanations were easy to understand."
Could go deeper into complex problems.
"While good for basics, I wish it covered more advanced dynamic programming problems or optimization techniques."
"The course is a bit short and doesn't cover a wide range of complex DP patterns."
"Not enough material for experienced competitive programmers."
"Could use more problems to practice after the main examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Dynamic Programming Java, Coding Interviews and Applications with these activities:
Review Recursion Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of recursion, as dynamic programming relies heavily on recursive thinking. Reviewing recursion will make grasping dynamic programming concepts easier.
Show steps
  • Study recursion examples in Java.
  • Implement recursive functions for simple problems.
  • Trace the execution of recursive calls.
Review 'Introduction to Algorithms' by Cormen et al.
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive algorithms textbook. This book provides a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of dynamic programming.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on dynamic programming.
  • Work through the examples and exercises.
  • Compare the book's approach to the course material.
Solve Basic Recursion Problems on LeetCode
Practice applying recursion to solve coding problems. This will build a solid foundation for understanding dynamic programming solutions.
Show steps
  • Find recursion problems on LeetCode.
  • Implement recursive solutions in Java.
  • Test your solutions and analyze their time complexity.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'Cracking the Coding Interview' by Gayle Laakmann McDowell
Prepare for coding interviews by practicing dynamic programming problems. This book provides a collection of interview questions and solutions.
Show steps
  • Read the dynamic programming section.
  • Solve the practice problems.
  • Analyze the solutions and understand the reasoning behind them.
Implement a Dynamic Programming Solution for the Knapsack Problem
Apply dynamic programming techniques to solve a classic optimization problem. This project will solidify your understanding of top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Show steps
  • Research the Knapsack Problem and its variations.
  • Implement a top-down dynamic programming solution in Java.
  • Implement a bottom-up dynamic programming solution in Java.
  • Compare the performance of both approaches.
Solve Dynamic Programming Problems on HackerRank
Enhance your problem-solving skills by tackling a variety of dynamic programming challenges. Regular practice will improve your ability to identify and solve dynamic programming problems.
Show steps
  • Find dynamic programming problems on HackerRank.
  • Implement dynamic programming solutions in Java.
  • Test your solutions and optimize their performance.
Create a Video Explaining a Dynamic Programming Concept
Deepen your understanding by explaining a dynamic programming concept to others. Teaching is a great way to reinforce your own knowledge.
Show steps
  • Choose a dynamic programming concept to explain.
  • Prepare a script and visuals for your video.
  • Record and edit your video.
  • Share your video with others and gather feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Dynamic Programming Java, Coding Interviews and Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Algorithm Developer
An algorithm developer creates and implements algorithms for various applications. This course is directly beneficial to an algorithm developer. Algorithm developers must comprehend data structures and algorithms to tackle some of the more difficult problems. The course's instruction in dynamic programming helps build a strong foundation. The focus on practical, everyday programming algorithms, including solutions to coding interview puzzles, is valuable for an algorithm developer. This course's instruction on top down and bottom up dynamic programming solutions using Java particularly helps an algorithm developer.
Software Engineer
A software engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications. This course helps a software engineer strengthen their understanding of computer science fundamentals. Software engineers benefit from the course's instruction in dynamic programming, a method to solve a certain class of problems. By exploring dynamic programming, software engineers can more effectively tackle difficult problems in their day-to-day jobs. The course's focus on recognizing problems that can be solved using dynamic programming, and building efficient solutions, is a particularly relevant skill for a software engineer. Furthermore, working on the course's coding exercise helps sharpen programming skills.
Back-End Developer
A back end developer works on the server-side logic and databases of web applications. This course helps a back end developer strengthen their understanding of computer science fundamentals. Back end developers need to comprehend data structures and algorithms to tackle the more difficult problems in their day-to-day jobs. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. By exploring dynamic programming, back end developers can more effectively tackle difficult problems. The course's coding exercise helps sharpen programming skills.
Data Engineer
A data engineer designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure for data storage and processing. A data engineer must have a strong grasp of data structures and algorithms. This course helps a data engineer strengthen their understanding of computer science fundamentals. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. By exploring dynamic programming, data engineers can more effectively tackle difficult problems in their day-to-day jobs. The course's coding exercise helps sharpen programming skills.
