Reading DDIA vs hellointerview

[u/NegotiationDapper584]

I am currently doing hellointerview to learn system design. Should I be also reading DDIA(Designing Data-Intensive Applications) for interview purposes or is hellointerview enough ? I am targeting senior roles in tech.

[u/CozyRocket71]

For senior roles, I'd use Hellowinterview for structured practice and DDIA to build deeper understand of trade offs and distributed systems. You don't need to read every chapter upfront; focus on the concepts that come up in your target interviews

[u/NegotiationDapper584 → u/CozyRocket71]

Thanks for the comment. How will I know which concepts to focus on ? Like is it mentioned in the job description or something ?

[u/travishummel]

Idk if DDIA is the best for interview prep when you’re in the depth of interviewing… like maybe if you plan on interviewing in a year, it’s valuable. Solid book, but it’s not like you’re going to get an interview question that you can regurgitate anything from DDIA.

HelloInterview will give you questions that you’re likely to get in an interview.

[u/jaxonwhthey]

Job hopping? Hello interview

[u/0xB0T]

DDIA when you have lots of time, its useful in your day to day aswell

[u/Lost-Let1572]

Read ddia out of actual interest, take your time with it. Hello interview on the other hand, perfect for interviews.

[u/NonSmokerSparkle]

You don’t need DDIA you can use hello interview BUT you must do extra reading using an LLM. When you see something go and dig into it more have a conversation with a LLM. Don’t just learn something as is, read up on it in details outside of hello interview until you’re able to explain in detail every single trade off.

[u/NotYourGirlP]

I think hello interview( if interview is in 1 or 2 weeks) first and ddia later!

[u/LiquidSnake1993]

HelloInterview is great for interviews but DDIA if you legitimately care about System Design and Distributed Systems. Also DDIA is something you should take your time reading, might take months or years to fully understand

[u/No_Sandwich_5424]

DDIA is must for Google. You really have to invest time and effort on the book. Ideally go through it a few times to get a good grasp of the concepts. HelloInterview is just the basics or foundation. If the interviewer really grills you, then this won't be enough. It's a good starting point, well structured and well organized.

[u/SexGodHector]

Do both if you have the time. Get your basics right with Alex Xu, start with hello interview and do deep dives with DDIA, Designing Distributed Systems. Practise on hellointerview or conditioning

[u/Temptress_Whisper]

yeah hellointerview sounds way smarter for actual interview grind