How to Master Machine Coding/LLD Round: Resources and Tools

Machine Coding and Low-Level Design (LLD) rounds are integral components of technical interviews for software engineering positions. These rounds test your ability to transform your coding skills into real-world solutions and require a deep understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software architecture.

To help you prepare effectively, I've compiled a comprehensive guide with resources, practice questions, and informative videos to ace these rounds. Most of the resources are based on Java programming language, but you can get an idea and code with your preferred language.

Below are some sample questions for the machine coding round:

Sample Questions

1. Design a Parking Lot:

   • Another classic LLD question. You are asked to design a parking lot management system.

     
     

2. Design an Online Shopping System:

   • A more complex LLD problem that tests your ability to design a scalable e-commerce system.

     
     

3. Design an Online Auction System

   Recently asked me from one of the top companies - more about this later.

Recently, I was researching LLD, and I was confused about how and where to start, so I came up with a strategy of my own.

I started with the theory first with the help of sudoCode by Yogita Sharma. She breaks down complex concepts into simple analogies and examples that you will remember easily. I would also suggest you start here and learn what are low-level design basics first and a few design patterns.

Then, move on to questions and practice them through the different resources mentioned below.

Resources:

Theory

• Short Video Lessons - Low-Level Design Course (sudoCode)

• Everything you need for LLD Interviews in one place - Grokking the Low-Level Design Interview

• The OG Book - Design Patterns (go through this only if you have enough/extra time to explore, probably months cause it takes you deep into theory)

Questions and More

• Industry Standard Questions - workat.tech (do at least 2-3 from this resource to get an idea of how the questions are framed)

• Concept && Coding - This YouTube playlist consists of most of the questions/solutions, Use case diagram creation, different design patterns, and more. (Mode of Language - Hindi)

• Soumyajit Bhattacharyay - OG Again, most of the standard questions explanation with solutions.

Mock Interviews

• Keerti Purswani

• Guarav Sen (OG, GOAT for HLD and System Design)

• Tips and Tricks

• Practice 😀

  
  

Only writing code and practicing can make you comfortable with these kind of interviews, and time management is must. Mostly time limit to complete the problem statement is 90-120mins for most companies.

I have also practiced some of the machine coding questions myself. You can check out my GitHub repo for the same; I will keep updating it from time to time.

Github - System Design

This is all you need.

In conclusion, the Machine Coding and LLD rounds can be challenging, but with the right resources, practice, and understanding, you can excel in these interviews.

Remember, it's not just about finding the right answer but also about demonstrating your problem-solving and design skills.

So, immerse yourself in practice and theory, and you'll be well-prepared to tackle these technical interviews successfully. Good luck on your coding journey!

All the best, and keep grinding.