Do You Need To Learn Data Structures & Algorithms As A Developer?

A short discussion on learning data structures and algorithms as a developer.
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[@TraversyMedia]

Thanks to James for sharing his knowledge and experience on this subject. Leave a comment and let us know what your experience has been like as far as whiteboard interviews, data structures and algorithms. Thanks for watching!!

[@official.mhm13]

This topic was much needed

[@user-yq7nr5rq9o]

C++ DSA Full course plZ😍😍😍

[@Voidstroyer]

The short answer is: yes you do need to know data structures and algorithms. However, I do feel that emphasis should be on data structures. Most algorithms depend on a or a few data structures in order to implement. In your job you will be writing your own algorithms based on the chosen data structures. If you know your data structures, algorithms will be much easier to implement.

[@cosslogan1043]

I just wish teaching on DSA was more visual, I always struggle with abstract, math focused concepts, especially as a visual, spatial learner.

[@MARTELRA1983]

The most important note to take from this video is NEVER stop learning your craft. Nothing stays the same and could change overnight! Always learn something even if it is difficult. If it is difficult then break it down to smaller segments and learn little by little until you can piece it all together.

[@tamtrinh3154]

Cliche!

[@Artificial_Intelligence_AI]

This is one of the most honest, realistic video about Algorithms and DS I've seen in the internet. Specifically the part of telling you not to jump into leetcode and similar platforms too early, because I have seen tons of instructors encouraging people with 0 experience in solving problems to start practicing in those platforms and that can be very frustrating, even trying the easiest problems there. Great content!

[@kathleenmccarthy6347]

Really helpful to hear your perspective! I have wondered about this. I'm nowhere near being at ' prepare for interview' stage but will pass on your link to others who are.

[@ahmad-murery]

Nice video James, Understanding DSA was not an option to me as I started programming when PC resources were very limited (or at least mine) and we always had to find solutions for insufficient memory, speed and even for low graphic capabilities/resolution (although it was called "Hi-Res" back in the days) Thanks once again James

[@fyardlest1]

Thank you so much guys! This video helps a lot. Keep going! Keep sharing!

[@sumitwadhwa8823]

What an amazing video. Thanks so much James. And thanks so much Brad for posting this video.

[@usamahussain4461]

Probably the best answer on this topic... Thank you!

[@codeNameMoose907]

I was a bit confused for a while because I was on Brad's channel and was seeing James face. LOL. This was super informative. Thank you so much, Brad and James! I watch each of your channels often.

[@LawrenceDCodes.]

James you're too awesome in so many ways. thanks.

[@chimutt]

I have mentored many people who are just getting started in software development/coding, and I always tell them that if they are going to take just one academic course, make it data structures and algorithms. It's true that few jobs require you to implement complex algorithms, but you will use data structures nearly every time you code. Having some basic knowledge will make you a better programmer, even for mundane tasks. I do agree that you can build up knowledge and understanding over time. You do not need to stress too much about memorizing it all, just have a general understanding. I am not sure what percentage of all my interviews included a whiteboard portion, but most of the interviews for jobs I wanted did. These were smallish, local startups, and the whiteboard exercises were more about getting a general sense of how someone writes code, not so much about solving a particularly complex problem.

[@ericblancas8113]

technical discussions about certain projects are the best interviews that I've done personally. The most algorithmic/data structure heavy interview I've ever gotten was talking about BSTs and time complexities of certain algorithms, just talked about it and didn't really code it.

[@JamesQQuick]

LOVE talking about previous projects! Hope you handled the time complexity question well!

[@bhavishyanegi9721]

Now I see why all Indians are ruling the silicon valley we have 3 DSA interviews whiteboard + machine in most of the product based companies, you need to explain the approach and write the code. Projects are asked by the HRs only.

[@ericblancas8113]

​@@bhavishyanegi9721 You also need to consider the factor of the company you're applying to in the first place. If I get a algorithmic and data structure heavy interview, that instantly tells me on what type of company they are, culture, etc.

[@augustineezeonu8147]

@@ericblancas8113, please, what does such companies with heavy DSA interviews tell you? I wish to be on the know.

[@ericblancas8113]

@@augustineezeonu8147 As in interview wise or job wise?. Job wise, they pretty much don't tell you anything regarding the work, and let it explain for itself. It's typical problems you would need to solve that isn't on Google/Stackoverflow. These are one of the reasons why they interview you on DSA in the first place to test your creativity alongside with optimisation skills. Interview wise, they'll ask you standard algorithmic questions, and see if you can communicate with your thought process. They'll tell you to code, optimise and best case / worst case scenario in terms of Big O notation.

