We hear it all the time: "DSA is everything," "You have to be a DSA pro to get a job," or "Only top DSA coders land the big jobs!" YouTubers and course sellers shout about DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) non-stop, trying to make you feel like it's the ultimate key to success. But, in reality, the hype around DSA is misleading, and focusing too much on it might even hold you back from getting the job you actually want.
First, let’s get something clear: not all companies are like FAANG. While it’s true that these giants have a strong emphasis on DSA in their hiring process, most other companies have very different priorities. They’re looking for people who can jump in, understand codebases, work on real-world projects, and help deliver features to clients. They want developers who know how to get things done, not just pass theoretical coding challenges.
Why DSA Isn’t the “Golden Ticket”
For most companies, technical interviews are not about memorizing algorithms but showing that you can solve real problems. You need to know your basics – how to debug, how to structure code, and how to design a scalable system. Companies value a candidate with solid project experience over someone who has just practiced DSA questions for six months.
Imagine you’re hiring a mechanic. Would you pick someone who can name every part in an engine or someone who’s actually fixed hundreds of engines? Same idea. Most hiring managers would rather have a developer who’s built and deployed meaningful projects than someone who’s memorized algorithm patterns.
The Reality: FAANG and DSA
Even at FAANG, DSA isn’t the only thing that matters. Sure, FAANG companies do use DSA questions in their technical rounds, but getting your foot in the door at these companies requires much more. They’re looking at your entire resume, and they’re especially interested in your projects. Google even has an official format for describing project outcomes:
Accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z.
An example they give is: “Increased tail wags of Dooglers (Google’s office dogs) by 75% over two days by placing treats outside conference rooms.”
This means your projects should clearly show impact and outcomes. Your resume should say, “I solved this real problem and here’s the difference it made.” FAANG companies get so many applications that they won’t be impressed by just DSA skills; they want to see great projects and measurable impact first.
YouTubers and the DSA Hype
Let’s face it: YouTube creators and course sellers thrive on DSA content because it sells. They know there’s a huge audience of eager job-seekers willing to pay for a clear roadmap to a “dream job.” Unfortunately, the constant DSA hype makes it seem like DSA is the only thing you need to succeed, and that’s just not true.
Instead of spending months on endless DSA grind, use your time to work on meaningful projects. Pick something that interests you, make it challenging, and actually finish it. It could be a personal app, a data analysis project, a website, anything that showcases your skills in a way that companies will understand and value.
A Better Approach
If you’re aiming for FAANG, yes, some DSA prep will be necessary because their interviews are structured that way. But for most other companies, you’ll find that a solid understanding of code and real-world experience will take you a lot further.
And even if you are preparing for FAANG, focus on the basics first. You don’t need to become an algorithm wizard; just make sure you understand the core concepts. Spend some time understanding how arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs work. These data structures will give you a good foundation, but don't get stuck there.
What you should take after reading this post
- Most companies don't care as much about DSA; they care about your actual development skills.
- FAANG companies look at projects first and use DSA rounds to test problem-solving but want people with real accomplishments.
- Avoid the DSA hype trap – it’s not a magic solution, and you’ll learn more by building real projects.
- Learn the basics of data structures, but don’t make it your whole focus.
Real-world projects, understanding how to build and deploy, and having a well-rounded skill set will get you further than endless DSA practice. So, focus on what actually matters, and you’ll be much better prepared for the job you want!