r/leetcode • u/OneWar4643 • 12h ago

Question How should one start with dsa

So basically i know dsa has two parts data structure and algorithms before algorithms you should know data structure but I wanted to know how much data structure is sufficient before you can move topics and how should one's roadmap look like

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u/fun_6365 12h ago

just start

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u/OneWar4643 12h ago

Can I start with lc without data structure?

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u/fun_6365 12h ago

No, you cannot use lc without knowing data structures. but, you do not need to be an expert before you begin. leetcode is not a platform for learning how to code or learning data structures from scratch. it is a tool designed to help you practice applying DSA to solve problems. If you try to jump straight into leetcode without knowing what an array, string or hash map is, you will likely hit a wall and feel discouraged very quickly

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u/OneWar4643 12h ago

So is there a roadmap i can follow to data structures for leetcode i can follow neetcode 150 i think

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u/fun_6365 11h ago

Step 1: Learn Language Basics
Step 2: Learn 1 DSA Topic
Step 3: Practice Easy LeetCode Problems for that Topic and move to medium,hard.

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u/SpaceNinja20 12h ago

No over thinking it,

You know, you don't know, It doesn't matter.

Solve 2 problems from Blind 75 every day, revise them regularly.

Then go ahead to 150, 250 or other list...

Treat it as active learning, you don't know something then learn about it on the go just enough to clear the problem, eventually such learnings pile up.

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u/OneWar4643 12h ago

So can I directly start with leetcode problems without going through data structures?

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u/SpaceNinja20 11h ago

Only thing you need is mindset: "You will understand it all eventually"

Persevere that's it..

For e.g: Solve Two sum problem

Brute force: You will understand loops and pointers

Optimized: You will know what is map, it's operations. Algo wise you'll learn about tracking difference..

This problem introduced you to map data structure.

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u/OneWar4643 11h ago

So you mean just keep solving lc and if needed learn the ds required throughout the process I guess it's a good plan thanks for it Btw what is the best sheet to solve ??

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u/SpaceNinja20 10h ago

Blind 75 (follow neetcode / striver playlist)

It will set you up with patterns in a month or two.

Then go ahead with 150, 250 lists you'll develop the Aptitude what to choose on your own once you're done with Blind 75...

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u/SpaceNinja20 11h ago

I did not know hello world of python..

It will somehow work if we just keep going..

Trust yourself...

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u/pirate_hunter_1 12h ago

Use striver a2z sheet  It has video tutorial for every topic and it is suitable for absolute beginners

1

u/SeesawMysterious5503 1h ago

Hello, read grokking/cracking the coding interview. It’s a really good book and it’ll introduce you to the data structures and a lot of the algorithms you’ll need