[@deejaydev]

Thanks James, I think if you want to learn Data Structurs and Algo, just start building, google less and think. Once I am done solving the issue then I start focusing on refactoring the code, etc...Thanks again Brad and James, bless

[@h_maina]

Great to see James joining the channel as a contributor.

[@seananih7609]

This was a very helpful video. Thanks and good job 👍🏾

[@dreamisover9813]

Some great resources, thank you!

[@arkimphiri]

Amazing. thank you so much sir. its clear

[@bru513]

I've wondering about this. Thanks a bunch! BTW, what exercises/ materials would you recommend for people who want to practice javascript?

[@onibenjo]

Wonderful and very Insightful

[@mohammedbn703]

Awesome James, very informative video.

[@JamesQQuick]

Thank you!

[@alpaykatipogullari1276]

Great staff thank you.

[@ExpatTraderFX]

James you are amazing my guy..

[@jagadeeshkj5561]

Data structures is not just a way of programming. It's can be the way of living your life as a programmer slash developer. ⚡

[@emisosa]

In my 20+ experience ( I stopped counting to feel younger, hence the + ) I have needed on occasions algorithms experience, and thinking of O(n) problems, specially when dealing with firmware with limited cpu usage. You count clock cycles basically!. But rarely needed experience during my career with these exceptions But on the other hand, data structures is fundamental! Knowing what's what, and what happens under the hood if you insert delete or iterate through data. Or building cache algorithms. I have used these knowledge almost on every project I been involved. As a suggestion, PLEASE get more involved in OOP. This experience is getting scarce in the industry as UI scripting or Javascript type languages become more popular or become the sole role of a programmer. Keep OOP in your skills. I am aware Javascript allows some form of OOP. But you know what I meant.

[@FrozenPrimordial]

hey im a new developer do u recommend learning javascript as a first language?

[@emisosa]

@@FrozenPrimordial as a first language. Yes. But treat it as such, don't get obsessed with it ending up using it for everything. ( a.k.a. using electron to build a windows app in Javascript 🤮 )

[@emisosa]

@@FrozenPrimordial as a programmer, the biggest mistake you can make is to find a hammer, and begin to think everything is a nail. I've seen it over and over, specially with abuse of software patterns when they are not needed!

[@emisosa]

@@FrozenPrimordial and the last advise, write code thinking there's a tax on files with too many lines of code. Isolate your code. Compartmentalize. Abstraction is key. To be a good coder you need to be a master of abstraction.

[@FrozenPrimordial]

@@emisosa thank u so much for the advice i will keep them in mind through my journey

[@tedfitzpatrickyt]

I’ve been interviewing a lot recently for front-end positions and DSA hasn’t come up too much. More of the interviews are based on javascript, React, and sometimes css. Some companies do use online coding test platforms where the performance of the solution *is* measured - so time and space complexity matters. I haven’t yet needed to code a BST or reverse a linked list in javascript.

[@JamesQQuick]

Yeah I've never done a BST myself lol Good luck with the interviewing!

[@OsundareToheeb]

I just finished a task on algorithm for intern front end role

[@morp1499]

Dude you applied for front-end position, ofc there isn't any DSA question

[@gonkong5638]

@@OsundareToheeb That's company is greedy af.

[@creativedigitalagency6559]

Thanks 🙏🏽

[@mahmoudalhussain9291]

Thanks for this helpful content, i hope that you make a tutorial about progressive web apps

[@devcyber303]

Thanks james i hope to make more courses about DSA

[@JamesQQuick]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sweatypotato248]

men the Intro is just iconic always know what Im watching

[@ariell121]

Quick answer, yes!

[@aadil4236]

Thank you!!!

[@musicmasala2391]

Please make a series on data structures and algorithms (for interviews)

[@JamesQQuick]

I'm planning on doing more content like that!

[@musicmasala2391]

@@JamesQQuick would love to learn DSA from you James ❤️....(because why to limit our oppurtunities only with the companies that don't ask DSA on interviews)

[@tapank415]

my answer to this video is pretty simple, learn when you need it. let's you're building a App that shows products in a specific with conditions like most reviewed & top rated, then you have to write a simple algo to do that. & you can't avoid that ofcourse. as long as you dont need it, you don't need to learn it.

[@abenjamin13]

Fantastic thank you for the udemy suggestion.

[@JamesQQuick]

It's such a good course!

