My journey to master Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) began with a simple but powerful choice: solving one problem every day. This started from day one and became a rule guiding my quest to become skilled. I set a unique rule for myself: no dinner until I solved a problem. It might sound strange, but this strategy greatly helped me stay consistent. Once I hit a 90-day streak, it hit me like lightning – the dinner rule had become a habit. The key to staying consistent was making it a natural part of my routine.
At the start, I faced basic challenges like working with arrays, strings, and other simple concepts. Instead of diving into complex DSA courses, I focused on mastering these basics. But even with hard work, there were times when problems confused me. During those moments, tutorials became my helpful guides. Importantly, I realized that seeking knowledge from tutorials was smart, not a sign of weakness. These tutorials became my steps towards building a stronger foundation.
Unexpectedly, I began exploring code written by others. Despite different methods used by fellow coders, I found value in understanding how they named things and used loops. This showed me that there were different ways to solve problems. If I used a "for loop," another person might have used a "while loop" or a "recursive" approach. Learning this versatility made me open to trying different approaches.
Spending time consistently is crucial for DSA success. Investing at least two hours every day in problem-solving is key. Spend one hour writing your solutions and another hour exploring different ways to solve problems, like reading solutions or watching tutorials. Initially, I devoted three hours daily to this routine. As an third tier college student, I understood it wasn't a choice, but a necessity for progress. What once felt tough became manageable and satisfying.
As time passed, my skills grew remarkably. Now, I can confidently say I need just 30 minutes to create solutions that used to take hours. Interestingly, time isn't my main focus anymore. My journey transformed from watching the clock to enjoying the challenge of solving the "Problem of the Day" on platforms like Geeks For Geeks and LeetCode. The thrill comes from conquering daily challenges.
To fellow junior enthusiasts starting their DSA journey, know this: your path to success is yours to shape. Consistently investing time, adapting your strategies, and learning from tutorials or others' code will drive your progress. What you invest today will lead to big growth tomorrow. Picture each solved problem as a building block in your success story. As you begin, stay determined, enjoy learning, and let your daily commitment pave the way for your victory.
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