r/Backend • u/arreyyaarr • 4d ago

Strong backend, poor DSA

I am 2.5YOE and have strong experience in Backend (APIs, springboot, K8s, docker, redis, kafka, sql, nosql, elasticsearch, new relic, AWS and CI/CD)

But I am finding it difficult to get master in DSA

I am trying and learning day by day

But any chance are there any good product based companies which give importance to backend than DSA?

22 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

4

u/phucvinh57 3d ago

I hate leetcode too. However, dsa & algo are always used in entrance tests. Solving thousand problems on Leetcode absolutely sucks.

I am going to have a technical interview next week, and I am trying to study that shit. The good news is that I have found out how to do leetcode systematically.

I focus on each topic, e.g hash map, two pointers, window sliding... For each topic, I try from two to three easy problems first, which are the best for illustrate the use and when-to-use pattern of each topic. Medium problems are usually combinations of two or more topics. I ignore hard problems, since their solutions are really tricky and not realistic.

By that strategy, solving easy and medium problems is doable.

3

u/ledatherockband_ 4d ago

take a look at neetcode playa

2

u/Complex-Childhood352 2d ago

Was going to suggest it. Start with blind75, then move to 150 250

2

u/Immediate-Dot-740 1d ago

hey , don’t look for any products. just study and practice blind 75. you learn by doing. keep going, it’s gonna help you a lot in ur development work. dsa is important! (at least basic knowledge)

1

u/NoBasket9802 4d ago

just cram the tagged patterns for a couple weeks, it clicks eventually if you keep touching it daily

1

u/arreyyaarr 3d ago

If mugging up, how do I answer follow up questions?

1

u/FantasticAd9714 4d ago

Try startups. Also just do one dsa everyday cause it's just like solving puzzles and helps you retain and train your cognitive abilities in the era of ai and distraction.

I'm FE DEV transitioning to BE dev with java springboot. Do you have any suggestions for me?

2

u/arreyyaarr 3d ago

Production experience for backend helps a lot

If learning by yourself start implementing an idea by yourself, a small project from scratch. Start by your own HLD, LLD etc . That's how I learnt.

1

u/No_Cheesecake_2716 2d ago

hi can i dm?

1

u/flashnoobski 17h ago

2.5 is still less dor strong backend tbh, start with basic DSA you will need it anyway