About pointer
Pointer teaches the 15 patterns behind most coding interviews by showing them move, one step at a time. Watch a one-minute animation, drive the visualizer yourself, then solve the real problems.
Software engineer. Builds the animations in code, and learns best by seeing things move.
Patterns, not answers
Memorised solutions fall apart in interviews. Recognising the shape of a problem doesn’t.
Free, no account
Everything is open. Your progress stays in your own browser.
Made in code
Explainers are animated with Manim, the open-source library created for 3Blue1Brown. Visualizers run the real algorithm.
Accessibility
Pointer aims to meet WCAG 2.2 AA. Found something that gets in your way? Tell me at [EMAIL] and I’ll fix it.
- Keyboard first. Every control works with Tab, arrows, Space and Enter. Press / to search.
- Screen readers. The visualizer announces every step in words.
- Captions and transcripts on every explainer.
- Your pace. Slow the visualizer down, or turn on reduced motion to keep things still.
- Light and dark themes, following your system setting.
- Never colour alone. States are also shown with shapes, labels and borders.
Questions
Do I need an account?
No. Everything is free and your progress is saved in your browser. You can export it to a file whenever you like.
Which language is the code in?
TypeScript. The ideas carry over to any language, and each lesson explains the logic in plain English first.
How often do new patterns come out?
When they’re ready. Each one takes a while to animate properly. Follow on Instagram to hear first.
Is this enough to pass interviews?
It covers the patterns and the classic problems. Pair it with timed practice and mock interviews.
CREDITS
Problem list: the Blind 75, compiled by Yangshun Tay. Pattern grouping inspired by NeetCode. Problems link to LeetCode. Animations made with Manim Community.