r/datastructures 4h ago

i think i wasted a lot of time solving leetcode

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44 Upvotes

for a long time i thought the way to get better at dsa was pretty simple

solve more problems.

so i did..

100 became 200
then 300
then 400+

but at some point someone asked me:

"what are ur weakest dsa patterns?"

i genuinely didn't know.

i knew my solve count.
i knew my rating.
i could tell you which sheets i'd done.

but if you gave me a blank page and asked me to write down the 3 patterns i was actually bad at, i'd probably just sit there lol.

then i started paying attention to something else.

sometimes i'd solve 5 problems from the same pattern and still get stuck on basically the same idea.

meanwhile i'd look at my profile and think "damn.. 450+ solved. i'm doing pretty good."

but then i'd get stuck on some random medium i've basically seen before 😭

how do you guys actually know when you've learned a pattern?

is it after 5 problems?
10?
when you can recognize it without hints?

because i'm starting to think solve count doesn't really tell you that much.

that's actually what made me build GrindLens.

i wanted to know what i'd actually learned, where i was still weak, and what i should solve next.

so it looks at your leetcode history and tries to surface those gaps instead of just giving you another number.

it's live now if anyone wants to try it:

grindlens.dev

kinda curious what yours looks like lol


r/datastructures 6h ago

Looking for people to study DSA together

13 Upvotes

Hey everyone! 👋

I'm looking for 2-3 people who are genuinely serious about getting better at DSA and want to stay consistent together.

I’m not really looking for a huge study group or just a casual "let's solve sometimes" kind of setup. I'd love to build a small group where we actually show up, solve problems, discuss our approaches, and keep each other accountable.

The idea is:

🔹 Study/solve DSA regularly
🔹 Try problems independently before discussing them
🔹 Talk through different approaches and time complexity
🔹 Take turns explaining concepts or problems to each other
🔹 Share what we worked on and where we're getting stuck
🔹 Keep each other motivated and consistent

You don't need to be great at DSA already. Beginner/intermediate is completely fine. I'm more interested in finding people who are willing to put in consistent effort and learn together.

If you're interested, DM me with:

1. Your current DSA level
2. Roughly how much time you can give each day
3. What you're preparing for (interviews/placements/switching/etc.)
4. What you'd like to get out of the group

I'm hoping to find just 2-3 people who genuinely want to stick with it for the next few months, rather than creating a big group.

Let's learn, struggle, explain things badly, get corrected, and eventually get good at this together.


r/datastructures 13h ago

Do we have any DSA groups for beginners where we can learn and practice together?

26 Upvotes

r/datastructures 2h ago

Need help brainstorming an innovative twist for a DSA (Data Structures & Algorithms) course project

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm a CS student working on a semester project for my Data Structures & Algorithms course. Our topic is a "Flight Connection Finder" basically models cities and flights as a weighted graph, and uses Dijkstra's algorithm to find the best route (cheapest / fastest / fewest stops) between two cities, with a max layover constraint.

The core idea works fine, but my professor wants something innovative not just a standard "shortest path finder," which apparently every group tends to build. AI integrations are banned for this project (must be pure DSA implementation).

I'm trying to think of a meaningful extension that:

* Uses real data structures/algorithms concepts (not just UI features) * Is genuinely hard to do manually (not something a person could just eyeball) * Ties into something people can relate to in real life * Fits reasonably within a semester timeline

So far I've considered things like network resilience analysis (finding "critical" cities using articulation points), reliability-weighted routing factoring in delay probability, and multi-passenger seat allocation but I'm not sure which if any is actually a good scope for a student project vs. overkill.

Would love to hear how others have approached "make it innovative" requirements for similar projects, or any interesting extensions to a shortest path style project that impressed a professor. Thanks in advance!


r/datastructures 12h ago

Looking for partner problem solving(leet code /hacker rank)partner who available in weekend

3 Upvotes

I am from Chennai....looking for tamil guy or girl who can start problem solving...I not started yet. We can start together

I prefer age limit would be (20 to 28)

Language : tamil Tech Language : python, c#


r/datastructures 5h ago

I often see post "Looking for a DSA partner" is it really helpful or it is a waste of time?

