LeetCode can definitely be done with Python! As someone who successfully landed SDE offers at Amazon and Microsoft, I can confidently say Python is one of the best languages for coding interviews. Last year, I solved over 300 LeetCode problems in Python - its clean syntax let me focus on algorithmic thinking rather than getting bogged down by complex language details.
Python shines especially bright for string and array problems. I remember one interview where I solved a string matching problem with a single line of regex in Python, while the Java equivalent would've taken 15+ lines. The interviewer's eyes lit up - that kind of concise solution is golden in high-pressure interviews. Python's powerful built-ins like collections and itertools also save you from reinventing the wheel.
But Python does have its limits with performance-sensitive problems. During my Google interview, my Python solution timed out on a million-data-point problem. The interviewer suggested rewriting it in Java, and sure enough, it passed. Now my strategy is: use Python for quick solutions during practice, then optimize in Java/C++ when needed.
Big tech companies are generally flexible about languages. An Amazon interviewer told me they care more about problem-solving approach than specific languages. Though some teams (like OS development) may prefer C++, so it's smart to research your target company's tech stack.
My advice? Make Python your primary tool but keep another language sharp. I set aside time each week to reimplement classic problems in Java - it strengthens both my algorithms and multi-language skills. Because ultimately, programming languages are just tools - what really matters is your problem-solving ability.
Release time:2025-04-30
