What this course helps you do
An SDE writes software that behaves correctly, explains decisions, collaborates through code review and investigates failures. Passing a coding interview is one part of that job. This course connects those skills rather than treating problem counts as a qualification.
You do not need an IIT background, paid certification or several programming languages to begin. Choose one language, build fluency and keep evidence of your work. Employer eligibility and hiring processes still differ; this course does not promise a salary, placement or universal interview format.
Choose your starting point
New to programming: begin with Programming basics, then Functions and collections. Python is used for the beginner exercises because the syntax keeps the focus on reasoning. If you choose Java or C++, use the language toolkit alongside those exercises.
Already comfortable writing programs: attempt the programming checkpoint below without assistance. If you pass, start with Debugging and code reading, followed by worked DSA.
Preparing for interviews soon: attempt the mock practice first. Use its mistakes to select revision topics. Do not skip project practice just because your immediate assessment is algorithm-heavy.
Ordered syllabus
| Stage | Lesson or activity | Evidence to produce |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations | Programming basics | Five small programs with boundary tests |
| Functions and data | Functions and collections | A tested expense summary and a file-backed script |
| Language fluency | Python, Java and C++ toolkit | Solve one task in your chosen language without translating line by line |
| Debugging | Debugging and code reading | A bug diary with failing inputs and fixes |
| Algorithms | Worked DSA solutions and DSA practice | Fresh solutions with complexity analysis |
| Databases | SQL interview challenges | Queries plus expected results on the supplied dataset |
| Core CS | Core CS interview answers | Explain each answer and its follow-up aloud |
| Object design | Library LLD and Parking lot LLD | Implement constraints and test invalid operations |
| Build | Backend API project | Running API with persistent data and tests |
| Connect | Full-stack project | UI that handles loading, errors and real data |
| Choose another project | URL shortener or Application tracker | Tested SQLite business layers in two different domains |
| Collaborate | Team workflow project | Reviewed pull requests and an integration release |
| Assess | Placement mock practice | Timed attempt, marked answers and an error log |
| Explain | Project interviews and Behavioural communication | Concise, truthful explanations of your own work |
| Use AI responsibly | AI-assisted coding | Independently verified changes and tests |
| Revise and apply | Revision and readiness, Companies, Jobs | Revision schedule and targeted applications |
Programming entry checkpoint
Without searching for a solution, write a function that receives a list of expenses and a spending limit. Reject negative amounts. Return the total, the largest expense and whether the total exceeds the limit. For an empty list, the largest expense should be absent rather than an invented zero.
Test these inputs: no expenses; a single expense; several equal expenses; total exactly at the limit; one negative amount. Explain why you chose a list and how much time the function takes. Later lessons teach how to implement this cleanly.
You are ready to skip the beginner material if you can solve this independently, explain the edge cases and read an exception traceback. A memorized solution without that explanation is a reason to practise, not a failure.
How to study a lesson
Read the explanation once. Run the example, change one input and predict the output before executing it. Complete the exercise with the solution hidden. Finally write a short note: what surprised you, what failed and how you verified the fix. Keep these notes in your own repository.
When working through DSA, do not count a copied solution as solved. Return to it after a few days and reconstruct the reasoning. Use our visual lessons when a structure is difficult to picture and the labs when you need to experiment.
Essentials versus optional depth
First-job essentials include one language, basic data structures, SQL, HTTP, OOP, Git, tests, a deployed project and clear communication. Add graph algorithms, dynamic programming and more design depth according to your target interviews.
Advanced distributed consensus, Kubernetes operations, compiler internals and sophisticated AI agents are optional branches. They are useful in particular roles but should not delay learning to write and test a simple application.
What completion means
Reading all pages is content completion. Demonstrating fresh solutions and explaining a working project is evidence of capability. The exercises and rubrics here support self-assessment; they are not an automatic certification or a replacement for feedback from a reviewer.
Further guidance
Microsoft technical interview preparation emphasizes problem solving, coding, design and testing. Use an employer's current job description to choose your depth rather than assuming one universal syllabus.