How to master Data Structures and Algorithms in 90 Days(Roadmap)
In the journey of programming, every programmer comes across a point where they want to solve a problem in a more efficient way or attend an interview. While finding a way out of this, they eventually come to know about the terms Data Structures and Algorithms.
In this journey to acquire a good grasp on Data Structures and Algorithms(DSA) and become efficient in it, every programmer faces a big challenge “How to master Data Structures and Algorithms?”. In this article, we will be focusing on How to master DSA in 90 Days, and by the end of this article, we sharing with you a free pdf link to download the 90 Days DSA Roadmap.
So let’s dive into the article.
What is Data Structure?
![](https://madwithcode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/What-is-Data-Structures.png)
A data structure is a process of storing and organizing data, So that data can be used efficiently and effectively. The main idea behind using data structures is to minimize the time and space complexities. An efficient data structure program takes minimum memory space and takes minimum time to execute the data.
Also Read : ASP.Net MVC with Entity Framework Cognizant Handson Programs
What is an Algorithm?
![What is a Algorithm](https://madwithcode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/What-is-a-Algorithm.png)
An algorithm means a set of well-defined instructions that are typically used to solve a particular group of problems or perform a specific type of calculation. To make it understood in simpler terms, it is a set of operations/instructions performed in a step-by-step manner to execute a task.
Why Should you learn Data Structures and Algorithm?
Before moving to the question of “How to start learning Data Structure and Algorithm”, first, let us look at why should we learn data structures and algorithms.
These are the top 5 reasons to learn Data Structures and Algorithm:
- Having skills in data structures and algorithms is a great addition to a programmer’s portfolio.
- Having skills in DSA makes it easier to crack any product-based company interviews.
- Programming with Data Structures and Algorithms is fun.
- This is an important skill for the present and future.
- Many companies are interested in hiring data structure and algorithm experts.
- The best way to master a new language is to master its data structures and algorithms.
- DSA is a universal skill because they work in all languages.
Key Points to keep in mind to master DSA
Before moving to the roadmap for mastering the Data Structures & Algorithms, these are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Practise is more important, Always practice, practice & practice.
- Solve a variety of problems in Leetcode, Hacker Rank, and CodeChef.
- Participate in various coding challenges.
- Try solving interview questions from InterviewBit, Leetcode.
90 Days Roadmap to master Data Structures and Algorithms
![Data Structures and Algorithms 90 Days Roadmap](https://madwithcode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Data-Structures-and-Algorithms-90-Days-Roadmap-410x1024.png)
This is a roadmap just for mastering Data Structures and Algorithms. You need to have knowledge of any one of the programming languages (C, C++, Java, Python).
Day 1 and Day 2
On Day 1 and Day 2, Learn about space and time complexity. One of the most important parts of Data Structure and Algorithms. These topics are very important to writing the program inefficient way.
Day 3 to 10
Learn about recursion and backtracking. This is one of the most important topics in competitive coding & college placements.
Day 11 to 30
Learn basic data structure concepts – Arrays, Linked List, Stacks & Queues.
Day 31 to 45
Learn more about complex Data Structures and Algorithm concepts – Searching concepts, Sorting concepts, Hashmaps, Trees, Heaps, Sliding Window
Day 46 to 70
Learn deeply about Graphs concepts & Dynamic Programming
Day 71 to 80
Learn more about various OOPs Concepts.
Day 81 to 90
Learn more topics that gonna help you in competitive coding & top IT interviews like Number Theory, Bit Manipulation, Trees, etc.
Best Resources to master Data Structures and Algorithms
As mentioned earlier, now we will discuss the best possible resources to learn Data Structures & Algorithms.
Here are the top 5 best resources to learn and practice data structures and algorithms:
Best Books for Data Structures and Algorithms
Now we will discuss the best books available on the internet to learn Data Structures & Algorithms.
Here are the top 5 best books for DSA:
- Introduction to Algorithms” by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, and Clifford Stein
- Algorithms Unlocked” by Thomas H. Cormen
- The Algorithm Design Manual” by Steven S. Skiena
- Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy: Data Structures and Algorithmic Puzzles” by Narasimha Karumanchi
- Advanced Data Structures” by Peter Brass
Conclusion
From the above discussion, we can conclude that though the process of learning data structures and algorithms is a bit lengthy and tough, it requires consistent hard work and practice if you follow the right path, be practical with your approach to collecting resources and revisions and practice problems you will surely be able to learn DSA in an efficient way.
You must remember one thing during your learning phase – Learning is a continuous process. So prime objective would be to remain consistent and dedicate at least a minimum amount of time in your day towards learning DSA. If you are inconsistent then it is highly likely that you will forget the previously learned topics and have to start afresh which will ruin your efforts made till now.
Also, it is always seen that no one’s journey is perfect so must remember that practice makes a man perfect and there are many up’s and down’s so don’t afraid of all that keep learning and keep growing.
If you have any queries, you can raise the question in our MWC Forum.