[ElliotH]

I didn’t write Java professionally before joining Google. I interviewed in Python, there’s a much wider gap between those two languages than between C# and Java. I’ve also worked with people who used to write C# since it’s kinda common in line of business finance stuff.

Forget the hundreds of hours in leetcode. If you actually want to work for one of those companies, get in touch with a recruiter and see if there’s a role that suits. Ask for prep time later if you need it.