Introduction:
- Hello, I’m Drashti Vaghasiya, a second-year student at GEC Gandhinagar, currently in my fourth semester of study. My journey into the world of programming started out of curiosity and a sincere desire to understand how the software that powers our daily lives is built.
- It was during this exploratory phase that a senior at my college recommended GeeksforGeeks as a starting point to not only learn coding from the ground up but also to systematically build a strong foundational skill set. This advice turned out to be invaluable, as GeeksforGeeks offered a structured path from basic to advanced problem-solving scenarios, perfectly catering to someone like me who was just starting and needed to build confidence and competence gradually. This platform not only sharpened my coding skills but also prepared me to tackle complex computer science fundamentals, which are crucial for any budding software engineer.
- In this article, I will share my experience of how starting with basic-level to hard-level questions on GeeksforGeeks helped me progress to solving hard-level challenges, and how it equipped me with the necessary skills for successful internship preparations
What motivates me..?
Motivated by the success stories of peers and online personalities, I found myself drawn to the world of programming. Watching YouTube videos and observing my batchmates delive into data structures and algorithms (DSA) opened my eyes to the vast potential and opportunities within the tech industry. It became increasingly clear that mastering DSA was not just about improving one’s coding skills but a crucial step towards cracking interviews at top-tier tech companies like those in FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google).
Role of my senior in guiding me towards GeeksforGeeks.
- In my quest to master Data Structures and Algorithms, I sought advice from a knowledgeable senior at my college. His guidance proved pivotal in navigating the vast landscape of programming resources available. He recommended a practical and structured learning path: begin by understanding the core concepts from the “CodeHelp – Love Babbar” YouTube channel, renowned for its clear and comprehensive programming tutorials. This step was crucial as it lead to solid foundation by elucidating complex topics in an accessible manner.
- Following this initial learning phase, he directed me to apply the concepts by solving basic problems on GeeksforGeeks. This was specifically tailored to reinforce each topic I learned from the YouTube sessions. He emphasized the importance of practical application in solidifying theoretical knowledge. True to his advice, I followed this path diligently—starting from basic problems and gradually escalating to more complex challenges. This approach not only deepened my understanding but also kept me consistently engaged and motivated throughout my learning journey.
- His mentorship was instrumental in helping me utilize GeeksforGeeks effectively, transforming it from just another resource into a structured platform for growth and learning. By integrating advice from someone with experience and success in the field, I was able to make the most of the educational content available and apply it effectively in a systematic manner.
Journey to solve basic questions : Initial approach of tackling basic level questions.
- My journey into the depths of programming began with a combination of video tutorials and hands-on practice. After watching instructional videos from the “CodeHelp – Love Babbar” YouTube channel, I turned to GeeksforGeeks to start solving basic level questions. This practical application was crucial as it allowed me to reinforce the concepts I had just learned.
- In the beginning, not every problem was straightforward, and I faced numerous challenges. However, each challenge served as a stepping stone towards greater understanding and skill. Whenever I encountered a question that stumped me, I wouldn’t hesitate to consult the solution section on GeeksforGeeks. This was not merely about finding the right answer; it was an opportunity to dissect the solution, understanding the nuances of the code and the underlying concepts I might have missed.
- This method of learning—engaging with both the problem and its solution—significantly boosted my confidence. Each day, as I solved more questions, my familiarity with various programming paradigms and algorithms grew. This iterative process of attempting, failing, learning, and succeeding gradually transitioned me from a beginner to someone profoundly more confident in tackling complex coding challenges.
Progression to Advanced Topics:
- As I grew more comfortable with the basic constructs of programming through problems centered on arrays, strings, stacks, and queues, my journey through the various levels of complexity on GeeksforGeeks became not only a challenge but a compelling narrative of personal and professional growth. Each topic provided a structured series of problems that began at a basic level—ideal for a beginner like me—and gradually increased in difficulty.
- This thoughtful design of categorizing problems from basic to hard levels was particularly beneficial. It ensured that I did not advance too quickly and that my foundational understanding was solid before moving on to more complex areas such as graphs, trees, and backtracking. The ability to tackle problems in a sequenced, level-wise manner allowed me to build confidence and competence step-by-step.
- The progression from solving simple problems to deciphering more intricate challenges mirrored my transition from a novice to a proficient coder. The gradual increase in difficulty was perfectly paced to match my evolving skills, making the learning process feel natural and rewarding. This approach not only sharpened my problem-solving abilities but also deepened my understanding of computer science fundamentals, preparing me for advanced topics and complex coding scenarios.
Diving into CS Fundamentals: why I started preparing CS fundamentals like OOPs, OS, DBMS..?
Understanding the critical importance of computer science fundamentals in cracking technical interviews and securing internships, I embarked on a focused journey to master core subjects like Object-Oriented Programming, Operating Systems, and Database Management Systems. The urgency to strengthen my grasp on these topics was further fueled by an upcoming opportunity: Flipkart Runway Season-4, which specifically highlighted CS fundamentals as a significant part of their evaluation process.
With limited time at my disposal, I turned to GeeksforGeeks, which offered a concise yet comprehensive collection of “30 Interview Questions” on CS fundamentals. This resource was a game-changer for me. It provided a focused and efficient way to brush up on essential topics, ensuring that I could cover a broad spectrum of information in a relatively short period. The well-structured questions and answers were not only time-efficient but also deeply informative, offering insights into practical applications and theoretical knowledge alike.
This intensive preparation was invaluable. It helped me feel confident and well-prepared for my interviews, demonstrating that even under time constraints, with the right resources, one can achieve a solid understanding of necessary CS fundamentals. This experience reinforced the idea that targeted preparation can lead to significant outcomes, especially when using a trusted and well-organized platform like GeeksforGeeks.
Conclusion: What i learn from GeeksForGeeks platform..
My journey through the realms of coding and problem-solving has taught me several invaluable lessons. Beginning with basic-level questions instead of diving straight into more challenging problems was crucial. This foundational approach, facilitated by GeeksforGeeks, allowed me to solidify my understanding and build confidence progressively.
Additionally, revisiting and reinforcing CS fundamentals through structured interview questions on GeeksforGeeks was pivotal. This practice did more than just prepare me for job interviews; it deepened my comprehension of core concepts, making me a more adept and versatile programmer.
This educational journey has fundamentally shaped my approach to problem-solving: it has taught me the value of patience, the importance of a strong foundational knowledge, and the benefits of incremental learning. By methodically increasing the difficulty of the challenges I faced, I have developed a robust problem-solving mindset that is well-suited to the dynamic and demanding nature of the tech industry.