[@abenjamin13]

@@JamesQQuick bought it this morning ✅

[@wagnermoreira786]

yes you 100% need it! if you think you don't you just didn't get serious enough with coding yet, as you progress on your career this will become more clear to you

[@rdkrussel]

Sorry I disagree. I'm a senior developer going on 7 years. I've worked for several different companies and interviewed with dozens more. I never once had to white board and also I've never once in my day to day programming had to utilize some sort of data structure. I've had to make things more performance and efficient but 9 times out of 10 there's already something available or using Google for a couple hours usually does the trick.

[@wagnermoreira786]

@@rdkrussel this goes back to what I said, you didn't get to build things serious enough/complex enough, OR, you are already using DSA and you don't know

[@rajatmalviya1097]

Thanks for the video, I am looking for a job and i was wondering if i should do it or not, now i have decided to take some time and do it later. It would be good if you would have coverd 1 question - What should we say in an interview when they ask about DSA ?

[@parthkumarchaudhary]

Awesome. James is my favourite when it comes to JAM Stack. I liked your collaboration. Keep it up.

[@JamesQQuick]

The JAMES Stack some call it lol

[@AdityaSingh-ql9ke]

Here in India...if we are looking for a normal paying job ( around 10k USD in a year ), then these are things to be done : 1. We first have to clear a test which has : -> Quantitative Aptitude ( Things like : ratios, age problems, mixtures, simple interest, trains, maths : fractions, lcm, hcf etc.) -> Reasoning Test -> Computer Science Concepts ( DSA, DBMS, CN, OOPs, OS) -> 2 or 3 coding questions in order of : easy --> medium --> difficult 2. Although its not very common, but after clearing this test, we may have to go through a group discussion round. 3. After this completion, a series of technical and managerial rounds are conducted, and last round is going to be HR round. There can be around 3 rounds of interview on an average. (bigger companies, like walmart go for 6-7 rounds) The given things are asked ( listed priority wise ) : -> Data Structure and Algorithms - Problem solving on a sheet of paper or on a computer. -> DBMS concepts ( usually RDBMS : making it more difficult ) - Queries and other concepts are asked. -> OOPs concepts -> OS concepts -> Computer Networking Concepts ( OSI layers mainly ) -> tech giants (like MAANG or Nutanix/adobe etc.) also ask : system design -> very rare occasions ( tech giants like amazon ) may ask : compiler design Discussion is obviously not limited to these topics. I was asked about encrytpion, rest apis and other things as well. 4. Resume Projects are discussed thoroughly in interviews. 5. And of course, our english (not a primary laguage) has to be satisfactory at the very least..otherwise we are kicked out and are told that our communication skills are bad.

[@yogij17]

Thanks for explaining. Can you please discuss if we need to learn dynamic programming as well?

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️...

[@ayyubme]

I love james Q Quick🤩

[@JamesQQuick]

Thank you :)

[@nameisolugbenga]

Honestly, I kinda think about this a lot!!!!!!

[@youtoocancode]

That is a very nice explanation. Purpose is very important in this case as you have rightly stated. If you're can get some jobs that don't require DSA, it is okay to go for those jobs except one only needs jobs that require DSA. So, DSA should be learnt to improve one's understanding of computer science as learning is continuous or when they're required. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@JamesQQuick]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mj2758]

In my opinion i think learning the fundamentals of DSA is enough if you're not planning to apply for a job in FAANG

[@ayyubme]

Thanksss

[@cosslogan1043]

I just wish teaching on DSA was more visual, I always struggle with abstract, math focused concepts, especially as a visual, spatial learner.

[@shubhamraval4593]

Thanks

[@tesfahunkebede208]

It would be great if you started a DS and Algo Series 🙏

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️...

[@anon-fz2bo]

brad u are my idol pls do GoLang video in the future! tx for all the dope content

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️...

[@Juzzyjuzzy]

Colt Steele is a legend

[@kleczekr]

I don't think this will be a popular video, but I think it summarizes the question really well. Kudos to James Quick, good content!

[@JeanDidier]

Thanks for this. The idea of a whiteboard is just paralysing for folks with added imposter syndrom

[@2coding]

I've tried to apply for many jobs in my country but none of them asked me those data structures but they asked me simple coding exercises and I'm a college student in IT but we don't learn those crazy data structures and algorithms. They teach us on introduction of them.

[@shubhamsigdar3922]

Thank you @traversy

[@altansukht.2877]

After working with some totally bonkers of junior "developers", I would say it is a-must-know subject for any developers. Not necessarily we use it everyday, but it sets mindset that is mindful of his/her code complexities and performance issues. I told juniors to change some data structure that could serve for all types of the "object" that we were dealing with, but some dope decided to push on with his rendition of fixed data structure which resulted entire Redux store and most part of the API needed be refactored. For example, current Redux store (almost complete by now) that I am developing is around 20% size of what that monstrosity used to be.

