DSA Learning Plan and strategy
1️⃣. Stick to the Roadmap : DSA Roadmap
2️⃣. Master the Basics First –
● Start with fundamental data structures like string, array, stack, and queue before
moving to advanced topics.
● Focus on string and array mastery before solving any question.
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3️⃣ Deep Dive into Each Data Structure:
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● Understand the Data structure concepts.(Follow any playlist on YT)
● Implement all its operations (insert, delete, reverse, etc.) by checking out the
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solution.
● After this try to implement them by yourself.
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● Operations are the key. If you are able to manipulate operations, you will be able to
solve questions effectively later on.
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4️⃣ Maintain a Detailed Notebook 📒
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● Note down everything you learn about that Data structure and different patterns you
observe in problems.
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● Write key operations, variations, and approaches for each topic.
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5️⃣ Find & Solve Pattern-Based Problems
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● Search the particular topic on geeksforgeeks or other sites and find out top 5-10
questions covering different patterns.
● Write them down and analyze patterns before solving.
● After that try to solve a similar problem by yourself.
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6️⃣ Create a github Repository
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● Create a github Repo.
● Create a folder for a DS and subfolder for operations, easy, medium problems and
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even for patterns.
● Whatever the code you are solving on leetcode or any platform, create a class in the
repo and add the working code with adding a commented question.
● This should be your own written code.
● Add comments wherever you feel it is needed.
● Revise concepts from this repo by looking at your own written code.
● THIS WILL BE THE BEST WAY TO REVISE.
HOW TO APPROACH QUESTIONS?
7️⃣ Try Before Seeking Help
● Attempt the problem on your own, even if the solution is inefficient.
● Don't think that you are writing ugly solution.
● Forget about time complexity and write the brute force solution even if this is wrong.
● Do not check solutions immediately.
Process of solving:
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1. If you can't even write a solution → Ask ChatGPT/AI tools for an algorithm.
Try converting this algorithm into code.
2. If you wrote something but it's incorrect → Ask ChatGPT to check where
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you're wrong.
3. Once you get the brute-force approach → Implement it, then analyze how
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to improve time complexity.
4. Ask ChatGPT for ways to improve time complexity and create a better
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solution.
5. NEVER EVER LOOK THE PERFECT SOLUTION BEFORE TRYING BY
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YOURSELF. NEVER.
8️⃣ Optimize Your Code
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● After implementation, compare with the best solutions.
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● Improve time complexity and approach by analyzing optimized methods.
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9️⃣ Calculate time and space complexity
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● For every solution you are writing, try to calculate time and space complexity on your
own and note it down.
● By doing this your skills of calculating time and space complexity will improve.
🔟 Master Each Topic Before Moving On
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● Once comfortable, create short notes summarizing all patterns for quick revision.
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● Use this sample short notes sheet to format your short notes:
○ How to create own short Notes
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Directly looking for the solution without approaching the problem is a bad habit
that can’t even be fixed in 21 days! – NISHCHAL
FOLLOW @codewithnishchal on IG