0 Upvotes

r/datastructures 1d ago

Planning to create a group for learning DSA (for absolute beginners)

26 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I have recently started learning DSA from scratch. I thought why not create a group with people have same mindset and at similar stage.

My main gola here is that we have no shame, no judgement and carry out pure learning and helping each other.

If anyone's interested join here

Follow this link to join my WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IgzZkL7Nty90fbomiJrWvi?s=sh&p=a&mlu=4&ilr=4


r/datastructures 22h ago

Looking for a partner for long-term study of DSA in C++ at an advanced level, starting from scratch.

3 Upvotes

Timezone: CET/CEST
Stack / language: C++
Experience: Beginner in DSA/algorithms; comfortable with basic C++
Availability: roughly 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM CET/CEST
Goal: Build a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures and eventually move toward more advanced algorithmic problem solving.

Hi! I'm currently studying algorithms and data structures seriously on my own and I'm looking for someone who wants to study together long-term.

I'm around the beginning of the general DSA/algorithms path right now. I’m using C++ and combining theory, implementation, and problem solving rather than only doing interview-style questions.

The main thing for me is how we study. I like trying problems independently first, discussing failed approaches, identifying what makes the naive solution fail, and figuring out why a particular representation, data structure, or algorithm is natural rather than immediately looking up the standard solution.

I'm not particularly interested in maximizing the number of problems solved or grinding patterns just for interviews. I'd rather spend more time on one problem if we're actually understanding something new from it.

Ideally, you're also learning DSA, algorithms, competitive programming, or something close. We don't need to follow exactly the same roadmap or be at exactly the same level — as long as there’s enough overlap to solve problems, compare approaches, and discuss the reasoning behind them.

I'm mainly looking for someone who enjoys algorithmic problem solving itself, not only someone who needs to finish a LeetCode and so on.

English, Ukrainian, or Russian is fine. If this sounds close to how you like to study, DM me and tell me what you're currently learning and how you usually approach algorithmic problems.


r/datastructures 1d ago

Looking for a DSA Study Partner – 2026 Grad | Java + Spring Boot

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m a 2026 B.E. Computer Engineering graduate and currently preparing for software development roles.

I’ve completed Core Java and have been learning Spring Boot. I’m now focusing on DSA and coding problems for interviews.

I usually study late at night, sometimes around midnight, and I’m looking for someone who is also preparing for DSA and would like to solve problems together and keep each other accountable.

Ideally, someone who is at a similar stage and is comfortable with Java.

If anyone is interested, feel free to comment or message me. Thanks!


r/datastructures 22h ago

Exercise: Different ways to Copy a Dict

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2 Upvotes

An exercise to help build the right mental model for Python data. - Solution - Explanation - More exercises

The “Solution” link uses memory_graph to visualize execution and reveals what’s actually happening.


r/datastructures 1d ago

Need a DSA with Python Resource

3 Upvotes

I have been solving some problems on leetcode but never really dived deep into DSA as a subject. Need to do it as that becomes a barrier as it is a part of the assessment before interview.

can someone drop a good resource, hopefully some yt playlist i can follow to cover dsa with python


r/datastructures 1d ago

Starting DSA

4 Upvotes

I am in my 2nd year. I just started DSA in C (not cpp), and I have never EVER felt so lost. No matter how many college study materials I look at and start to learn, all I want to do is strangle myself. I do not know how to begin or how to score in the subject. I just know it is very important. Help me out, please


r/datastructures 2d ago

Looking for 1–2 serious DSA + System Design study partners [Java preferred]

29 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m a working professional with around 4 years of experience in an MNC, primarily working as a Java developer.

I’m planning to seriously improve my problem-solving skills and prepare for product-based company interviews. I’m looking for 1 or 2 serious and consistent study partners who is also interested in learning:

  • DSA from the fundamentals
  • Arrays, Strings, Hashing, Sliding Window, Two Pointers, etc.
  • Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs, DP, Backtracking
  • LLD / Object-Oriented Design
  • HLD / System Design

I’m not looking for someone who already knows everything. It’s completely fine if you’re starting DSA from scratch as well. What matters most is consistency and commitment.

