How to study Data Structures and Algorithms while working a full-time job?

Data Structures and Algorithms?are things that can set you up for highly lucrative jobs in Programming. Top-tier product-based companies like Google and Microsoft are actively hunting for software engineers who are well versed in DSA.

However, it can get a bit tricky if you are already a working professional and want to climb up the corporate ladder. However, many people have managed to develop the skill and get into their dream companies while working a full-time job. So we are here to share with you a few ways you can develop your knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms while working a full-time job.

To decide the best pathway and resources to prepare DSA for interviews, you have to think about your current level of expertise in Data Structures and Algorithms.

There are roughly four levels of learning DSA for a programmer. We have compiled the best resources and learning strategies for each one. Keep reading to know about them!

• Not sure about the basics of a programing language.
• Have the basic knowledge of DSA and can do the easier questions.
• You can do medium-level questions, but not complex ones.
• You are able to do some hard questions but want to practice more to be invincible in interviews.

For those in the first category:

First, get your basics of language right

It surely gets easier if you already work in a technical field and use a programming language. However, if you aren’t sure about the basics of Javascript, C++, or any other language of your choice, you should not step into learning DSA. Because language is the most crucial building block to programming. So, choose a language and learn to use the correct syntax in your code.

If you are not in the first category:

Know your current level of knowledge of DSA

Don’t corner yourself into doing only one kind of DS and Algo problems. Try out different kinds of questions to figure out your current level of understanding.

Once you know the level of difficulty you can tackle the problems, choose the best techniques and resources for your interview preparation.

Resources to prepare data structures and algorithms:

There is a jarring amount of resources that you can find online. So, the initial step to begin your learning process is to choose the resources that work the best for you. Let me share some important study resources that are used by programmers around the world.

For beginners:

Since you have a lot to cover in probably a short amount of time, you can begin with a platform like Hacker rank or Leetcode which provides a good variety of basic level DSA problems. Try to learn the basic operations while paying close attention to time and space complexities.

You can start with revisiting algorithms of sorting and searching, and simpler data structures like:

• Arrays
• Linked lists
• Stacks
• Strings
• Queues

Check out the?Job Switch Program,?a course structured to provide guided learning of DSA, for professionals looking to switch from service based to product based companies. You can also check out the free resources on?NADOS?to get a set of?sure-fire coding interview questions?to make your place in top-tech companies.

For the advanced learners: Develop foolproof skills at solving DSA problems:

Once you have moved past practicing the easier problems (you can do them quickly while keeping your code brief), the natural step seems to move out and do every single complex problem in the world. Many take up the route of competitive programming.

However, this is not an efficient strategy for interviews.

Secondly, competitive programming is a great way to develop your algorithmic intuition. But working professionals are usually unable to commit time for it. Instead, you should focus on doing a smaller set of sure-shot interview questions.

When it comes to cracking interviews in top-tier companies like?Google, Adobe, and Microsoft, it is better to focus on DSA problems. Those are enough for you to develop your coding logic. The questions usually asked are not the toughest ones, but those that test whether you are an efficient coder with strong problem-solving ability.

Pepcoding?provides 700+ questions from Leetcode in our training programs. Check them out to switch from service based to product based companies.

Techniques to prepare DSA for interviews:

To know about the important techniques and valuable tips for interviews, read the full article here.