DSA Interview Questions

1. What is the difference between an array and a linked list? When would you use one over the other?
2. Explain the concept of Big O notation. What does it represent and why is it important in analyzing algorithms?
3. Describe the difference between a stack and a queue. Provide examples of real-life scenarios where each data structure would be appropriate.
4. What is a binary search tree (BST)? How is it different from a regular binary tree? What are the advantages of using a BST?
5. Explain the concept of hashing and its importance in data structures. Give an example of a scenario where hashing is useful.
6. What is the difference between a breadth-first search (BFS) and a depth-first search (DFS)? In which scenarios would you use each algorithm?
7. How do you detect if a linked list contains a cycle? Provide an algorithm to accomplish this.
8. Describe the concept of dynamic programming. When and why would you use dynamic programming to solve a problem?
9. Explain the concept of a priority queue. How is it different from a regular queue? Give an example of a situation where a priority queue would be useful.
10. What is the significance of a balanced binary tree? How would you balance an unbalanced binary tree?
11. Explain the concept of recursion. Give an example of a problem that can be solved using recursion.
12. Describe the concept of graph traversal. What are the differences between breadth-first search (BFS) and depth-first search (DFS) in the context of graph traversal?
13. How do you sort a list of elements using the merge sort algorithm? What is the time complexity of merge sort?
14. Describe the concept of a heap. How does a heap differ from a regular binary tree? Explain the heapify operation.
15. What are the differences between a singly linked list and a doubly linked list? What advantages does a doubly linked list have over a singly linked list?

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