DSA with Java - Beginner Roadmap
Step 1: Master Java Basics (1-2 weeks)
Before starting DSA, learn the following Java fundamentals:
- Variables, Data Types, Operators
- Loops, Conditionals
- Functions and Recursion
- Arrays & Strings Basics
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Resources:
- Apna College Java Playlist
- Kunal Kushwaha Java Bootcamp
Step 2: Learn Core Data Structures (2-4 weeks)
Understand and implement:
- Arrays, Strings, Linked List
- Stack & Queue
- HashMap and HashSet
Practice easy-level problems on LeetCode and GFG.
Use Apna College's or Kunal Kushwaha's DSA playlists.
Step 3: Learn Core Algorithms (4-8 weeks)
Important algorithm categories:
- Recursion & Backtracking
- Sorting (Bubble, Merge, Quick)
- Searching (Binary Search)
- Sliding Window, Two Pointer, Hashing
- Dynamic Programming (Knapsack, LIS)
- Trees (Traversal, Diameter, LCA)
DSA with Java - Beginner Roadmap
- Graphs (BFS, DFS, Dijkstra, Union-Find)
Use Striver's or Love Babbar's DSA Sheet for problem tracking.
Step 4: Competitive Programming & Interview Prep
Start solving timed problems and mock interviews on:
- LeetCode
- Codeforces
- GeeksforGeeks
- HackerRank
Track your progress and review problems regularly.
Suggested Weekly Plan
Week 1: Java basics (variables, loops, arrays)
Week 2: Functions, recursion, strings
Week 3: Arrays & sorting
Week 4: HashMap, Stack, Queue
Week 5: Linked List, Two pointers
Week 6: Recursion, Backtracking
Week 7: Trees: Traversals, height, LCA
Week 8: Graphs: BFS, DFS
Week 9+: DP, Sliding Window, Bit Manipulation