I'm starting to learn data structures and algorithms (DSA) and I'm stuck between two languages: Go and C++. I already know both languages fairly well and I'm wondering which one would be the better choice for interviews, or if it even really matters. I'm currently in my third year of college. Thanks!
8 Answers
C is good, but C++ is also a valid option. Java is decent too if you know it. Just pick what feels right for you!
It really shouldn't matter which language you learn DSA in. If you can’t transfer your knowledge between languages, then you might need to focus more on understanding the DSA concepts themselves!
I tried using Go for DSA, but I found it tough to work with complex data structures because of all the boilerplate. In contrast, C++ has a bit of a learning curve but offers better features for handling DSA.
If you're focused on interviews, I'd steer clear of Go. Not many people are familiar with it. I'd recommend sticking with C++, Python, or TypeScript for interviews. I love Go myself, but it might not be the best for this scenario.
C might seem better due to its lower-level nuances and memory management. However, C++ is also a solid option. If you're comfortable with C++, go for it! But if you need to use more advanced data structures, C++ might be a little easier to manage than Go due to the additional boilerplate in Go.
Honestly, the best language for interviews is the one you know best. Most interviewers tend to be more familiar with C or C++, which might make it easier for them to follow your code. That said, many coding interviews are done on platforms like CoderPad, so as long as your code works, that's what really matters. Just keep in mind that if you choose Go, there might be a chance the interviewer won't be as familiar with it, and could ask questions about the syntax. C and C++ can make certain tasks easier, especially with regards to memory management and string manipulation. Overall, just be comfortable with whichever language you choose!
That's a good point. I've noticed that some interviewers stick to the same language as the job offer, so it's not always straightforward to choose.
Remember, data structures and algorithms are all about the concepts rather than the language. It's valuable if you learn them without getting too caught up in the specific syntax of a language. When I learned, we used pseudo-code, which helped me grasp the concepts and apply them to any language later on!
It really doesn't matter too much. Just use whatever you're comfortable with. A lot of people say scripting languages like Python or JavaScript are often more convenient because you can write solutions faster. As long as you can solve medium-level problems consistently in under 30 minutes, you'll be fine with your choice!
Exactly! If you master DSA, you should be able to adapt it to different programming languages.