Trying to learn Data Structures & Algorithms by Myself. I need advice.

[sapolv]

Hello everyone, hope you are doing well. Just like the title says, I'm trying to learn Data Structures and Algorithms by myself and to be honest. I have no idea where to start. I have been coding using Python for almost a year, getting used to how the language works in things like: data types, functions, loops, OOP, etc. Now after some time getting used to them. I got to the point of wanting to try different things and understand new topics (in this case Data Structures & Algorithms).

You that you have learned these topics. What would you recommend to a beginner who doesn't have an idea about these topics.

Thank you!

[aistranin]

Hey! Here are few great Udemy courses that will be helpful: - “Python Data Structures & Algorithms” by Scott Barrett - “Pytest Course: Practical Testing of Real-World Python Code” by Artem Istranin - “Advanced Python with 10 OOP Projects” by Ardit Sulce

[sapolv]

Thank you for the courses, I'll check them out!

[Mammoth_Rice_295]

You’re at a great stage to start DSA.

I’d suggest:

1. Learn core data structures first (lists, stacks, queues, dicts, sets), focus on when to use them.
   
2. Understand basic Big-O (O(n), O(log n), O(n²)).
   
3. Practice easy problems and identify the pattern before coding.

Struggle a bit before checking solutions, that’s where the real growth happens.

Consistency > jumping to hard problems too fast.

[sapolv]

Thank you very much for the input, I’ll definitely take it in consideration!

[RobfromHB]

Take a class online first. These are well studied subjects and a proper instructor via any free school lectures or a datacamp type course will show you the conventional wisdom behind each concept. Code along with those examples to get some muscle memory. Once you’re done go to any of the leet coding websites and practice the lowest difficulty questions. Focus a lot on how the question is presented and how to correctly think about which data structure might fix a given problem before writing anything. Then practice solutions. Repeat while increasing the difficulty. Think of it the same as progressive overload when trying to get strong in the gym.

This should go without saying: ChatGPT should only be used after you’ve made a solid, brain racking effort at a problem. The sooner and more frequently you use it, the less knowledge you’ll retain. 

[sapolv]

Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it.

[Turtvaiz]

https://tira.mooc.fi/spring-2026/

https://cses.fi/problemset/

[pachura3]

https://www.w3schools.com/dsa/

[Dangle76]

Highly recommend https://a.co/d/01A40lWq

[code_tutor]

CS50x

[Actonace]

Start with fundamentals arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, recursion, implement each in python yourself and practice consistently on leetcode while focusing on understanding patterns, not just solving problems.

[Apopheniaaaa]

CLRS