🚀 My DSA Journey with C++ as an IT Undergraduate
When I began my journey as an IT undergraduate at BIT Sindri, I was excited about coding but unsure about where to focus. Like many beginners, I wanted to build things quickly. Over time, I realized that the real strength of a software developer lies in strong problem-solving skills, and that’s where Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) come in.
This article shares why I chose DSA with C++, how I started, and what I’m learning from this ongoing journey.
🌱 Why I Chose DSA with C++
DSA teaches you how to think, not just how to write code. I chose C++ for learning DSA because:
It offers better control over memory and performance
It is widely used in competitive programming
It encourages writing efficient and optimized solutions
It strengthens core programming fundamentals
Learning DSA with C++ has helped me understand what happens behind the scenes when code runs.
🧠 How I Started Learning DSA
In the beginning, everything felt overwhelming—arrays, pointers, recursion, and time complexity all seemed confusing. Instead of rushing, I decided to take a structured approach:
First, I strengthened my C++ basics
Then I practiced arrays, strings, and simple problems
Gradually, I moved on to linked lists, stacks, and queues
I focused more on solving problems rather than just watching tutorials
Progress was slow, but it was steady.
❌ Mistakes That Slowed Me Down
Looking back, I made a few common mistakes:
Trying to solve advanced problems too early
Consuming too much content without enough practice
Ignoring time and space complexity
Comparing my journey with others
Once I focused on consistency and understanding, learning became more enjoyable and effective.
🛠 What I’m Working On Now
At the moment, I’m focusing on:
Strengthening my DSA fundamentals
Writing clean and readable C++ code
Practicing problems regularly
Building real-world projects alongside DSA
Balancing DSA with projects helps me apply concepts practically.
🎯 Lessons Learned from DSA
DSA has taught me more than coding:
Breaking problems into smaller parts
Thinking logically and systematically
Being patient with complex challenges
Improving a little every day
These skills are essential not just for interviews, but for becoming a better engineer.
✨ Final Thoughts
I’m still learning and growing every day. This journey isn’t about speed—it’s about consistency and discipline.
If you’re starting your DSA journey, remember:
Consistent effort matters more than instant results.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to connect and share your learning journey.
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