DSA Tutorial - Learn Data Structures and Algorithms

DSA (Data Structuresand Algorithms) is the study of organizing data efficiently using data
structures like arrays, stacks, and trees, paired with step-by-step procedures (or
algorithms) to solve problems effectively. Data structures manage how data is stored and
accessed, while algorithms focus on processing this data.

Why to Learn DSA?

Learning DSA boosts your problem-solving abilities and make you a stronger
programmer.
DSA is foundation for almost every software like GPS, Search Engines, AI
ChatBots, Gaming Apps, Databases, Web Applications, etc
Top Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Meta and many other
heavily focus on DSA in interviews.

How to learn DSA?

1. Learn at-least one programming language (C++, Java, Python or JavaScript) and
build your basic logic.
2. Learn about Time and Space complexities
3. Learn Data Structures (Arrays, Linked List, etc) and Algorithms (Searching, Sorting,
etc).
4. Once you learn main topics, it is important to solve coding problems against some
predefined test cases,
5. Solve problems daily using GfG Problem of the Day

Hoping you have learned a programming language of your choice, here comes the next
stage of the roadmap - Learn about Time and Space Complexities.

1. Logic Building
Once you have learned basics of a programming language, it is recommended that you
learn basic logic building

Logic Building Guide

Quiz on Logic Building

1/6
2. Learn about Complexities

To analyze algorithms, we mainly measure order of growth of time or space taken in

terms of input size. We do this in the worst case scenario in most of the cases. Please
refer the below links for a clear understanding of these concepts.

Complexity Analysis Guide

Quiz on Complexity Analysis

3. Array
Array is a linear data structure where elements are allocated contiguous memory,
allowing for constant-time access.

Array Data Structure Guide

Quiz on Arrays

4. Searching Algorithms

Searching algorithms are used to locate specific data within a large set of data. It helps
find a target value within the data. There are various types of searching algorithms, each
with its own approach and efficiency.

Searching Algorithms Guide

Quiz on Searching

5. Sorting Algorithm

Sorting algorithms are used to arrange the elements of a list in a specific order, such
as numerical or alphabetical. It organizes the items in a systematic way, making it easier
to search for and access specific elements.

Sorting Algorithms Guide

Quiz on Sorting

6. Hashing

Hashing is a technique that generates a fixed-size output (hash value) from an input of
variable size using mathematical formulas called hash functions. Hashing is commonly
used in data structures for efficient searching, insertion and deletion.

Hashing Guide
Quiz on Hashing

7. Two Pointer Technique

In Two Pointer Technique, we typically use two index variables from two corners of an
array. We use the two pointer technique for searching a required point or value in an
array.

2/6
 Two Pointer Technique
Quiz on Two Pointer Technique

8. Window Sliding Technique

In Window Sliding Technique, we use the result of previous subarray to quickly compute
the result of current.

Window Sliding Technique

Quiz on Sliding Window

9. Prefix Sum Technique

In Prefix Sum Technique, we compute prefix sums of an array to quickly find results for a
subarray.

Prefix Sum Technique

Quiz on Prefix Sum

10. String

String is a sequence of characters, typically immutable and have limited set of elements
(lower case or all English alphabets).

Strings Guide
Quiz on Strings

11. Recursion

Recursion is a programming technique where a function calls itself within its own
definition. It is usually used to solve problems that can be broken down into smaller
instances of the same problem.

Recursive Algorithms Guide

Quiz on Recursion

12. Matrix/Grid
Matrix is a two-dimensional array of elements, arranged in rows and columns. It is
represented as a rectangular grid, with each element at the intersection of a row and
column.

Matrix Guide
Quiz on Matrix/Grid.

13. Linked List

3/6
Linked list is a linear data structure that stores data in nodes, which are connected by
pointers. Unlike arrays, nodes of linked lists are not stored in contiguous memory
locations and can only be accessed sequentially, starting from the head of list.

Linked List Guide

Quiz on Linked List

14. Stack
Stack is a linear data structure that follows the Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle. Stacks
play an important role in managing function calls, memory, and are widely used in
algorithms like stock span problem, next greater element and largest area in a histogram.

Stack Guide
Quiz on Stack

15. Queue
Queue is a linear data structure that follows the First In, First Out (FIFO) principle.
Queues play an important role in managing tasks or data in order, scheduling and
message handling systems.

16. Deque
A deque (double-ended queue) is a data structure that allows elements to be added or
removed from both ends efficiently.

17. Tree
Tree is a non-linear, hierarchical data structure consisting of nodes connected by
edges, with a top node called the root and nodes having child nodes. It is widely used in
file systems, databases, decision-making algorithms, etc.

18. Heap
Heap is a complete binary tree data structure that satisfies the heap property. Heaps
are usually used to implement priority queues, where the smallest or largest element is
always at the root of the tree.

19. Graph
Graph is a non-linear data structure consisting of a finite set of vertices(or nodes) and a
set of edges(or links)that connect a pair of nodes. Graphs are widely used to represent
relationships between entities.

20. Greedy Algorithm

4/6
Greedy Algorithm builds up the solution one piece at a time and chooses the next piece
which gives the most obvious and immediate benefit i.e., which is the most optimal
choice at that moment. So the problems where choosing locally optimal also leads to
the global solutions are best fit for Greedy.

21. Dynamic Programming

Dynamic Programming is a method used to solve complex problems by breaking them
down into simpler subproblems. By solving each subproblem only once and storing the
results, it avoids redundant computations, leading to more efficient solutions for a wide
range of problems.

22. Other Algorithms

Bitwise Algorithms: Operate on individual bits of numbers.

Backtracking Algorithm : Follow Recursion with the option to revert and traces back if
the solution from current point is not feasible.

Divide and conquer: A strategy to solve problems by dividing them into smaller
subproblems, solving those subproblems, and combining the solutions to obtain the final
solution.

Branch and Bound : Used in combinatorial optimization problems to systematically

search for the best solution. It works by dividing the problem into smaller subproblems, or
branches, and then eliminating certain branches based on bounds on the optimal
solution. This process continues until the best solution is found or all branches have been
explored.

Branch and Bound Algorithm

Geometric algorithms are a set of algorithms that solve problems related to shapes,
points, lines and polygons.

Randomized algorithms are algorithms that use randomness to solve problems. They
make use of random input to achieve their goals, often leading to simpler and more
efficient solutions. These algorithms may not product same result but are particularly
useful in situations when a probabilistic approach is acceptable.

Randomized Algorithms

23. Advanced Data Structure and Algorithms

Advanced Data Structures like Trie, Segment Tree, Red-Black Tree and Binary
Indexed Tree offer significant performance improvements for specific problem domains.
They provide efficient solutions for tasks like fast prefix searches, range queries, dynamic
updates, and maintaining balanced data structures, which are crucial for handling large
datasets and real-time processing.

5/6
6/6