?? Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering DSA without a strong math background
Shivangi Sikarwar
MERN Stack developer | HTML | CSS | Javascript | React.js | MongoDB | Express.js | Node.js
1?? Build a Strong Programming Foundation (Start with JavaScript)
Start solving simple coding problems in JavaScript before diving into DSA.
?? Key Concepts to Learn First:
? Variables, loops, conditionals
? Functions, recursion
? Arrays, objects, and basic string operations
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2?? Learn Basic Math for DSA (Only What’s Necessary!)
You don’t need advanced math for DSA, but some basic concepts help:
? Big-O Notation → Helps analyze algorithm efficiency
? Modulo & Divisibility → Useful in hashing and number theory problems
? Combinations & Permutations → Needed for recursion and backtracking
? Logarithms → Needed for binary search
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3?? Start with Basic Data Structures
Instead of memorizing everything, focus on implementation and real-world use cases.
?? Begin with:
? Arrays & Strings → Basics of indexing, iteration, and manipulation
? Objects → Key-value storage, used in real-world problems
? Stacks & Queues → Needed for browser history, recursion, and scheduling
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4?? Move to Intermediate Topics
After mastering basics, move to:
? Recursion → Solving problems by breaking them down into smaller versions of themselves
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? Linked Lists → Used in memory management and efficient data insertion/deletion
? Sorting & Searching → Merge Sort, Quick Sort, Binary Search
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5?? Solve DSA Problems Consistently (Don’t Just Watch Tutorials)
Practice is key! Follow a structured 90-day plan:
? First 30 days: Solve easy problems on LeetCode (Arrays, Strings, Objects)
? Next 30 days: Solve medium-level problems (Recursion, Sorting, Linked Lists)
? Last 30 days: Practice real interview questions from FAANG companies
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6?? Understand Graphs & Dynamic Programming (For Advanced Level)
Once you're comfortable, move to Graphs (BFS, DFS) and Dynamic Programming (DP).
? Graphs → Used in social networks, Google Maps
? DP → Used in optimization problems, real-world AI applications
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?? How to Stay Consistent?
? Solve at least 1-2 problems daily for 6 months.
? Use Pomodoro technique (25 min focus, 5 min break).
? Join DSA discussion groups on Discord/Reddit.
? Track progress using LeetCode or HackerRank streaks.
?? Final Advice for a Non-Math Background
? Focus on logic, not formulas – Programming is about problem-solving, not complex math.
? Build projects – Apply DSA in real-world apps (sorting in an e-commerce site, searching in a database).
? Stay motivated – You don’t need to master every DSA topic. Focus on the most asked problems in interviews