Hackerrank software engineer intern Online Coding Test | solution

 

Online Coding Test | HackerRank |Software Development Engineer Internship 2025

Hackerrank software engineer Online Coding Test

Hackerrank software engineer intern solution

Today, I took my HackerRank Software Engineering Intern online test

one of the challenges was based on calculating:  "typing distance."

 The test was 90 minutes long, and this particular question required me to solve for six test cases. 

The problem was about determining the minimum distance between keys on a keyboard based on a specific input string. 

It wasn't just about coding quickly, but also about optimizing the solution to pass all the test cases within the time constraints. 

While the question seemed simple at first, it required a solid understanding of algorithms and a lot of focus to get every edge case right. It was a challenging but rewarding experience!

Cracking the HackerRank Software Engineer Intern Online Test: A Complete Guide

If you're aspiring to land a Software Engineer Internship at a top tech company, there's a good chance you'll encounter HackerRank’s online test. Known for its rigorous challenges, HackerRank is a popular platform used by companies to evaluate candidates’ coding and problem-solving abilities. In this blog post, we'll break down what you can expect from the HackerRank Software Engineer Intern Online Test, along with tips on how to ace it.

What Is the HackerRank Software Engineer Intern Online Test?

The HackerRank online test is designed to assess a candidate’s technical skills, specifically in programming, data structures, algorithms, and sometimes basic system design. The test is widely used by companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and many startups to filter out top talent for internships and full-time software engineering roles.

For an intern position, the test is usually a combination of:

Coding Questions: Typing Distance 

Time Limit: The test usually lasts between 90 minutes.

Typical Structure of the HackerRank Online Test

Here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter during the test:

1. Coding Challenges

Number of Questions: 1 

Difficulty Level: Varies from easy to medium depending on the role.

Topics Covered: Algorithms, data structures (arrays, strings), dynamic programming, sorting and searching algorithms, etc.

Tips:

Focus on writing clean, efficient code. Many platforms, including HackerRank, value time and space efficiency.

Use proper variable names and comments in your code for clarity.

Revise basic data structures (e.g., arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues) and algorithmic concepts.

Brush up on database basics (e.g., SQL) and object-oriented design principles.

Speed is key here. Since MCQs are less time-consuming than coding problems, use them as an opportunity to gain some extra minutes for the coding section.

How to Prepare for the HackerRank Software Engineer Intern Test

To do well in the test, you'll need both theoretical knowledge and practical coding skills. Here's a step-by-step preparation plan:

1. Brush Up on Core Concepts

Data Structures & Algorithms: Focus on common data structures (arrays, strings, linked lists, hash maps) and important algorithms (sorting, searching, dynamic programming).

OOP Concepts: Familiarize yourself with Object-Oriented Programming concepts such as classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and design patterns.

2. Practice on HackerRank

The best way to prepare for a HackerRank test is by practicing on the platform itself. HackerRank offers numerous practice problems categorized by difficulty and 

Tips:

Start with easy problems and gradually increase the difficulty level.

Focus on solving problems that are tagged with topics that are frequently asked in interviews (e.g., arrays, dynamic programming, graphs).

Participate in HackerRank’s coding contests to simulate a real test environment.

4. Revise Database and System Design Basics

Some companies test your understanding of databases and basic system design even for intern positions. Make sure you know how to:

Write simple SQL queries.

Understand database normalization, indexing, and transactions.

Design small systems (e.g., a URL shortener, a file storage system) if system design questions are included.

Key Resources for Preparation

Here are some resources that can help you prepare effectively:

With consistent practice and the right mindset, you can ace the test and take a step closer to your dream internship. Good luck!

 Questions: Typing Distance 

Answer: 

Language : C++

map<char, pair<int, int>> keyboardLayout = {

    {'A', {0, 0}}, {'B', {1, 1}}, {'C', {2, 1}}, {'D', {3, 0}}, {'E', {4, 0}},

    {'F', {5, 0}}, {'G', {6, 0}}, {'*', {6, 1}}, {'H', {7, 1}}, {'I', {8, 1}},

    {'J', {9, 1}}, {'K', {10, 1}}, {'L', {11, 1}}, {'M', {12, 0}}, {'N', {11, 0}},

    {'O', {9, 0}}, {'P', {10, 0}}, {'Q', {3, 1}}, {'R', {4, 1}}, {'S', {5, 1}},

    {'T', {6, 1}}, {'U', {7, 0}}, {'V', {8, 0}}, {'W', {4, 2}}, {'X', {5, 2}},

    {'Y', {6, 2}}, {'Z', {7, 2}}

};

int getDistance(string word) {

    int totalDistance = 0;

    int currentRow = 0;

    int currentCol = 0;

    for (char c : word) {

        pair<int, int> keyPosition = keyboardLayout[c];

        int newRow = keyPosition.first;

        int newCol = keyPosition.second;

        totalDistance += abs(newRow - currentRow) + abs(newCol - currentCol);

        currentRow = newRow;

        currentCol = newCol;

    }

    return totalDistance;

}

Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions about the HackerRank test in the comments below! Happy coding! Best of luck.