[@leisti]

The fact that the question is even posed is puzzling to me, as the core of programming consists of data structures and algorithms.

[@kotimara8711]

Learning DSA : Absolutely yes Grinding Leetcode : Totally useless as long as one's not preparing for big-tech interviews Leetcode or 90% of the questions make zero real life sense. By learning data structure, one should be able to put together a compiler, not calculate distance between to points in a impossible scenario.

[@JamesQQuick]

I think you've got a good point. Whiteboarding interviews are so debated, but it's hard to debate the benefit of DSA the further you go in your career!

[@pup4301]

Well it is good to know the distance formula?

[@kotimara8711]

@@pup4301 it is good to know distance formula, theory of relativity, philosophy of Nietzsche and many more things. But general software engineering job doesn't demand any of these. The point here is not *distance formula* . The point is, interviews shouldn't ask irrelevant DSA questions. Rather they can ask to solve real life problems using DSA and other disciplines of software engineering.

[@MrDFJohnson]

You may need data structures and a whole lot more stuff. Of course as with most things, it depends on the project. For a typical web developer, you don't even have to know how a computer works. But for FAANG companies, if you don't have a traditional computer science degree you better know algorithms and data structures well. And you better know some math.

[@DoctorSoulis]

Does back-end dev need DSA a lot?

[@sobitprasad7335]

@@DoctorSoulis Yes

[@pup4301]

Would be cool if they told you that you have to download this library, use that library to then read, make, or interact with files, servers or data. Then make a program that would solve a specific problem. Just saying.

[@omomer3506]

@TravesryMedia, at one point yall must be listening in to my internal dialogue, cuz this the nth time you have made a video about a query i was struggling with

[@JamesQQuick]

Glad this was timely!

[@omomer3506]

@@JamesQQuick definitely

[@zamanovmaarif]

It would be great if there was a subtitle

[@tbcfrankee]

DS&A are just logical puzzles, you're given them to show that you have the mental capacity to work through challenging problems. In my opinion, memorizing solutions to DS&A is counter-productive for its purpose. You should focus on understanding the process to solving hard problems, and not simply learning the answer. Which is why Google comes up with their own problems, so people who rote memorize answers can be identified.

[@CodeAProgram]

Nice

[@DoctorSoulis]

HASH MAP!

[@Joshuahendrix]

Got my current position with no whiteboard style anything

[@user-yq7nr5rq9o]

C++ DSA Full course plZ😍😍😍

[@tusharadhikari1507]

Hi there, I know dsa in extremely important for CS student therefore i want to buy a Udemy course for dsa using js. Althrough i checked this video's recommended dsa course on udemy but it's not updated from last 3year. My question is anyone has any suggetion for dsa course OR the recommended course is good? Thank you for your valueble suggetion in advance..☺

[@tonyp3173]

Bro, all of these jobs now-a-days require coding questions being answered at the time of interview.

[@Broski_Rodragweez]

Recursion is the most common algo. A Dev can go years without writing another algorithm.

[@elijahtraumen8007]

Does anyone know if the JavaScript and data structures masterclass is worth it or is the freecodecamp version as good?

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️...

[@asifthecodinglover]

Hey, I have a question that i was wondering to know the best answer. What is the best way to learn new technology? just watching youtube videos are enough? i am asking this because when i start working on project on new tech which i learned from youtube videos, i forgot what i learned.

[@beomseok5957]

Helpline📲📥⬆️ Question can come in⬆️..

[@threeone6012]

Knowledge decays rapidly. If you don't need a skillset for your job don't learn it because you're going to forget it. Any employer that expects expert knowledge in algorithms and 100 other things doesn't understand the basics of how a human brain works.

[@usmanmughal_mirza2094]

Perfect answer 👍

[@AbnerG787]

as a self thought web developer, just starting (done with html/css/js working on REACT now), is it realistic that I could get a job starting around 50K working from home?

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️...

[@JimKernix]

Are you talking about 2 different things (1. data structures, 2. algorithms) or are they one thing? I have an understanding of algorithms, but what do you mean by data structures? Arrays vs objects? How the overall code is built? How about a video on the basics of data structures geared towards someone like me - self-taught?

[@hello-again6994]

Two different things. For example, a linked listed can be represented with an Array or a custom object. Just look into algorithms to get a better idea.

