Hey everyone! I've been diving into Data Structures and Algorithms for the past couple of months and have solved around 40 problems. Most of the time, I check the solutions to understand the approach before trying it myself. I follow a pattern-based approach and am currently focusing on the two-pointer and sliding window techniques. However, I'm struggling to solve new problems without peeking at the solutions. Any tips on how to really master this topic?
3 Answers
Consider brushing up on your math skills, especially Discrete Mathematics. A stronger foundation in math can really help you tackle a wider range of problems in DSA.
I believe mastering DSA is not just about memorizing algorithms, but understanding when and how to apply them. It’s all about developing a sense for which approach is best suited for each problem. Practicing that judgment is key!
One big tip is to start with simpler problems first. Try to work through them logically on paper instead of jumping straight into coding. Don't rush to check the solutions. Focus on understanding how to tackle the problem itself before translating it into code.
That's interesting! How should I go about practicing that?