Application Developer
An application developer designs, builds, and tests software applications for computers and other devices. This course enhances an application developer's problem-solving abilities. Application developers require a strong grasp of data structures and algorithms. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. It presents an efficient solution through small gradual steps. Application developers may find the coding exercise at the end of the course useful to test their knowledge.
Software Architect
A software architect designs the high-level structure of software systems. A software architect typically requires prior experience as a software engineer, possibly needing an advanced degree. The course helps a software architect strengthen their understanding of computer science fundamentals. The software architect may benefit from the course's instruction in dynamic programming, a method to solve a certain class of problems. By exploring dynamic programming, a software architect can more effectively design optimal solutions. The course's coding exercise helps sharpen programming skills.
Technical Lead
A technical lead guides a team of developers and makes key technical decisions. A technical lead typically requires prior experience as a software engineer, combined with leadership skills. The course helps a technical lead strengthen their understanding of computer science fundamentals. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. By exploring dynamic programming, the technical lead can better tackle difficult problems faced by their team. The course's coding exercise helps sharpen programming skills.
Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer develops and implements machine learning models and algorithms. A machine learning engineer may find this course useful. Machine learning engineers use algorithms and data structures for machine learning tasks. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. By exploring dynamic programming, machine learning engineers can more effectively tackle difficult problems. Furthermore, the course's coding exercise may sharpen programming skills of a machine learning engineer.
Game Developer
A game developer creates video games for various platforms. A game developer may find this course useful. They use algorithms and data structures to optimize game performance. This course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. By exploring dynamic programming, game developers can more effectively tackle difficult problems in their day-to-day jobs. The course's coding exercise may sharpen programming skills of a game developer.
Data Scientist
A data scientist analyzes large datasets to extract meaningful insights and develop data-driven solutions. This course may be useful for a data scientist. The course helps strengthen their understanding of computer science fundamentals. Data scientists use algorithms and data structures to solve complex problems. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. This recognition facilitates building efficient solutions. Working on the coding exercise helps sharpen programming skills of a data scientist.
Quantitative Analyst
A quantitative analyst uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial data and develop trading strategies. A quantitative analyst may find this course useful. Quantitative analysts need strong problem-solving skills. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. This recognition facilitates building efficient solutions. The course's coding exercise may sharpen programming skills of a quantitative analyst.
Web Developer
A web developer designs, codes, and maintains websites and web applications. A web developer may find this course useful. Web developers require a strong grasp of programming fundamentals. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming. By exploring dynamic programming, web developers can more effectively tackle difficult problems. The course's coding exercise may sharpen the programming skills of a web developer.
Mobile App Developer
A mobile app developer creates applications for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This course may be useful for a mobile app developer. Mobile app developers require a strong grasp of programming fundamentals. The course teaches how to recognize problems that can be solved using dynamic programming, a method to solve a certain class of problems. By exploring dynamic programming, mobile app developers can more effectively tackle difficult problems. The course's coding exercise may sharpen a mobile app developer's programming skills.
Front-End Developer
A front end developer focuses on the user interface and user experience of websites and web applications. This course may be useful for a front end developer. While front end development often emphasizes visual design and user interaction, understanding core programming concepts helps build a strong foundation. The course focuses on dynamic programming. The course's coding exercise may sharpen a front end developer's programming skills.
DevOps Engineer
A devops engineer automates and streamlines the software development and deployment process. A devops engineer may find this course useful. While the role emphasizes automation and infrastructure, understanding programming fundamentals helps in scripting and problem-solving. The course focuses on dynamic programming. The course's coding exercise may sharpen a devops engineer's programming skills.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Dynamic Programming Java, Coding Interviews and Applications.
Comprehensive textbook on algorithms, covering a wide range of topics including dynamic programming. It provides rigorous analysis and clear explanations, making it a valuable resource for understanding the theoretical foundations of dynamic programming. It is often used as a textbook in university-level algorithms courses and provides a strong foundation for tackling complex problems.
Popular resource for preparing for coding interviews, and it includes a chapter on dynamic programming. It provides a variety of dynamic programming problems with detailed solutions, making it an excellent resource for practicing and improving problem-solving skills. It is particularly helpful for learners who are preparing for technical interviews at tech companies.

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