If you're a software engineer preparing for coding interviews at top tech companies, you've likely come across a term that gets significant buzz in the coding community: Blind 75. But what exactly is it, and why do so many engineers swear by it as their go-to resource?
This blog will give you a detailed breakdown of the Blind 75, explore its relevance, and share actionable steps to leverage it for your upcoming interviews. Whether you're targeting companies like Google, Meta, or Amazon, the insights here can help you focus your preparation and save valuable time.
What is Blind 75?
The Blind 75 is a curated list of 75 LeetCode problems covering all essential topics required to ace coding interviews. This list focuses on high-quality, frequently asked problems that capture the underlying patterns of coding challenges presented in hiring rounds.
Originally shared in a Blind post, a Meta tech lead distilled this list after solving 400-500 LeetCode problems. The questions serve as a comprehensive resource to master fundamental data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving techniques.
Categories Covered in Blind 75
- Arrays (e.g., Two Sum, Maximum Subarray)
- Dynamic Programming (e.g., Climbing Stairs, Coin Change)
- Graphs (e.g., Number of Islands, Course Schedule)
- Linked Lists (e.g., Reverse a Linked List, Merge K Sorted Lists)
- String Manipulation (e.g., Valid Parentheses, Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters)
- Binary Trees (e.g., Maximum Depth of Binary Tree, Serialize and Deserialize Binary Tree)
Why Blind 75 is Different
While there are countless coding problems available online, Blind 75 emphasizes quality over quantity. Most coding challenges build upon the same core algorithms and data structures. If you understand these problems deeply, you'll develop the ability to solve complex variations during interviews.
Benefits of Preparing with Blind 75
1. Efficiency
Faced with limited time to prepare, many engineers feel overwhelmed by the hundreds (or even thousands) of questions on LeetCode. Blind 75 cuts through the noise and focuses on problems with the most impact.
2. Pattern Recognition
Blind 75 highlights patterns that often appear in real-world interviews. By practicing these problems, you train yourself to identify solutions faster and apply the right algorithm or data structure under pressure.
3. Confidence Booster
Completing this curated list not only improves your technical skills but also builds confidence in your ability to tackle a wide range of problems.
4. Broad Company Relevance
Whether you're applying to Meta, Amazon, Google, or startups, these problems have significant overlap with commonly asked interview questions. A comment on this Blind post reads, “Passed Google, Meta, and Netflix interviews by doing Blind 75.”
How to Get the Most Out of Blind 75
Here’s a step-by-step process to make the most of your Blind 75 prep while avoiding burnout.
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Before jumping into Blind 75, brush up on foundational topics like data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs) and algorithms (DFS, BFS, dynamic programming, backtracking).
Step 2: Solve Problems One Category at a Time
Blind 75 covers multiple categories. Focus on one at a time. For example, start with arrays, solve all related problems, then move to graphs, and so on.
Step 3: Create Study Notes
Each problem on Blind 75 can teach you a specific technique or strategy. Document the pattern or insight you learned for easy reference. For example, if solving the "Merge Intervals" problem, note how sorting simplifies the solution.
Step 4: Review and Iterate
This is critical. Don’t just solve a problem and move on. Once you solve it, revisit it a few days later. This reinforces learning and hones recall speed.
Step 5: Practice Coding by Hand
While online practice matters, many software engineers overlook this step. Interviews often involve whiteboard coding, so practice solving problems on a notebook or whiteboard.
Step 6: Time Yourself
During interviews, time is a crucial factor. After gaining familiarity with the Blind 75 problems, start solving them under a timer to simulate real interview conditions.
Alternative Resources to Supplement Blind 75
Some engineers supplement Blind 75 with additional resources to further strengthen weak areas or prepare for company-specific interviews.
- Neetcode 150 (source): Expands Blind 75 into a broader dataset.
- LeetCode Company Tags (Meta, Google, Facebook-specific questions): Focus on questions tagged with the company name you’re targeting.
- YouTube Tutorials (Neetcode playlist): For guided explanations of Blind 75 questions.
Real User Experiences
Blind 75 has cemented its reputation because of consistent testimonials from job seekers who've achieved success.
- “I completed Blind 75 during my Google and Meta interview prep. The problems nailed fundamental patterns. I passed all my interviews confidently.” - Source
- “Blind 75 saved me hours of prep time. The confidence I gained solving these problems helped me land offers from Netflix and Robinhood.” - Source
- “After failing interviews at Amazon and Microsoft, I focused on Blind 75. It gave me exactly what I needed to pass my subsequent interviews at Google and Meta.”
Is Blind 75 Enough?
While Blind 75 is powerful, it’s essential to evaluate whether it’s sufficient given your unique context. Factors like target companies, role seniority, and individual skill levels determine preparation needs.
Many engineers find that Blind 75 alone is enough for entry- to mid-level roles at most major companies. For senior-level roles, focus on additional aspects like system design and leadership skills.
Start Your Journey
If you're ready to sharpen your skills and ace your next coding interview, Blind 75 is the perfect place to begin. Start solving problems today and watch your confidence grow as you uncover the patterns behind the questions.
Need extra help preparing for coding interviews? Explore tools like Neetcode's video solutions or sign up for premium platforms like LeetCode to access company-specific problems.
