“Data structures and algorithms course? Why learn something so complicated? It’s a complete waste of time.”
Ask any computer science student about Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), and this is what they say. If you are one, how many times have you called it off? Yet, your professor would have told you repeatedly that it’s an important subject, and they are absolutely right.
To build your career as a programmer in the tech industry, you need to enrol yourself in a data structures and algorithms course. Why? Let us elaborate but first, let’s go over what is DSA once again.
What Are Data Structures & Algorithms?
A data structure is a way of arranging data in the memory to use it efficiently. It is not a programming language but a format to store, organise, process and retrieve data. It is usually a collection of data objects which you can create, store and modify through code.
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to complete a task or get the desired output. It is not written in any programming language but explains the logic of a problem’s solution using simple English words. Once you have the algorithm, you can implement it in any programming language.
Data Structures and Algorithms, commonly called DSA are the building blocks of programming. As a subject, it teaches you various techniques that you can use to optimise your code. Not only that, it cultivates logical thinking in you, making you a better programmer.
Reasons to Join a Data Structures and Algorithms Course
Let’s see the benefits of learning and enrolling in a data structures and algorithms course.
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Crack Interviews and Get Placed at Leading Product-Based Companies
Many engineers aspire to get into product-based companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Apple etc. You might have heard about their long and tough hiring process. This is because they want to hire people who can solve real, huge and complex problems in less time using the least resources. And for that, they pay you well too.
One way to assess a candidate for their coding skills and problem-solving ability is by testing their knowledge of DSA. That is why interviewers ask you more about data structures and algorithms rather than the programming languages and frameworks. This helps them to know if your foundations are clear and you can implement a solution in any language.
Learn more about the kind of technical questions asked in interviews here.
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Develop Problem-Solving SkillsÂ
Unlike your lab programs, you solve complex real-world problems through coding as a software engineer. For that, you need to develop strong problem-solving skills. Data structures and algorithms courses provide the tools, techniques and resources to solve such problems.
How do you actually use DSA to solve real-world problems? Here are a couple of examples:
- Think about the way you store your files on your computer – the hierarchical folder structure you have in place. That’s the data structure Tree right there.
- Think about your friends, the mutual friends with them and their friends (friends of friends) on Facebook. You can represent these friends’ connections using a Graph – which is a data structure.
It’s clear from both examples the importance of arranging data in the right structure to retrieve it later. Choosing the right data structure or algorithm helps you to solve a problem in less time.
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More opportunities within the software industry
You might have heard a lot about which programming language you should learn to get a particular job. For example, you need to know Java to become an android developer, Objective-C for iOS developer and so on.
But mastering DSA opens the doors for many roles and positions. Since it is at the core of almost all libraries and APIs, irrespective of the language, you can get into machine learning, web development, app development, and big data, among others.
Mastering DSA helps you become a better problem-solver, think logically and write optimised code. A strong understanding of DSA helps you to learn advanced skills and understand new frameworks (like Angular, React, Vue, Spring MVC, etc.), therefore, allowing you to switch roles if you are already a working professional.
Why Enrol in a Data Structures and Algorithms Course? Why Not Study by Myself?
Now, you might be thinking about reading your textbook or watching free videos on YouTube to learn it. What you need to understand about DSA is that it is like learning Grammar. You have to master the fundamentals and let them become like second nature to you.
If you learn from an expert, you get guidance and clarify your doubts as they arise. Enrolling in a data structures and algorithms course will strengthen your basics and enhance your chances of placements.
To Sum It Up
If you want to have a successful career in the software industry, you must enrol in a data structures and algorithms course because a good command of DSA ultimately makes you a better programmer. Creating a strong foundation of fundamental concepts also helps you learn new languages and frameworks.
But why stop your learning at DSA? You can also learn other programming concepts like OOPs (Object Oriented Programming). You can even become a pro at Web Development by learning both Front End and Back End Development.
Wouldn’t it be better if you could learn all the above in a single program? You can become a Full Stack Developer and build a successful career in tech with CodeQuotient’s SuperCoders program. What are you waiting for? Enrol today!