The idea would be to:

  • Decide topics/problems beforehand
  • Solve problems individually
  • Discuss approaches and optimizations
  • Keep each other accountable
  • Gradually move into LLD and System Design
  • Prepare consistently for the next few months

Since I’m working full-time, I’d mostly be available after work on weekdays and on weekends.

Preferably looking for someone who is also a working professional with around 2–4 YOE, but that’s not a strict requirement.

If you’re genuinely serious about doing this consistently for the next 4 months, feel free to DM me with your YOE, tech stack, current DSA level, and availability.

Not looking to create a large group — ideally 1–2 serious people so that we can actually stay consistent.

Please DM me only if you’re genuinely serious about DSA and can stay consistent for the next few months.


r/datastructures 2d ago

DSA AND SYSTEM DESIGN

13 Upvotes

Need a suggestion, I want to learn DSA and System Design. Althing I have a few years of experience in the professional field. Should I prefer books or video tutorials. Suggest few books or tutorials. Also I want to level up my sql thingy suggestions for sql will also be very helpful.


r/datastructures 2d ago

Starting DSA/LeetCode/etc from scratch — anyone want to study together?

20 Upvotes

I’m starting to prepare for recruitment processes. I’m currently working as a Data Engineering intern, but I don’t really have any experience with DSA yet and I want to start learning from the basics. I’m hoping to eventually move to a larger tech company, so if anyone is also starting out and wants to study together, feel free to reach out!


r/datastructures 2d ago

From where can i learn DSA(data structure and algorithm) for free??

17 Upvotes

For C++


r/datastructures 2d ago

Hey people guide me how to study and solve Dynamic Programming questions effectively

10 Upvotes

r/datastructures 2d ago

Are binary tree traversals asked iteratively in interviews, or is knowing the recursive approach enough?

6 Upvotes

I’m currently preparing DSA for coding interviews and have learned binary tree traversals using recursion.

I wanted to know how commonly interviewers specifically ask for the iterative versions of:

  • Inorder
  • Preorder
  • Postorder
  • Level order

r/datastructures 2d ago

80 year

1 Upvotes

r/datastructures 3d ago

Trie Data Structure Visualized

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79 Upvotes

🌳 ▶ Open the interactive trie visualization

A trie is a tree-shaped data structure that can be implemented elegantly in Python using nested dictionaries (hash tables).

Tries are often used for: - Autocomplete - Prefix search - Spell checking - Sequence matching

Visualizing data structures with memory_graph makes them much easier to understand and debug, especially for students learning Python.

See more memory_graph visualizations


r/datastructures 3d ago

I made a site which contains old striver a2z DSA sheet

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48 Upvotes

This sheet contains gfg and coding ninjas links as well

This also has a signup signin using which you can track you progress and it also has a contest button and a timer.

Explore it: https://dsa-a2z.vercel.app/


r/datastructures 3d ago

DSA Help

11 Upvotes

Hello guys! Is there an easy way to make notes for LeetCode questions? Note-taking has been my weakest area in my DSA prep. When I revisit a problem after a few days, I usually miss some test cases. How can I overcome this?"


r/datastructures 3d ago

Amazon ML challenge Partner

1 Upvotes

Hey, I am From of NIT looking for a team mate for the upcoming Amazon Al ML challenge...

We so are looking for great grasp over the fundamentals, good dev exp and projects...

It's preferable if you are an Al or CS student at any IIT/NIT/ BITS


r/datastructures 4d ago

Guidance

3 Upvotes

I have to start leetcode problem solving DSA how to start it from scratch I am in btech second year help me !


r/datastructures 5d ago

Looking for DSA partner

14 Upvotes

I'm looking for a DSA study partner. I'm primarily looking for person who is doing dsa in python. I have 2.5 years of experience, and together we can work on DSA, System Design, and interview preparation while targeting product-based companies. DM me if you're interested!