If you want to get into top companies, the first thing they look for is your problem-solving skills — which basically means mastering DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms). And if you’re aiming for those top MNCs, you need to go even harder. DSA isn’t just another topic; it’s the foundation of how companies test your coding abilities. In this article, we’ll break down what DSA really is and how mastering it can help you improve your coding skills — plus practical tips to get started and stay consistent. Resources are shared at the end to help you along the way.
What is DSA?
DSA stands for Data Structures and Algorithms.
- Data Structures are ways to store and organize data so you can use it effectively. Think of them as containers — like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Each structure has its own way of storing data and comes with different strengths depending on what you need to do.
- Algorithms are step-by-step instructions or methods to solve problems. For example, sorting algorithms like bubble sort, merge sort, or searching algorithms like binary search. Algorithms help you process data in the data structures quickly and correctly.
But honestly, these two simple definitions are just 0.00000001% of what DSA really is. DSA is a huge world that covers tons of complex structures, tricky algorithms, optimization techniques, problem-solving patterns, and much more. It’s about understanding how to think like a programmer and solve problems efficiently — not just memorizing terms or codes.
Why DSA is Required
For any top company interview, the very first round is usually a coding round — and that’s all about DSA. Even before you start building projects, you need to master DSA because it tests your problem-solving skills and coding logic. After clearing that, you move to later rounds where they look at your projects too, but DSA skills still play a big role throughout the interview process. So, you have to master DSA first if you want to get your magic number — that salary offer from top companies.
Resources for Learning DSA
For most DSA topics, you can find plenty of good content on YouTube — just search for the specific topic you want to learn. I recommend these playlists for deeper understanding of some important concepts:
- Recursion & Backtracking: Kunal Kushwaha’s playlist
- Graphs & Dynamic Programming: Striver’s playlist (takeUforward)
After learning the concepts, to practice problems, start with LeetCode. If you’re comfortable there and want more challenge, move on to Codeforces for competitive programming.
After DSA, the next important thing is building solid projects. If you’re wondering where to start, check out this article: How to Become a MERN Stack Developer (Beginner Guide)
Experience on Learning DSA
I completed covering most of the basic DSA concepts in about 1 month. But honestly, these are just the basics — the real learning starts after that. You won’t master most of the topics in your first learning session; understanding and practice come with time.
I initially started solving problems on HackerRank, but after a few days, I shifted to LeetCode. Based on that experience, I’d recommend you directly start with LeetCode. Once you get comfortable there, move on to Codeforces — that’s the right path to level up your problem-solving skills.
LeetCode: Solve problems on all topics you learn
Codeforces: Participate in real-world contests to test and improve your skills
Finally…
To learn DSA, the only thing you need is time and patience. At first, don’t stress if you don’t get the code right away — this is a gradual process. Remember, no one is better than you; everyone starts somewhere. So, just keep grinding, stay consistent, and over time, you’ll get there.
FAQ
Q: Which programming language should I choose for DSA?
A: You can choose any language. But these three are the most common:
C++, Java, Python
Q: How many questions should I solve?
A: If you’re aiming for top MNCs, solve at least 300 problems on LeetCode.
Q: Is DSA enough to crack coding rounds?
A: Yes. 1000%.
