Fundamentals of Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA) — Beginner Friendly Guide

DSA Fundamentals — Basics

DSA Fundamentals

This post covers the basic concepts of Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) in simple language with clear examples.

What is DSA?

Data Structures are ways of organizing data, and Algorithms are methods to operate on that data efficiently. Together they form the backbone of problem-solving in programming.

Big-O Complexity (Performance)

  • O(1): Constant time (e.g., accessing array element)
  • O(log n): Logarithmic time (e.g., binary search)
  • O(n): Linear time (e.g., traversing an array)
  • O(n log n): Efficient sorting (e.g., merge sort)
  • O(n²): Nested loops (e.g., bubble sort)

Common Data Structures

  • Array: Fast random access, fixed size
  • Linked List: Flexible size, slower access
  • Stack: Last In First Out (Undo operations)
  • Queue: First In First Out (Task scheduling)
  • Hash Table: Fast lookups using keys
  • Tree: Hierarchical structure, good for searching
  • Graph: Represents connections between entities

Algorithm Examples

  • Binary Search: Quickly finds an element in sorted data
  • Sorting: Quick Sort, Merge Sort, Bubble Sort
  • DFS & BFS: Explore graphs
  • Dynamic Programming: Optimize overlapping problems (e.g., Fibonacci)

Tips for Problem Solving

  • Restate the problem in your own words
  • Start with brute force, then optimize
  • Think about edge cases (empty input, duplicates)
  • Always analyze time and space complexity

More Learning & Java Resources

We will continue this as a series covering each of these topics in depth, and we will also do implementations of each Data Structure step by step. Follow us for more upcoming posts. Meanwhile, check out related articles:

This post is designed as a simple reference for quick DSA revision.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Software Engineering Explained: Definition, Process Models, and Challenges

Image
 Introduction to Software Engineering  Intro,  Software engineering is a methodology focusing on developing high quality software systems cost effectively. In 1968, there was a conference held to discuss about the software crisis . At the time newly introduces computer (Based on IC) was more complex than before and software development in crisis. The first idea of software engineering came out from this conference for "Software crisis". The software crisis refers to the set of problems faced in software development (such as delays, cost overruns, low quality, and difficulty in maintenance). What is Software ? Software not just the programs. It all linked with the documentation and configuration data that is needed to make these program runs correctly.  what are the 2 fundamental types of software product? i. Generic Product :      System that created by a software developing company and sold in open market to any customer who able to buy  ii. C...
Read more

Java Basics – What, Why, and the Real Story

Image
Java Basics – What, Why, and the Real Story What is Java? Java is a programming language and a platform . In simple words – you write code once, and it can run almost anywhere (Windows, Mac, Linux, even mobile). It’s object-oriented , meaning we deal with real-world stuff in code ( objects, classes ). It’s been around since the 90s, but still in high demand — used for apps, websites, games, banking software, you name it.  Requirements to Run Java To code and run Java, you need: JDK (Java Development Kit) – to write and compile programs. JRE (Java Runtime Environment) – to run Java programs. A code editor (like IntelliJ IDEA  (My favorite) , Eclipse , or even VS Code ). A brain that can handle logic (no joke 😏).  Advantages of Java Platform Independent – Write once, run anywhere ( WORA ). OOP – Easy to ...
Read more

Beginner's Guide to the World Wide Web: Websites, Domains, Networks & More!

Image
Beginner's Guide to the World Wide Web: Websites, Domains, Networks & More! 🌐 Yo, What's the Deal with the Web (World Wide Web)? Hey there! The World Wide Web (WWW) is like the biggest hit on the Internet . It's where folks hunt for info, link up with friends, pick up new skills, grab deals while shopping, hustle at work, and toss around cool ideas. The Internet? It's this massive global setup of computers all hooked up together, and the Web is one of its top features. This is my second post on the blog—building off the first one where we chatted about getting started online. Stick around! 🌐 Website vs Webpage: Don't Get 'Em Mixed Up! Website – It's a bunch of connected webpages chilling under one domain, like www.example.com . Webpage – Just one single page or doc on that site. 💡 Imagine a website as your fave book, and the webpages are the chapters or pages inside it. Super simple, right? 🏷️ Domain Name? Yeah, That's Your ...
Read more