How to get started with DSA? - All you need to know

How to get started with DSA? - All you need to know

ยท

5 min read

Hey guys! back then when I started my coding journey I was so confused about How to learn to code, which language to choose, and how to get started with it. After investing enough time and energy in this field I think I am able to guide you for the better.

A lot of people say coding is easy, and give you a false timeline by saying you can learn it in 2 months or 3 months. But by bursting all these myths I wanna say that Coding is not easy it's not hard either but it's challenging.

It is never about how many months you can do it, but it's about how much time you invest on daily basis. Let's talk about it in detail.

Step 1: Start with the coding mindset

So what is a coding mindset? The mindset of coding is that coding requires effort. A lot of people do start with coding and give up in 2-3 weeks. They start coding because it's in demand, yeah it can be a reason but not the primary reason.

What people do not see is coding requires hours of research, tutorials, and actual coding. You get used to sitting in front of the screen understanding code. You gotta be prepared for it.

Reasons Why You Should Learn Coding In 2020 | by TAMANNA SINGH | Medium

Step 1.1: Choosing a Language

Once you prepare your mind for this start with a language. Most people suggest starting with one of the languages which are JAVA, C++, and Python.

But what I personally recommend is to start with Java because it's easy to understand. And it is enough to understand how coding works.

Step 2: Learning a Language

Learning a language takes effort in the starting phase of it because it takes time with the basic concepts like If else, loops, and all.

The best way to learn a language is to learn the fundamentals of that language first. Even if you want to learn Data structure and algorithms you will need to master the fundamentals.

21 Most Popular Programming Languages in the World (and where to learn them)

Now the question is where can you find the tutorials of Java and DSA so no problem here it is - JAVA + DSA

You start with your coding journey by clicking on the link above.

Step 3: Save yourself from falling into the tutorial Hell

So what is a tutorial hell is it a real thing? well yes! it is a real thing. Tutorial hell is when you keep on watching tutorial after tutorial and you think that you are learning but actually you didn't write a single line of code by yourself.

You keep on revolving in a circle and you never make forward progress. Coding is all about practice.

Another type of this hell is few people start writing code along with the tutor. They just pause the video and start coding what they are seeing in the tutorial.

tutorial hell - freeCodeCamp.org

Well, this is not writing the code. This is writing code, this is copying the code and cheating on yourself at the same time.

The best way to save yourself from this is while watching the tutorial do not write any code, watch 10 mins of the tutorial and then stop the video and write the code that you learn. This is called implementation.

If you are learning to solve a question, then solve it first, and if are able to do it and get stuck watch that much only so that you can get a hint. If you do not come with any intuition watch the whole solution, pause the video, and start writing code.

Just do not write code while watching, and do not copy-paste.

Step 4: Building projects

Coding is of no use if you do not try your knowledge in building actual real-life projects. If you wanna get a job or anything you have building projects.

How to go from coding tutorials to building your own projects

Start with the small projects to build like stone paper scissors or sudoku solver or anything. But start actually building something. And by this, you will be able to understand the use of new tech stacks.

Step 4.1: Contribute to the open source

Open source contribution is the best way to enhance your credibility as a programmer. You actually get to learn about how and what is expected from you as a coder in the real world.

Open Source 101: Everything You Need To Know About Open Source Your  Complete Guide To Open Source And More | Ashnik

Open-source contributions level up your skills as well as your confidence. To know more about open-source contribution and how to get started check out this blog - Start Your open-source Journey

Step 4.2: Learn In Public

Learning in public is the best way to build your social presence. Learning in public basically means sharing what you have learned or what conference you attended. It will help you build your network.

Learn In Public - YouTube

Networking with people helps you get more opportunities and it's very good for your early career growth.

Sum Up

This is enough to start with your coding journey, As you will invest more time and energy you will get good at it.

If you liked this blog do not forget to like and comment.

Thank You! ๐Ÿ˜Š

Did you find this article valuable?

Support Ishan Gaur by becoming a sponsor. Any amount is appreciated!

ย