I'm embarking on my journey to learn Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) today, and I realize it's a vast subject that can't be rushed or tackled with random resources. I'm focusing solely on using JavaScript, as it's my primary language for web development. I understand that the language isn't what truly matters; it's all about building problem-solving skills. However, I'm quite new to this—almost clueless, to be honest! So, I'm seeking clear resources and guidance that I can stick with for the long term without constantly bouncing around.
Here's what I've figured out so far:
- I plan to solve one problem daily from NeetCode (not sure why it's different from LeetCode).
- I'll focus on learning one new DSA concept each day.
- For those concepts, I've found CodeChef and freeCodeCamp useful.
- I prefer the visual learning style of freeCodeCamp's YouTube videos, as they resonate with me.
I trust freeCodeCamp, but I recognize it won't be enough on its own to cover everything thoroughly. I'm keen on diving deep into topics, but right now, I just want to grasp the basics correctly to build a solid foundation.
3 Answers
Interesting that you're writing this question using AI tools. Just curious—are you using it for phrasing help or something?
It's great that you're focusing on DSA with JavaScript! Just a heads up: DSA concepts are universal, meaning the language doesn't change their principles. JavaScript's array and object structures are different from languages like C or Java, which can sometimes make it tricky to grasp certain concepts. I recommend checking out a DSA course on Coursera or similar platforms, regardless of the language they use. You can apply what you learn back to JavaScript!
But won't that complicate things for someone who's new to both DSA and JavaScript?
Do you have some JavaScript knowledge already? Learning DSA while trying to get the hang of programming basics at the same time can be quite challenging. It's really important to feel comfortable with the language before diving deep into algorithms and data structures.
Yes, I've built a few projects and I'm planning to work with Express and Next.js soon!
Just rephrased it a bit. I wasn’t sure if it conveyed what I was trying to say, so I thought it'd help!