Roadmap & Notes on DSA (Data Structures & Algorithms)
How DSA Benefits BTech Graduates
• Core interview skill: 90% of tech interviews for product-based companies (like
Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc.) test your DSA skills.
• Improves problem-solving: DSA builds logical thinking, which is essential for
coding, system design, and real-world application development.
• Stronger technical foundation: Helps you understand what’s going on “under the
hood” when you write code.
• Career mobility: Makes it easier to switch from service-based to product-based
companies.
When to Start DSA?
Start in BTech 1st Year – It’s the perfect time!
• You have time, fewer backlogs, and can build your skills steadily.
• By 3rd year, you’ll be ready for internships or placement drives.
• If you’re already in 2nd or 3rd year, don’t panic — start now with a consistent plan.
Best Technology/Languages for DSA
• C++ – Highly recommended for beginners because of STL (Standard Template
Library).
• Java – Also good, strong object-oriented support, widely accepted.
• Python – Great for fast prototyping, but sometimes not preferred for time-bound
contests due to slower execution.
Pick one language and stick to it.
Basic Prerequisites for Learning DSA
Before diving into DSA, learn:
• Basic programming concepts (variables, loops, functions)
• Recursion (very important!)
• Arrays and Strings
• Time & space complexity (Big O notation)
• Basic maths (GCD, LCM, modulo, primes)
Top Websites to Practice DSA
Start solving problems here:
• LeetCode – Best for interview prep
• GeeksforGeeks – Great for theory + practice
• Codeforces – Competitive programming
• HackerRank – Good for beginners
• CodeChef – Indian contests & practice
• InterviewBit – Structured DSA prep for interviews
• Striver's SDE Sheet – A must for 60–90 day revision
6️⃣ How to Start DSA if You’ve Already Graduated or Are Working
It’s never too late. Follow this approach:
• Set a goal: e.g., switch to a product-based company in 6 months.
• Dedicate 1–2 hours daily after work or on weekends.
• Start with basics → solve 1–2 problems a day.
• Join online peer groups or DSA challenges (LinkedIn, Discord, Telegram groups).
• Combine DSA with system design, resume upgrade & GitHub profile.
7️⃣ Where to Apply for DSA-Based Jobs
• LinkedIn – Search for “SDE”, “Software Engineer”, or “Backend Developer”
• Naukri – Filter by companies known for coding rounds
• instahyre, AngelList – Startups & product companies
• Company-specific career pages – Amazon, Google, Flipkart, etc.
• Referral networks – Build LinkedIn connections and ask for referrals
8️⃣ Why Big Companies Focus So Much on DSA
• DSA shows your problem-solving ability, not just your syntax.
• A good DSA engineer can:
o Think optimally
o Debug faster
o Write clean and scalable logic
• DSA is language-agnostic — it reflects your brain, not your tool.
Bonus Tips for Success
• Create a schedule: Don’t just binge one week and quit.
• Focus on quality of questions, not just quantity.
• Maintain a DSA notebook or GitHub repo for your solved problems.
• Revise regularly — it’s easy to forget patterns.
• Follow YouTube educators like Striver, Love Babbar, Abdul Bari, or NeetCode for
deep understanding.
