🧠 My DSA Journey So Far: From Arrays to Linked Lists with Striver’s A2Z Sheet

When I first started exploring the world of Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), I knew it was going to be challenging — but also something that would shape my path as a future Software Development Engineer. Like many, I didn’t want to wander aimlessly through random topics. I needed a roadmap, a structured guide. That’s when I discovered Striver’s A2Z DSA Sheet — and it changed everything.

📋 Why I Chose Striver’s A2Z DSA Sheet

Striver (TUF - Take U Forward) has been a name I trusted from the beginning. His A2Z Sheet isn't just a collection of problems — it's a thoughtfully designed step-by-step plan that covers DSA from absolute basics to advanced topics. Whether you’re a beginner or someone revisiting fundamentals, the sheet gives you clarity and direction.

For me, having such structure removed the overwhelm. It gave me a daily goal, a learning rhythm, and a feeling of progress.

🔍 What I’ve Covered So Far

✅ 1. Basics of Programming

• I brushed up on core programming constructs like loops, conditionals, and functions.
• Practiced simple input/output, patterns, and dry-running logic.

✅ 2. Arrays

• Solved classic array questions including max/min, linear search, and frequency count.
• Explored two-pointer techniques and sliding window patterns.

✅ 3. Binary Search

• Understood both standard and advanced binary search problems.
• Practiced problems like finding square roots, peak elements, and first/last occurrences.

✅ 4. Hashing

• Learned the power of hash maps for constant-time lookups.
• Implemented frequency counters and used hashing for prefix sums and set operations.

✅ 5. Recursion + Backtracking

• Strengthened my recursive thinking through problems like factorial, subsets, permutations.
• Dipped into basic backtracking techniques that laid a solid base for future topics.

✅ 6. Linked Lists

• Implemented singly and doubly linked lists from scratch.
• Practiced problems like reversal, cycle detection, middle node, and merging sorted lists.
• Developed deeper intuition into pointers, memory references, and linked data structures.

💪 What I’ve Gained So Far

• Problem-Solving Discipline: Solving DSA problems regularly has become a habit.
• Improved Coding Skills: I’ve become more confident with writing clean, bug-free code.
• Strong Foundation: Covering topics in order gave me clarity and built a solid base for advanced concepts.

🎯 What’s Next?

I’m currently entering the Stack & Queue segment of the A2Z Sheet. My goal is to:

• Stay consistent.
• Deeply understand each data structure and its real-world applications.
• Prepare myself for coding interviews at top product-based companies like Google, Amazon, etc.

🙏 Final Thoughts

Learning DSA isn’t just about cracking interviews — it’s about building the ability to think logically, solve problems efficiently, and write optimized code.

Thanks to Striver’s A2Z DSA Sheet, my journey has been structured, motivating, and impactful so far. I’m excited to keep moving forward — one problem at a time.

If you're starting your DSA journey, I highly recommend giving the A2Z Sheet a try. Consistency beats speed. Just show up every day, even if it’s one problem — and the results will follow.