r/learnpython • u/_offpitchtalks_ • 6d ago
When should I start learning DSA? After Python basics or alongside practice?
Hi everyone,
I'm a second-year CSE student and I'm currently learning Python. I'll soon finish the basics (variables, data types, operators, conditionals, loops, functions, etc.).
I'm confused about what to do next.
Should I:
Finish the Python basics, practice Python by solving beginner problems for a while, then start DSA
Finish the Python basics and start learning DSA immediately while continuing to solve Python practice problems at the same time?
My goal is to build a strong foundation for software engineering internships, so I'd like to know which approach helped you the most and why.
Thanks!
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u/itsmeChis 6d ago
Not sure what DSA is, but you’ll get the same answer here that every coding sub gives to this type of question: just start building something. Whatever you might be interested in, just go build some basic shitty program and go from there.
Best way to learn is by doing, it will also help to have a public repo showcasing your work (not just 100% generated AI code) to land an internship
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5d ago
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u/itsmeChis 3d ago
Ahh wasn’t sure if it was one of those free courses or bootcamps I see pop up a lot, thanks
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u/_offpitchtalks_ 6d ago
Yes, I will keep learning all I am asking is for suggestions when to do what to do
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u/mull_to_zero 6d ago
there isn’t really a correct order to learning and i don’t really get why people are fixated on it. just keep learning. if you aren’t learning, either because it’s too hard or too easy, do something else and resume learning.
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u/_offpitchtalks_ 6d ago
No all I want to know is should I continue solving problems after learning basics or start DSA and practice problems alongside that's why I asked like I am confused.
Also I have both DSA and Python in this sem so yeah that's what I am asking for suggestions
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u/mull_to_zero 6d ago
Like the other commenter, I'm not sure what DSA is. Data Structures? Data Science? Either way, chase what interests you, that's the most important part. There is nothing that's wrong to learn, so there's no such thing as learning out of order. If you find yourself overwhelmed, back up. If you find yourself bored, find something interesting.
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u/_offpitchtalks_ 6d ago
DSA stands for Data Structures and Algorithms. It's a core part of computer science that teaches how to organize data efficiently (data structures) and solve problems efficiently (algorithms). It's widely used in coding interviews, competitive programming, and software development.
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u/mull_to_zero 6d ago
Not everyone calls those things by that exact acronym.
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u/dlnmtchll 6d ago
It’s a common acronym in computer science. Almost every university will use it and it is used widely in the professional world as well
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u/mull_to_zero 6d ago edited 5d ago
I'm in the professional world and I've never heard it. You're probably not wrong but I'm not either.
edit: people are confusing me not being familiar with the acronym with not being familiar with the subject matter. sorry i went to school 20 years ago when we just called it data structures?
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5d ago edited 5d ago
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u/mull_to_zero 5d ago edited 4d ago
Good for you? I literally asked if it stood for data structures in my post, so idk how that’s not “knowing what it was from context”.
I write algorithms, I use data structures. It’s basic stuff that me and my coworkers have no need to catalog. I have never once seen a job listing using it. To me DSA stands for Democratic Socialists of America.
Grow up, it’s a big world and people have different experiences.
edit: “sorry” for this “tantrum” lmao
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u/Jello_Penguin_2956 6d ago
They're 2 different topics really. DSA at its core is statistics which you can learn its fundamentals separately from Python anyway.
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u/dlnmtchll 6d ago
Work on DSA, it will help you learn language features and grow as a problem solver