Can you really Complete DSA in 3 months?

Summary

In this video, Nasir Solanki, a software engineer at Microsoft, provides a comprehensive 3-month roadmap for completing Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) preparation. He emphasizes the importance of a structured study plan, focusing on key topics each week, such as arrays, strings, recursion, data structures, and algorithms. The roadmap covers topics from core concepts to advanced topics like dynamic programming and graph algorithms. He stresses the need for consistent practice, daily problem-solving, and regular revision, ultimately preparing students for interviews and placement opportunities. Nasir also highlights the significance of mastering DSA for securing placements, offering a clear, actionable plan to succeed.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can complete DSA in 3 months if you follow a structured plan.
• 😀 It’s important to have a programming language proficiency (e.g., C++, Java, Python) to start DSA preparation.
• 😀 Aim to solve 5-7 questions daily to make the most of your limited time.
• 😀 Choose problems from reliable platforms (like LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks) and practice systematically.
• 😀 Break down your study plan by weeks, focusing on specific topics and their related algorithms each week.
• 😀 Start with core data structures like arrays, strings, recursion, and time-space complexity in the first two weeks.
• 😀 Focus on essential topics like linked lists, stacks, queues, and hashing in the third and fourth weeks.
• 😀 In the second month, work on trees, heaps, tries, and graph algorithms (BFS, DFS, union-find, topological sort).
• 😀 The third month should focus heavily on dynamic programming, backtracking, and bit manipulation.
• 😀 Consistent revision is crucial. Make it a habit to review all solved problems every Sunday and incorporate that into your learning.

Q & A

Can I complete the entire DSA syllabus in 3 months?

Yes, it is possible to complete the entire DSA syllabus in 3 months, provided you follow a structured plan and consistently practice solving problems every day.

What is the first thing I need to do before starting DSA preparation?

The first thing you need to do is to choose a programming language that you are comfortable with, such as C++, Java, Python, or JavaScript. Having a strong foundation in one programming language is crucial for DSA.

How many questions should I solve each day to prepare for DSA in 3 months?

You should solve at least 5 to 7 problems every day. This consistent practice will help you master various topics in DSA.

How should I pick the questions I need to solve for DSA?

You should select problems from various platforms like LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks, or any other of your choice. The key is to practice topic-wise questions and record your progress.

How should I plan my first two weeks for DSA preparation?

In the first two weeks, you should focus on Arrays, Strings, Recursion, and Time and Space Complexity. Along with these topics, solve problems related to these concepts.

What topics will I cover in the third week of my DSA plan?

In the third week, you will focus on Linked Lists, Stacks, and Queues. These are crucial topics as they frequently appear in coding interviews.

Why is it important to focus on Hashing, Sliding Window, and Two Pointers in the fourth week?

These algorithms are highly relevant for coding interviews, and many questions are based on these concepts. Solving problems on these topics will significantly enhance your problem-solving skills.

How should I approach learning Dynamic Programming (DP)?

For Dynamic Programming, you should dedicate an entire week to solving DP problems. Focus on understanding the problem-solving approach and practice as many problems as possible. Resources like 'Striver's Playlist' on DP can help you master this topic.

What should I do in the last two weeks of my DSA preparation?

In the last two weeks, focus on revisiting topics that you found challenging and practice more difficult questions. During this time, also focus on improving your ability to explain your thought process and solutions aloud to build confidence for interviews.

What role does revision play in DSA preparation?

Revision is essential to retain the concepts you've learned. Set aside time to revise the questions you've solved every day, and dedicate every Sunday to revising the entire week's practice.