What’s the Best Way to Learn Data Structures and Algorithms?

Honestly, data structures and algorithms are pretty interconnected, so I’d suggest starting with the data structures you mentioned, as most resources will cover the essential algorithms related to each one. It's definitely worth trying to solve problems on your own first, but if you’re stuck for hours, don’t hesitate to peek at the solutions for a nudge in the right direction.

Overthinking the structure of your learning can actually stall your progress. Just dive into the materials and learn as you go. If you hit something you don’t know, jot it down and research it then and there!

Remember that it’s DSA for a reason – they are all interconnected! Even simple operations like inserting or removing an element can be seen as algorithms themselves with their own complexities. Most roadmaps are going to have similar paths: start with basic searching and sorting, move into arrays and linked lists, and proceed to queues, stacks, trees, and so forth. Focus less on just 'solving problems' and more on understanding each data structure. Try implementing them yourself without relying too much on tutorials; draw, diagram, and write out pseudocode to deepen your grasp.

Start with arrays and work your way through concepts like time complexity and Big O notation. YouTube can be a gold mine for this - check out playlists that align with your learning style or even CS50 content. If videos aren’t your thing, grab a coding book and go through coding snippets by hand to learn by doing.

Check out Neetcode! They have a nice pathway that lays out the order in which to tackle topics for DSA learning. It really helps to have a structured approach.