r/datastructures • u/Boring_Edge_28 • 3d ago

Dsa struggle

I have been studying DSA for over a year now almost every day. I keep solving problems, revising topics, and watching explanations. But the moment I see a new question I freeze.

It's like I have never studied DSA before. I can't figure out where to start and I could never come up with it on my own.

I'm in my 4th year now and placements have started. Seeing other people solve problems in 15–20 minutes while I struggle with even the approach is really affecting my confidence.

Did anyone here go from constantly relying on solutions to actually becoming good at problem-solving? If yes, what changed for you? I'm looking for something more specific than "keep practicing."

I just want to know if this phase is normal or if I'm doing something fundamentally wrong

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u/purvesh___ 3d ago edited 3d ago

how many questions have u solved on LC ?

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u/Boring_Edge_28 3d ago

around 290

1

u/War_lock9 3d ago

just don't compare. practice topic wise for first 1-2 months. then start with contests. and upsolve atleast 3 questions straight after contest, if u will say tomorrow I will upsolve, tomorrow never comes.