If you are starting to learn programming or computer science student or perhaps anyone who wants to learn any programming language especially Java, JavaScript, Python... having a clear and sound understanding of what Data Structures and Algorithms makes your programming journey very effective. when I first started programming I only knew about Array and Array List which is not enough if you want to become a software development engineer.
Having the knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms will help you to solve problems like a real IT professional or you're just another coding monkey who sits at the front of the screen and banging the keyboard. Even the FAANG looks for candidate with the ability to solve problems and solid skill of Data Structures and Algorithms. It also helps you to get a great tech job.
Here's how you can get started with DSA:
Assuming you have (no) foundational knowledge of introduction to computer science, i suggest you to get familiar with it by watching this video
https://youtu.be/zOjov-2OZ0ENext, watch this video first to understand the introduction to Data Structures
https://youtu.be/zg9ih6SVACcOnce you got the birds eye view of what it is then move on to
MIT OCW Introduction to algorithms in the link below
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUl4u3cNGP63EdVPNLG3ToM6LaEUuStEYIncase of any doubts ask questions in public. platforms like stack overflow, reddit, freecodecamp forum. Why ask questions in public? the doubt that you may carrying will help someone who's having the exact same doubt, when you ask questions in public and when someone helps your question a third person with a same doubt can learn easily because of you learning in public.
Gradually start reading some books, now atlest 5 to 10 pages as a beginner is a good practice and take notes of it, every weekend revice what you have learned. PROGRAMMING IS ALL ABOUT ACTIVE LEARNING. NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT!
BONUS TIPS🚀:
DONT FALL INTO THE PITY HABIT OF COMPARING YOUR PROGRAMMING JOURNEY WITH YOUR PEERS OR SOMEONE YOU SAW ON THE INTERNET.
REMEMBER CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING A NEW SKILL. YOU HIT THE WEIGHTS IT FEELS PAINFUL AND THEN YOU RECOVER AND REPEAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME EVENTUALLY YOU BECOME TO COPE UP WITH PAIN AND WITH CONSISTENCY NOW YOU REAP THE REWARDS. MOST PEOPLE QUIT AFTER A FEW MONTHS IT ACTUALLY TAKES A YEAR OR EVEN MORE DEPEND UPON THE INDIVIDUAL ONCE YOU CROSS THE TEMPERORY PERIOD OF PAIN I BET THAT YOU'LL CAN NAIL IT.
REMBER TO TAKE A BREAK, DONT SIT FOR HOURS WORRYING GO TAKE A CUP OF COFFEE AND ASK FOR PEOPLES HELP WHO ARE ALONG THE JOURNEY.
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