Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures -- Are they NECESSARY?

Should you learn Algorithms and Data Structures to land a coding job? Why are Algorithms important and how do you learn them? The TRUTH about the interview process and why most people are wrong about the purpose of Algorithms.

As someone who has been involved in 100s of interviews both as the candidate and as the interviewer, I reveal my 4 most important points about Algorithms and Data Structures, their purpose and reason for existence. I also tell you why it is important to master algorithms even if you only have 10 days.
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Author: Sina Jazayeri

[ColorCode-io]

Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures -- Are they NECESSARY? by ColorCode.io

[zero]

I’ve been writing code for a couple years. I’ve spent time teaching algorithms and CS fundamentals to classes of experienced engineers looking for work. At my jobs I tend to run classes for engineers to help them learn various data structures and problem solving techniques. I do these things. I enjoy this stuff.

You have a real gift for explaining and instruction. You’re great at it, and much better than the majority of YouTube content craters who focus on JavaScript. I don’t understand how your channel hasn’t absolutely blown up and become incredibly popular.

Keep up the great work, man! I’ve started sending your videos on content to the junior engineers on my team.

[puzzldMind]

Hearing 'learn the damn things'...that is the first time I have ever laughed and cried at the same time (and I'm old), and it is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for that. Awesome way to start my weekend. You rock. You're a natural.

[Gabriel-V]

I totally agree with you on the point of algorithm interview questions. The whole point is to see whether or not a candidate is capable of thinking. But, there are a lot, a real lot of interviewers who think better of you when you say something like: "Oh, I know React, and Angular, and some-other-new-JS-tech". If you haven't used like any of the JS frameworks, they wouldn't even give you a chance. Like the whole test is not about adaptation abilities, but about being familiar with brand new technology.

[sparkCrimea]

I believe a lot of senior developers went through that, cause industry was building the process. And now it’s a standard. And main thing don’t do just a leetcode build a problem solving skill. Even if you are not looking for a job polishing this skill will give you a huge benefit. Thanks for bringing that up

[TheAcidMotion]

Quite a topic you covered. There is one more important thing we get out of learning algorithms on top of developing our own sense to solve problems and that is understanding how tools we use to develop work. Many developers I worked earlier in my career had issues applying their solutions because they lacked understanding how tools like browser and javascript work outside of their own needs.

[miaprivate]

Please do this kind of videos more. You really motivated me to learn algorithms. Good look ✌

[_ericelliott]

I spent WAY more than 11 days learning algorithms and data structures. Most computer science programs focus on them almost to the exclusion of everything else. And I have used the standard curriculum algorithms exactly zero times in the last decade.

I wish I had spent that time more wisely now. Is it worth a few days? Probably. If you enjoy it. Is it worth semesters or years? Absolutely not. Unless you're having fun.

There are also far better ways to interview. All the great questions you asked can be asked in the context of much more realistic challenges.

[netocian]

You're alreadry getting a lot more better on SEO, I like that you take this serious and listen to your subscribers. Big up to you :)



Also you might grow a lot more faster, if you continue like this. :)

[ssaadati]

i love u man 😃 u make programming guide so fun and interesting to watch

[Amar]

Absolutely loved the video!
And the editing was best!

[petesampras]

Your videos are very coherent and useful. Keep it up. I wish you lots of success.

[trapti_rahangdale_personal]

Hi, I love your teaching style. I understood js concepts with your videos. This video was like you are answering all questions I had regarding leaning algo and DS. I am a UI dev with no CS degree. I was looking for algo course but I couldn't find in your website.

[jamesOwanga]

Brilliant. It’s a major insecurity. Especially for the self-taught

[solomonbestz]

You should make more videos about this.... Especially how to get better at DSA

[mymbulusmy]

Would you ever consider making a video showing your active approach to learning and practicing algorithm? I went to your website to see the described videos but I think I lined up with you doing some site work - so its currently unavailable. Thanks! I find your channel extremely helpful and engaging.

[trueMatthewkirkham]

This was a fantastic video. Great work and keep it up
Helped me decide where to allocate my focus

[icaruz]

what the heck same hobbies of mine I also love music, editing tools etc. now I'm interested learning coding too almost 1 month now

[coder]

Awesome videos, are there any other algorithm videos coming?

[jamesaugustushall]

Great video. I relate so much. My first professional coding job was in 2005 (as the "Flash" dev) and I didn't really even have to think about algorithms until 2016, and then for real in 2017. But they do help so much in the logic brain. I had never even heard of O notation until 2017. I had to crash course myself and learn these things like "quick sort" or "bubble sort" and other foreign ideas :). It's wild how logic heavy the FE is now compared to the mid 00's. Never stop learning.