Today I will start practicing Data Structures.
Wait!! I will develop a project on Full Stack.
But the companies are asking Trees, Graphs and Advance Data Structures!!
On the other hand I have to show practical knowledge also in my resume.What should I do? Practice DSA or learn hands on development?
Are you also puzzled by these questions, don’t worry you are not alone. It is the problem of every Computer science enthusiast. Most of the time this question arises in a student’s mind whether to focus on Data Structures and Algorithms or perform hands-on development!!
Let’s clear this doubt today, before moving ahead to the conclusion, let us explore some essential points such as why to learn data structure? or what is the need for doing development. or should you do DSA and development together or not?
If you are still confused about how to do DSA and Development together, you can also visit our course DSA to Development: A Complete Guide, It is the complete package for the one who is looking to Master DSA and Get Into the World of Development.
Why Learn Data Structures?
Every time you ask this question to anyone the answer will always be the same Data Structures are the basic building blocks of your programming as well as your Software development journey. When it comes to learning the fundamentals the only thing that comes to mind are Data structures and algorithms.
Let’s take an example of AMAZON, you have ordered something from Amazon once. When you place the order there is a separate order of yours which is assigned to a separate delivery partner to deliver your product and all the process happens perfectly without any collision of events. This process may look simple from your point of view but there are a lot of mathematical calculations, data structures, and algorithms included at every step from searching to booking your order and finally delivering it to you.
If you ever try to make an E-commerce platform you will have to add different data structures such as Arrays (in catalog display), Linked Lists (in different page redirections), Stacks (in search history), Queues( in cart and orders) and different tree algorithms to use in recommendation system.
To know more about why to learn DSA then refer to the article – Why DSA is Important to Learn?
There are numerous applications of DSA so, what is the need for development if everything is the data structure? Let’s see.
What is the Need For Web Development?
Suppose you learned all the data structures and mastered all the algorithms but what is the point of learning it all if you are not able to apply that knowledge to practical applications to solve real-life problems? Practicing DSA may be a rigid path to the entrance of a company but in the end, they will also recommend you to learn development stacks.
Following the above example only, consider you have full knowledge of DSA but will you be able to apply it without developing a User Interface or a Frontend? Without the application of Amazon how one can interact with the backend and database? or what is the point of learning searching and sorting algorithms if you don’t have a search bar? So, development is as much as important as DSA. There are numerous types of software development i.e. Web development ( MERN/MEAN stack, Django, Laravel) or Android development (Android development with Java, Kotlin, Flutter), or iOS development ( with Swift).
But the question remains the same Should you perform DSA and Development together?
Should You Do DSA and Development Together?
Here is a situation you need to understand, DSA and development are interrelated to each other. To master the development you need to make sure that your fundamentals are strong enough and that will be done through practicing DSA.
You need to know that if you are going to start both things together, you will be filled with stress and queries, and doing them together may not provide you with the result that you expected. But there is always a way of performing things let’s see how.
How to Manage DSA and Web Development Together?
Nobody can deny the fact that DSA is the fundamentals of programming and we also suggest the same. To manage both DSA and development together you should follow the correct way and here it is:
- Make a Schedule: You have to create a well-versed plan which can provide time for both DSA and Development individually. Set separate slots for DSA fundamentals and concepts and Development projects and applications.
- Divide and Conquer: Divide the tasks into smaller chunks and focus on one part at a time to get a hold of each of them. Doing both together can be frustrating sometimes but you will feel the gradual increase in your skills as time goes on.
- Focus on the Fundamentals: Start with the basics of data structures, try to learn basic topics such as Arrays, Linked lists, Stacks, Queues, Searching & Sorting techniques, etc. In the development part, start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and then extend it to further frameworks such as React, Django, etc.
- Integrate: Try to mix the DSA and Development. For example, you learned a concept of DSA, try to implement it using development, in this way, you will understand the practical implementation of concepts.
- Practice More and More: The more you will practice, the more you will learn. Once you are confined to the basics, try to solve coding problems that will help you in problem-solving skills and try to pick challenging projects, and become more proficient in your skills.
- Discuss Problems: Join communities, make groups, and try to reach out to the discussion forums. These all practices will help you whenever you are stuck on something. Share your experiences and try to solve others’ problems too, this will increase your learning.
- Take Breaks: If you have done the above things, you have a right to take a break. Take regular breaks as clearing your mind and keeping it fresh is very important. It will allow your mind to generate new and innovative ideas.
- Track Your Progress: Be consistent and track your progress time by time. You should be well aware of your weak and strong points and try to overcome the weak areas.
- Continue the Process: Make a habit of doing this process in a loop. Keep up the pace and explore new topics. Stay curious and try to expand your knowledge constantly.
Conclusion
Managing DSA and Development together is itself an achievement. It is not easy to perform both things together at the same time. But remember DSA and Development together is a journey that will take time and effort. By following the above steps you can achieve the goal. Just stay calm, be positive, and enjoy the journey of becoming a DSA master and a proficient Developer.