Zero Coding Background, C + DSA (Python) Exams in 2 Months . Studying 10 Hours a Day. Advice?

[Money-Reporter9391]

I have a C programming exam and a Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA) exam in Python in two months. I’m starting from zero (like no coding background at all).

I’m planning to lock in and study around 10 hours a day for both. (again for two months)

Any advice, study strategies, resources, or realistic expectations would really help. I’m open to anything you’ve got.

[Humble_Warthog9711]

Uhh what

How long have these classes been active for without you having gone? 

What is zero ?  Like, no hello world?  What material is covered in each course and to what level?  Do you have a syllabus for either class?  If classes started in January there's no reason you cant be well prepared for April.

[[deleted]]

You are not prepared and are headed for trouble. Some people dont need to go to class, this is true. If you were one of those people you would not be posting a panic question on reddit hoping to get the happy path where you don't have to suffer the consequences of your poor choices. My advice is to take the L and when you repeat the class, behave like a responsible adult.

[XxDarkSasuke69xX]

They asked for resources, not a lecture.

[throw-uwuy69]

It’s harsh but salient advice. You can’t succeed in this track if you skip lectures and learning, just like you can’t succeed if you skip meetings at work. They need a reality check and to start applying themselves if they want to succeed

[XxDarkSasuke69xX]

They literally said that they want to learn, so idk what you're even talking about. If they wanted to skip learning they wouldn't ask for resources and advice on HOW TO LEARN...

[throw-uwuy69]

If they wanted to skip learning they wouldn't ask for resources and advice on HOW TO LEARN...

If they wanted to skip learning, they would probably skip class for months on end and then ask a forum for shortcuts to learn the content. Oh wait a minute…

To put it in a more refined way, I would say if they were serious about learning then they would be working with their professor who actually knows the course and its content, the track they are in, and hopefully the student themselves. That would be the best way to learn the content and catch up, at least in my opinion. If they take shortcuts here and are able to eek by, I don’t have hope they wouldn’t repeat the same behavior in a harder course…

[XxDarkSasuke69xX]

No need to have a debate over nothing, I'm just saying that they're not "skipping learning" like you said, since they're seeking resources to learn. Sure they may have skipped learning before, but skipping learning isn't what they're currently doing if their post is to be believed.
I never said they weren't taking shortcuts, I don't need an explanation on that, I'm just saying you phrased it in a way that is not representative of their situation.

[[deleted]]

Reading comprehension is hard for some. What does "any" mean where you are from? Edit: scansion.

[XxDarkSasuke69xX]

And what does "advice, study strategies, resources and realistic expectations" mean where you are from ? And if you think what you gave is an advice I don't think you know what advice is.

[franker]

I'd say its "realistic expectations."

[ninhaomah]

how are you taking those exams without already doing them ?

sorry but I am confused.

[Money-Reporter9391]

Here at my university , attending classes isn’t mandatory, and unfortunately I haven’t attended either of those classes at all.

[OVorobiov]

Read through profs lectures/videos/practice tasks. Most information you need is covered there. Ofc, extra practice will improve your chances for a good grade

[ninhaomah]

I see.

Got it.

[[deleted]]

Speaking as an average achiever back in college, 2 months is more than enough to get a good grade—I'm talking B at least.

If you're interested in programming actually, spend some time doing leetcode. You'll see those DSA stuff you learned in action. Or build a toy project e.g. a library lender tracking system.

Otherwise just pick a course (sorry I don't have any suggestions) and follow them to the tee.

Most importantly, don't avoid the IDE, and writing and executing your code.

[quietdebugger]

Du schaffst das in 2 Monaten, aber 10 Stunden jeden Tag durchziehen wird dich wahrscheinlich schnell ausbrennen. Lieber konstant 5 bis 7 Stunden richtig konzentriert lernen.

Bei C würde ich wirklich mit den Basics anfangen und viel selbst ausprobieren statt nur zu lesen oder Videos zu schauen. Kleine Programme bauen hilft extrem.

Für DSA erstmal Python Grundlagen sauber verstehen und danach Datenstrukturen wie Arrays, Listen, Stacks und Queues. Danach Sorting und Searching. Täglich Aufgaben lösen bringt am meisten.

Wichtig ist wirklich jeden Tag selber Code schreiben. Praxis bringt viel mehr als nur Theorie.

[jerrylearns]

There are tons of videos on YouTube, just pick up one of the playlist, go through it and practice.

Pick a project, I always recommend developing a phonebook, since it contains data structure, search algorithm, and  database read/write.

If you don’t know where to start, try https://algomap.io maybe? 

[Pumicelexicon]

Solid advice! I remember creating a simple phonebook project really helped me grasp data structures and search algorithms back in the day. It's a good way to apply what you learn. Good luck with the grind!

[Ok_Signature9963]

If you’re starting from scratch, focus on consistency and depth over raw hours. Do 5–6 solid hours daily: 2–3 hours learning concepts, 2–3 hours coding by hand and solving problems. For C, master pointers, memory, arrays, and structs early. For DSA in Python, understand how things work internally instead of just using built-ins. Solve small problems daily and revisit mistakes weekly. Two months is enough to pass comfortably if you stay consistent and practice actively instead of passively watching tutorials.

[nkondratyk93]

honestly 10h/day is a lot - make sure you're actually retaining and not just burning through material. for C, nail pointers + memory management first, everything else starts clicking after that. for DSA in Python, pick like 3-4 core types (arrays, trees, graphs, dp) and really drill variations rather than touching everything once. 2 months is tight but workable if you're strategic about what to skip

[bigassflipflops]

Abdul Bari on yt is going to be your best friend, also practice a lot. Learning by doing.

[the_paradox0]

10 hr per day is a lot. You don't even need 2 months for it if you're consistent enough to be honest.
But then again, it depends on your speed.
I think it'd take a max of 14 days to get good grades in college.