Steps to start learning DSA
Let us now move to the most important question “How to start learning DSA?“
This procedure may vary from person to person. But here we are trying to provide a general solution to the problem. A beginner can follow the step-by-step process as given below to get started with DSA:
1. Getting to know the topics:
The most important step is to find out the topics and the best of the resources for those. Before starting to learn about DSA first get an idea of what are the things you need to learn and the available resources for them.
When divided into parts, namely data structure and algorithm; one may follow the below topics in-order while starting to learn DSA:
- Data Structure:
- Algorithms:
- Searching
- Sorting
- Hashing
- Prefix sum
- Suffix Sum
- Greedy
- Recursion
- Backtracking
- Tree and Graph traversals
- Dynamic Programming
- Advanced algorithms on tree and graph
2. Finding the best resources for learning DSA
Once you have known what you have to learn, it is now time to find out from where you have to learn. You can learn DSA from various text, video or hybrid types of resources such as:
- Textbooks on DSA like Introduction to Algorithms by T.H.Cormen, etc.
- Self Paced Courses on DSA like Data Structures and Algorithms – Self Paced
- Live Online Classes on DSA like DSA Live for Working Professionals
3. Learn the Fundamentals of DSA properly:
After gathering all the topics and resources, it’s time to start learning the DSA. To learn about any algorithm and data structure, the most crucial step is to learn the fundamentals first. Without learning the basics properly we cannot implement them properly and also cannot move to advanced applications.
Based on the chosen resources, make sure to spend a keen amount of time learning about the fundamentals of each data structure and the basics of algorithms. Make sure to practice at every step to help solidify your learnings. You can also use our Practice portal for this purpose.
4. Master data structures and algorithms one by one:
Once you have become well versed with the fundamentals of DSA, it is now time to learn about the DSA in depth, i.e., know about the various detailed applications of Data Structures, learn about various complex algorithms, and how to implement them in problems.
Here as well you need to keep practicing at every step, to make sure to solidify your DSA learnings. You can also try to attend various coding competitions and challenges to practice and test your learning so far. Here’s a list of Top 15 websites for coding competitions and challenges that you can try out.
5. Consistency is the key:
Every monument is built brick by brick by working on a daily basis consistently, and so is the case for DSA. You must try to learn at least 1 new topic every day and solve at least 1 new problem related to it every day. Making this a practice for each day every day will help you master DSA in the best possible manner.
Make sure to give coding challenges at regular intervals as well. You might face challenges in solving even 1 problem in the beginning, but at the end, it will be all worth it. You can try w3wiki POTD to solve one problem based on DSA every day and here you can also use the discussion forums to help you make sure you get the logic properly. To know more about the discussion portals read the article – Stuck in Programming: Get The Solution From These 10 Best Websites.
How to Start Learning DSA?
In the journey of programming, every programmer comes across a point where they want to solve a problem in a more efficient way. While finding a way out of this, they eventually come to know about the term DSA. Now before jumping on how to start learning DSA, let us first know what the term DSA actually means.
Table of Contents
- DSA Full Form
- What is Data Structure?
- What is Algorithm?
- Why should you learn Data Structure and Algorithm?
- 5 Steps to start learning DSA
- Getting to Know the Topics
- 1) Data Structure
- 2) Algorithms
- Finding the best resources for learning DSA
- Learn the fundamentals of DSA properly
- Master Data Structures and Algorithms one by one
- Consistency is the key
- Getting to Know the Topics
- Key Points to keep in mind to Master DSA
- Spaced Repetition
- Practice more and more
- Solve a variety of problems
- Participate in coding challenges
- Try solving interview questions
- How long does it take to learn Data Structures and Algorithms?
- How to be good at Data Structure and Algorithms?
- What are the best resources?
- What are the best platforms?
- Conclusion
DSA Full Form: The Full form of DSA is Data Structures and Algorithms. As the name itself suggests, it is a combination of two separate yet interrelated topics – Data Structure and Algorithms.
In this journey to acquire a good grasp of DSA and become efficient in it, every programmer faces a big challenge “How to start learning DSA?”. In this article, we will be focusing on everything about DSA and how to begin your journey of DSA from scratch.