04/10/2024, 09:07 How I Mastered Data Structures and Algorithms

How I Mastered Data Structures and

Algorithms
#16 How I mastered DSA
ASHISH PRATAP SINGH
JUN 16, 2024

565 20 Share

Getting good at Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) helped me clear interviews at
Amazon, Google and Microsoft.

But, mastering DSA was not an easy task.

I tried everything from books, courses (both free and paid ones), and spent thousands
of hours solving LeetCode problems.

Looking back, I realized I spent a lot of time on things that didn't really help me get
better at DSA. Had I focused on the right things, my journey would have been a lot
easier.

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In this article, I'll share tips that will help you master DSA more efficiently without
feeling overwhelmed.

I'll discuss the key topics to focus on and the right order to learn them, how to start
learning a new topic, resources you can use and how to scale your DSA knowledge.

I'll also share an effective revision strategy so that you don’t forget the problems
you've already solved.

1. Must Know Topics

First things first, let's talk about the key topics you need to focus on.

The three main pillars of DSA are Data Structures, Algorithms, and Problem-
Solving Techniques.

There are other topics like Segment Trees, Fenwick Trees but they are rarely asked in
coding interviews.

✅ In the beginning, focus on the most common topics.

2. Learn one topic at a time

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Trying to learn multiple topics simultaneously can be overwhelming and lead to

confusion.

Focusing on one topic at a time makes the learning process more manageable and
less stressful.

You should start with easy topics first and gradually move to difficult topics.

Begin with linear data structures like arrays, linked lists, stack, queues before
moving on to more complex ones like trees, heaps or graphs.

Here is an order you can follow:

Now, lets talk about how to start learning a new topic.

3. How to start learning a new topic?

Start with Basics: Start by learning what it is, how it's represented in code,
different operations you can perform on it and their time/space complexities.

Example: For binary search trees, understand how it’s represented and learn
common operations like inserting a node, deleting a node, and searching for

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a node.

Real-world applications: Understand where and how it is used in real-world

scenarios.

Example: Graphs are used in routing algorithms to find the shortest path
between nodes in a network, such as in GPS navigation systems.

Use Pen and Paper: Visualizing concepts on pen and paper helps in better
understanding and retention. Draw diagrams, flowcharts, and write pseudocode
to visualize how the data structure or algorithm works.

Example: For linked lists, draw nodes and pointers to see how nodes are
connected and how operations like insertion and deletion are performed.

Implement it from Scratch: Write code to implement the data structure or

algorithm from scratch. Implementing it yourself reinforces your understanding
and helps you grasp the underlying mechanics.

Example: Implement a stack using arrays or linked lists. Write functions for
push, pop, and peek operations.

Learn the Inbuilt Library Functions: Learn how to use standard libraries in
your programming language that provide data structures and algorithms.

Example: In Python, learn how to use lists, sets, and dictionaries. In Java,
get familiar with ArrayList, HashMap, and TreeSet.

Solve Simple Problems: Just reading about a topic or watching tutorials is not
enough. Practice simple problems related to the topic to build confidence and
reinforce learning.

Solve 4-5 easy problems on LeetCode from the topic you are currently
learning.

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4. Resources
There are many great resources available online.

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Here are some that I personally found quite useful to build a solid foundation in
DSA:

Abdul Bari's Algorithms Playlist

William Fiset's Data Structure Playlist

William Fiset's Graphs Playlist

Tushar Roy's Dynamic Programming Playlist

Coursera - Algorithms 1

Coursera - Algorithms 2

You can find more DSA resources in this GitHub repository.

5. How to scale your DSA knowledge?

After you have learned the basics, you are ready to go deep.

Prioritize solving problems over theory

While theoretical understanding is important in the beginning, the real learning
happens when you apply that knowledge to solve problems.

The more problems you solve, the more you'll reinforce your understanding of data
structures and algorithms.

Challenge yourself
Getting good at DSA is similar to building muscles in the gym.

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Lifting the same weights everyday won't make you stronger. You need to slowly lift
heavier weights to build muscle.

Likewise, to get better at DSA, you should slowly tackle harder problems.

Example: If you can comfortably solve most easy problems, move to medium
problems.

Understand, don’t memorize

When learning DSA, focus on understanding the underlying concepts and principles
rather than just memorizing code or solutions.

Memorization may help you solve specific problems, but it limits your ability to
adapt and apply your knowledge to new scenarios.

Think in Patterns
Many problems share underlying patterns. Recognizing these patterns can help you
quickly identify the right approach to solve new problems, reducing the time spent
on trial and error.

As you solve more problems, take note of recurring techniques and approaches.
Group similar problems together and identify the common strategies used.

Understanding patterns enables you to adapt solutions to different but related

problems.

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Some of the common problem-solving patterns are:

I wrote another article on 15 Most Common LeetCode Patterns.

Check it out here:

LeetCode was HARD until I Learned these 15 Patterns

ASHISH PRATAP SINGH · 21 JUL
Read full story

6. Retain what you Learn

Mastering DSA requires not only learning new concepts and solving problems but
also retaining that knowledge over time.

Repetition is key
Repetition is key to transferring knowledge from short-term to long-term memory.

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By revisiting concepts and problems regularly, you reinforce your understanding and
make it easier to recall the information later.

Regularly revisit problems you found challenging and try to solve them again without
looking at solutions.

Create Revision List

On LeetCode, you can make lists.

I found this to be an effective approach for the problems I couldn’t solve in the first
attempt.

Bookmark anything important

Having quick access to high-quality resources saves time and helps you revisit
important concepts and solutions.

Use browser bookmarks or tools like Google Drive, Notion to save links to useful
articles, tutorials, and problem-solving guides. Tag and organize bookmarks by
category for easy access.

You can find my most important resources in this GitHub repository.

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7. Be Consistent
Learning DSA takes time.

Some topics might take weeks or months to master. Be patient with yourself.

And, it's normal to feel stuck or frustrated when solving a challenging problem or
trying to understand a complex topic.

Keep going.

If a problem seems too hard, take a break, then try again.

If you need help, check hints or use the LeetCode discussion forum.

Thank you so much for reading.

If you found it valuable, hit a like ❤️ and consider subscribing for more such content
every week.

If you have any questions or suggestions, leave a comment.

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Checkout my Youtube channel for more in-depth content.

Follow me on LinkedIn, X and Medium to stay updated.

Checkout my GitHub repositories for free interview preparation resources.

I hope you have a lovely day!

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See you soon,

Ashish

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Manoj kumar Manoj Kumar Sah Jun 16 Liked by Ashish Pratap Singh

I think It would be better in this order?

1. Array

2. String and string buffer if Java

3. Sorting

4. Searching

5. LinkedIn list

5. Stack and queue

6. Recursion

7.Two pointers and fast slow pointer

8. Bit manipulation

9. Tree

10.Graph

11. Divine and conquer

12. Backtracking

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13. Dynamic problem

Then additional

It really good pieces captured to be master in DSA and problem solving.

Especially I love these highlights points

- One topic one time

- Retention like review 1 and revision 2 my favourite

- consistency

- pen and A4 blank page or white board

- Write code notepad or Google docs no any auto suggestions or highlighter

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Ezekiel Kouassi Jul 6 Liked by Ashish Pratap Singh

Thank you!

Now I Known how to master DSA. Continue sharing, you help a lot.
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1 reply by Ashish Pratap Singh

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