Complete Roadmap To Learn DSA From Scratch In 2024

Step 1: Understand the Basics

1. Programming Language: Choose a programming language such as Python, Java, C++, or any other language you’re comfortable with.
2. Basics of Programming: Make sure you have a solid understanding of basic programming concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and classes.

Step 2: Learn Data Structures

1. Linear Data Structures:

• Arrays
• Linked Lists
• Stacks
• Queues

2. Non-linear Data Structures:

• Trees (Binary Trees, Binary Search Trees, AVL Trees, etc.)
• Graphs
• Hash Tables

3. Advanced Data Structures:

• Heaps
• Tries
• Segment Trees
• Fenwick Trees (Binary Indexed Trees)

Step 3: Master Algorithms

1. Sorting Algorithms:

• Bubble Sort
• Selection Sort
• Insertion Sort
• Merge Sort
• Quick Sort
• Radix Sort

2. Searching Algorithms:

• Linear Search
• Binary Search
• Depth-First Search (DFS)
• Breadth-First Search (BFS)

3. Graph Algorithms:

• Shortest Path Algorithms (Dijkstra’s, Bellman-Ford)
• Minimum Spanning Tree (Prim’s, Kruskal’s)
• Topological Sorting
• Graph Traversal Algorithms

4. Dynamic Programming:

• Understanding the principles of dynamic programming
• Solving classic DP problems like Fibonacci sequence, Longest Common Subsequence, Knapsack Problem, etc.

Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice

1. Online Platforms: Utilize platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, GeeksForGeeks and Codeforces to practice DSA problems.
2. Competitive Programming: Participate in online coding competitions like Google Code Jam, Facebook Hacker Cup, and ACM ICPC.
3. Project-Based Learning: Implement DSA concepts in real-world projects to solidify your understanding.

Step 5: Resources for Learning

1. Books:

• “Introduction to Algorithms” by Thomas H. Cormen et al.
• “Algorithms” by Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne
• “Cracking the Coding Interview” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell

2. Online Courses:

• Coursera: “Algorithms Specialization” by Stanford University
• edX: “Algorithm Design and Analysis” by UC San Diego
• Udemy: “Data Structures and Algorithms: Deep Dive Using Java”

3. YouTube Channels and Tutorials:

• MIT OpenCourseWare
• CS50 by Harvard University
• TakeUforward ( striver )