Table of Contents
How long does it take to be good at data structures and algorithms?
On average, it can take approximately 6 to 12 months for a relatively smart individual to get comfortable with the essential concepts of Data Structures and Algorithms.
What to do if you are stuck in coding?
How to Get Unstuck When You Hit a Programming Wall
- Make the problem concrete. Create a diagram, make a quick sketch, or use actual objects to give yourself a visual.
- Write out exactly what you’re trying to do.
- Simplify your given input.
- Solve a smaller problem.
- Take a break.
- Pair with another programmer.
- Wrapping up.
Is algorithm and data structures difficult?
Data structures and algorithms are not difficult to learn and pseudocode is easy to write. But to translate that pseudocode to real code is where you can hit a wall. Being able to recall how to write the real code during a coding interview will have your hair standing on end. Pseudocode is easy to write.
Do you need to know data structures and algorithms?
Not all jobs require that you know data structures and algorithms but some will test you on it regardless. Besides, data structures and algorithms are truly powerful programming concepts. Which brings us to the third reason to learn them. This is really the main reason you need to know data structures and algorithms.
Is it possible to implement data structures by hand?
Yes, implement them by hand. Many people ignore this, but it’s extremely important. Interviewers can ask you about data structure internals. Many problems modify data structures or re-engineer them for a specific use case. To utilize them fully, you need to know how they work.
Is it normal to get stuck in programming?
Getting stuck in programming is quite normal for all the developers. Most of the beginners and even experienced programmers take help from some resources but that doesn’t mean they are dumb or bad programmers. When you take help from some other resources it makes you a better programmer and a good debugger as well.
What do interviewers ask about data structure internals?
Interviewers can ask you about data structure internals. Many problems modify data structures or re-engineer them for a specific use case. To utilize them fully, you need to know how they work. Interviewer: “So you initialized an array-backed list. Good. Now let’s say you reach its capacity, what happens when you try to add another element?”