I'm planning my semester and need some advice on whether to take Data Structures first or dive into Algorithms. I already have some background in C and Object-Oriented Programming with Java from university. The Data Structures course at my school includes both theory and lab work in C++, while the Algorithms course is largely theoretical. Should I focus on Data Structures before tackling Algorithms, or is it feasible to handle both classes simultaneously? I'd love to hear your thoughts and any experiences you've had!
3 Answers
If they’re separate, definitely start with Data Structures. You’ll need that knowledge to fully grasp the nuances of Algorithms. That’s the best route if I could do it all over again! I'd love to hear other opinions as well.
At my university, Data Structures and Algorithms were combined into one course, so I found it easy to manage. If your classes are separate, I'd recommend taking Data Structures first to build a solid foundation for understanding Algorithms.
I was thinking of that too!
I took Data Structures first and I think that’s how many universities recommend it. Understanding data structures really helps in appreciating different algorithms and their implementations. Algorithms class can be quite theoretical, so if you're prepping for interviews, I suggest focusing on key algorithms separately rather than relying solely on what's taught in class. If you have the time, sure, you could take both at once; just don't rush it if you don't have to.
That makes ALOT of sense thank you very much 🙂
Hmmmmmmm……