Complete Guide to Learn DSA from Zero to Advanced with TOP Free Resources in 2025!

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to learning coding and Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA) for free, offering a structured approach for beginners. The creator, Nishant Char, shares various online resources such as SoloLearn, W3Schools, Code Academy, and FreeCodeCamp to build a strong coding foundation. Additionally, platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, and Algo Prop are recommended for practicing coding and DSA. The video also introduces advanced resources for topics like Dynamic Programming, Graphs, and Trees, along with advice on hackathons, open source contributions, and coding communities to boost learning and career prospects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning coding by yourself for free can take around 6 months to a year, but it can be overwhelming without proper guidance.
• 😀 You should be cautious of hunting for resources yourself, as it can lead to spending years without proper direction due to the overwhelming amount of free online content.
• 😀 Free resources like Solo Learn, W3Schools, and Codecademy are excellent for learning basic coding languages and concepts.
• 😀 Websites like HackerRank and FreeCodeCamp are great platforms for practicing coding and testing what you've learned in real coding challenges.
• 😀 For learning DSA (Data Structures & Algorithms), platforms like LeadCode, AlgoProp, and CodeHelp offer solid tutorials and practice problems.
• 😀 It’s essential to practice coding regularly and build your understanding through real-world projects and hackathons.
• 😀 Participate in hackathons to gain valuable experience, improve your skills, and increase job opportunities with potential PPO (Pre-placement Offer) and PPI (Pre-placement Internship) opportunities.
• 😀 Building a strong foundation in coding is key to solving DSA problems effectively and avoiding confusion with complex topics like DP (Dynamic Programming) and Binary Trees.
• 😀 Use platforms like Codolio to track your progress and follow structured learning paths for DSA and coding challenges.
• 😀 Once you're comfortable with coding and DSA, explore app and web development to take on projects and participate in hackathons, which can open doors to internships and job opportunities.

Q & A

How long does it take to learn coding by yourself for free?

Learning coding by yourself for free typically takes around 6 months to 1 year. However, if you go through multiple resources and keep track of your learning, it can extend from 1 year to 3 years due to the overwhelming amount of available resources.

What is the challenge for beginners in self-learning coding?

The challenge for beginners in self-learning coding is the overwhelming number of free resources available online, such as on YouTube. It becomes hard to distinguish which ones are useful, and this can lead to confusion, especially for newcomers.

What are the best resources for learning basic coding?

Some of the best resources for learning basic coding include Solo Learn, W3Schools, and Code Academy. These platforms provide beginner-friendly lessons and quizzes in languages like Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript.

How can you practice coding after learning the basics?

After learning the basics of coding, you can practice on platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, and FreeCodeCamp. These platforms offer coding challenges and tutorials that help improve problem-solving skills and reinforce the concepts you've learned.

What is the importance of learning Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA)?

Learning DSA is crucial for improving problem-solving abilities. It's particularly important for preparing for coding interviews and competitive programming. A solid foundation in DSA helps in solving complex problems efficiently.

Where can I learn DSA online?

Some good resources for learning DSA include AlgoProp (for Java) and the Code Help by Babbar channel. Additionally, platforms like GeeksforGeeks and LeetCode offer a wide range of tutorials and practice problems on DSA.

What is the significance of participating in coding contests?

Participating in coding contests helps you improve your problem-solving speed, practice under time constraints, and gain real-world experience. It's recommended to start participating in contests after learning the basics of DSA to further refine your skills.

How can I get started with hackathons and what do they offer?

Hackathons provide opportunities to work on real-world projects and potentially earn Pre-Placement Offers (PPO) or internships. You can participate in hackathons organized by companies like Flipkart, Walmart, and Uber, which increase job opportunities and help you build a strong portfolio.

What is open source and how can it help in my coding journey?

Open source allows you to contribute to existing projects, gaining experience by adding features, fixing bugs, or improving code. Contributing to open source is highly valued by companies as it demonstrates your ability to work on real-world projects and improve your coding skills.

What are some useful coding communities to join for help and networking?

Joining coding communities can provide support and mentorship. Some popular communities include Reddit's r/learnprogramming, Discord groups like The Programmers Hang Out and Eddie Hub, and Stack Overflow for troubleshooting and sharing solutions to coding problems.