[@JimKernix]

@@hello-again6994 That's what I thought. I have an idea what algorithms are, but I don't know what a linked list is. And I've read up on data structures and watched videos on them and still no clue. I bought Colt Steele's Udemy course that he referenced. It's 22 hours and I will watch it completely without any coding. Then I'll watch it again and do the exercises.

[@hexerei02021]

​@@JimKernix For starters you should understand Array, Linked List, Stack and Queue. And they are just classes with certain methods and a way of storing data. Array in JavaScript is an example of a Array data structure. It's a class (type) with push and pop methods. So Array is a *data structure* and some code, that for example traverses that array to find a certain value would be an *algorithm* .

[@JimKernix]

@@hexerei02021 Arrays are something I have a good handle on including all their methods, though I need to work with high order array methods more. I've seen videos on "the stack" and I know what a queue is but not in this context. Thanks

[@vectoralphaAI]

Most data structures and algorithms used in development are used from the standard library from whatever your languages your using. There is no reason or need to ever build your own version from scratch unless your doing research development.

[@beomseok5957]

Helpline📲📥⬆️ Question can come in⬆️..

[@artansadriu4387]

all workеd

[@Bagunka]

After working for a year as a cloud SWE I realized LeetCode knowledge is completely useless, aside from interviews.

[@sadiulhakim7814]

My opinion is "If you want to be not only a silly developer but also a Great programmer, this is your bounden duty to learn dsa."

[@JamesQQuick]

I think it's definitely an important part of developer growth!

[@tapank415]

dsa doesn't make you a great programmer, Other factors do matter, like testing, communication, debugging, coding a solution for a problem, & other many things.

[@lonewolfcoding5208]

what about cybersecurity?

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️

[@CigEconomy]

It's useful but your time is better spent learning computer architecture, networking, and operating systems. You can learn how to implement data structures and algorithms on the fly if needed.

[@hahnonimus]

You'll think DSA isn't necessary until you compete with DSA wizards for a job role 😎😎😎

[@Arabian_Epileptic]

Brad looks different today 😅

[@JamesQQuick]

better or worse? 🤣

[@Arabian_Epileptic]

@@JamesQQuick better 🤐

[@everyhandletaken]

James !== Brad But.. Brad !== James So I guess we get the best of both worlds 🤔

[@HeinekenLasse]

Do you want to work at FAANG ? Then yes, you need it for the interviews. Otherwise no, you don't.

[@abdulazizkharraz5431]

I already lost an opportunity because of them

[@FaisalAmin001]

What if someone want to be a fulltime freelancer ?

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️

[@jww0007]

tldr; yes just don't overdo it

[@alferatovic3396]

Algorithms NOT required for any frontend/Full-stack roles. Interviews that use them are idiotic

[@emekatimothyiloba699]

Like you said at the beginning it isn’t important

[@alibadra5367]

I am currently a 17 years old and a react developer and coding instructor. Currently just learned undergrad level datadtructurs and algos and now going for the grad level. It was one of the best decisons I've taken they develop analyticsl skills and let you writr cleaner code

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️

[@maacpiash]

FIRST!

[@Arabian_Epileptic]

Congrats 🙏🏼

[@leisti]

Yes, you were the first to post the word "first". Congratulations.

[@Arabian_Epileptic]

@@leisti it’s a big deal

[@ankushverma9392]

*Mrs Charlotte is legit and her method works like magic I keep on earning every single week with her new strategies *

[@douglasmorin7061]

Hello,Anyone there 👋

[@douglasmorin7061]

Please am new at this, How can I contact her?

[@laurajosie9926]

I'll be leaving her Contact below 👇👇this comment

[@laurajosie9926]

+13109

[@laurajosie9926]

868945

[@vinayrwt]

69th like 🙂👍

[@Arabian_Epileptic]

I’m 70th

[@TheRealOfficialBirdy]

where the fuck is brad

[@cliffordbryant6604]

With the backwardness of our economy, increment in the price of gas, alarming rates of unemployment.i must confess our country have taken a wrong turns.vividly I don't know how else to carter for my expenses

[@nasunorahl]

Um, everything you code is algorithms using data structures. Perhaps this person doesn't know what he doesn't know.

[@science_and_technology6]

What are the requirements to become an expert in creating PayPal Money Adder programs

[@ztcanada_1]

Helpline 📲📩 QUESTIONS CAN COME IN☝️⬆️ ⬆️

[@SavageScientist]

Lawrence is an amazing guy he also has a youtube channel kzbin.info