Almost every big tech company from Amazon, Facebook, to Microsoft heavily emphasizes Data Structure and Algorithms proficiency of candidates.

Despite being one of the most-demanding skills, the students tend to skip learning Data Structures and Algorithms as they consider it just a mere subject of Computer Science discipline. However, what they don't know is the utmost usage of Data Structures in developing efficient applications and real life.

Undoubtedly, when it comes to the placement scenario, it is witnessed that Data Structure and Algorithm is one of the prominent parts of the recruitment process in the on-campus and off-campus placement process.

Almost every big tech company from Amazon, Facebook, to Microsoft heavily emphasizes Data Structure and Algorithms proficiency of candidates. So, to understand why every product-based company expects its candidates to have sound knowledge of the subjects, we must identify the role of DS and Algorithms in these organizations.

Industry Demand for Data Structures and Algorithms

Top tier tech brands such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Youtube, etc. focus more on designing things in the most-optimal manner that improves user experience and enhances tracking and managing. For example, an optimal solution for a problem with time complexity of O(nLogn) instead of O(n^2) can help an organization with n users save thousands of dollars and time and resources. Hence, these companies ask most of the questions related to Data Structures and Algorithms in interviews to assess a candidate's approach for solving any real-world problem.

Data Structures and Algorithms are not only crucial to land your dream job, but it also helps in improving problem-solving and analytical skills that can prompt you to think out-of-the-box solutions.

Furthermore, it will also enable your future endeavors as it is something that will never go out of demand considering the rapid evolution of technologies and an increasing amount of data.

Approach to learn DS and Algorithms for Placements

Students need to follow a series of strategic steps to make the learning process more convenient and efficient. Let us take a look at below mentioned approaches:

1. Look Out for Best Resources

In this era of the internet, one can find a number of resources such as video lectures, tutorials, etc., and yet it is quite a daunting task to find relevant material. Often, due to lack of guidance, students come across poor learning resources that are unable to make them proficient in Data Structures and Algorithms and also kills the interest and curiosity in the subject.

Hence, learners must opt for courses offered by a reliable platform to start learning Data Structures and Algorithms, where you can get access to various DS and Algorithms tutorials and online courses.

2. Understand the Fundamentals

Can you expect yourself to traverse a tree in a level order without having a knowledge of tree implementation? Obviously not! You must need to go through the basics of each and every Data Structure, whether it be Stack, Queue, Linked List, Binary Search Trees, Hash Tables, or any other, to make any real progress.

3. Practice, Practice and Practice

Indeed, the best way to learn DS and Algorithms is to implement all the theoretical concepts in real-life problems or projects. One must practice as many problems as possible to master algorithmic techniques and be able to solve various computational problems. It will enhance your knowledge of DS and Algo and boost your confidence in doing well in upcoming interviews.

Have you learned enough Data Structures and Algorithms?

As DS and Algorithms are made of several topics and sub-topics, students often find themselves in a dilemma - whether they've learned enough Data Structures and Algorithms or not?

To check, the students can take a simple self-assessment test by analyzing where to apply which Data Structure. For example, if there is a particular problem scenario that requires search, insert, and delete, you must be aware of using hashing for the optimal solution. You must also be able to solve many problems based on dynamic programming, divide and conquer, backtracking, etc. to become confident of your Data Structures and Algorithms skills.

Not to forget Competitive Programming, the students can take part in competitive programming or coding challenges to best assess their DS and Algorithms skills. Besides, doing well in competitive programming can also reward learners with some ravishing career opportunities in tech giants.

So, if you're willing to make your career as a Software Developer and want to get placed in your dream company, you must be proficient in Data Structure and Algorithms.

So, start learning Data Structures and Algorithms, solve the complex problems efficiently and nail your upcoming interviews!

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house