Hey everyone, I'm feeling a bit lost with my study of Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA). I've been focusing on it for the past few months but it feels like I'm stuck in the same place, particularly with arrays. I've been working through the Striver's sheet, which has a collection of pattern-based problems along with videos, but with only 15 to 30 problems per topic, it feels like it takes forever to make any progress. I'm really frustrated and I don't know how to approach this effectively. A lot of people seem to be talking about trees and graphs, but I can't seem to get past arrays and strings. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
2 Answers
Don't stress too much about comparing yourself to others! Everyone learns at their own pace. While some might tackle all the problems, it's perfectly fine to take your time. Focus on getting a good grip on one or two exercises before moving on to the next topic. Also, doing math problems or playing strategy games can really help sharpen your problem-solving skills. Just remember, it's a journey, and it takes years of practice to feel confident with the tough problems!
Before diving deep into DSA, make sure you've got the basics down. Understanding variables, loops, and arrays is crucial. Think of it like learning to drive—you wouldn't start driving during rush hour without knowing how to handle a car! Build your confidence with some simple programs first. DSA knowledge is important for some job interviews, but remember, you can still be a successful programmer without it. Just take it one step at a time!
Thanks for the advice! I feel more confident with the basics now, but yeah, it seems like many companies expect DSA knowledge. It's a bit overwhelming!
Totally agree! It’s all about the approach. I think revisiting topics is key, but how do you know how many problems to tackle for each topic?