What according to u is the best time to start taking up contests. I recently gave one and got totally smooshed. RECOMMENDATIONS PLSS!!!!

The same tree represented in two very different ways visualized using 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆_𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵: Binary Trees

🔗 Binary Tree as Nodes: The tree is built out of multiple node objects. Each node stores its value and two references, one to its left child and one to its right child.

📦 Binary Tree as List: The tree is stored in a single list or array. Instead of references, indices represent the relationships between nodes. For a node at index, its children can be found using a simple calculation: - Left child: 2 * index + 1 - Right child: 2 * index + 2

So, when should you use which representation?

The node-based version makes the structure explicit and intuitive. It is great for education: students can clearly see how nodes are connected while practicing classes and references/pointers. It is flexible and works particularly well for irregular or sparse trees. It is the clearest representation when learning how trees work.

The list-based version can be very efficient for (nearly) balanced trees. It does not need to store child references, requires fewer separate memory allocations, and keeps values close together in memory for improved cache performance.

The same abstract data structure, but with very different trade-offs in clarity, flexibility, and performance.

Which representation would you use?

Help me how to learn patterns from any questions

Started following strivers a to z DSA playlist a month ago. Initially it felt easy but now feels more like a burden. Cant comeup with an optimal solution on my own. I can’t recognise the pattern and then end up seeing solution …what would u all suggest me...

Hello everyone…I started my DSA late…I’m solving strivers sheet but idk how am I gonna pass OA’s
I can’t recognise the pattern and then end up seeing solution …what would u all suggest me
I’m a 2027 graduate …I have very less time and companies have started coming :(

Most LeetCode-style platforms require an internet connection. I wanted to build one that delivers the full experience completely offline, while also helping you get better at recognizing patterns as you solve.

So I built Anvil.

• 💻 Fully offline coding platform for JavaScript and Python
• 🧩 Solve LeetCode-style problems while learning the underlying patterns through structured lessons, visualizations, and pattern-recognition drills
• 🛡 Robust judging powered by a reference implementation and brute-force oracle instead of relying solely on static expected outputs
• 🔁 FSRS spaced repetition to reinforce patterns over time
• 🔒 No account, no telemetry, no AI copilot—just you and the problem

It's free, MIT licensed, and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Releases:
https://github.com/kudzaiprichard/anvil-releases/releases

Source:
https://github.com/kudzaiprichard/anvil

Whether you enjoy grinding LeetCode for fun, are working through NeetCode/DSA, or are preparing for technical interviews, I'd love to hear what you think and what could make it better.

If you're an open-source contributor, I'd also love help with problems, features, documentation, testing, UI improvements, or the judge. Contributions of any size are welcome.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently following Striver's A2Z DSA Sheet in C++. I understand the concepts better when I revise from handwritten notes, but I'm a bit too slow at making detailed notes myself.

Does anyone have good handwritten notes (PDF or scanned notebook) that cover the A2Z sheet or at least the major topics like Arrays, Sorting, Binary Search, Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs, and DP?

I'm looking for notes that explain the intuition, important points, time complexity, and common tricks, not just code.

GitHub repos, Google Drive links, or personal notes would all be appreciated.

Thanks!

Need Career Advice: Should I Start DSA or Data Analytics?

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the 3rd year of my B.Tech in Computer Science. Before this, I completed a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, so I don't have a strong Computer Science foundation.

To be honest, my 3rd and 4th semesters didn't go very well, and I feel like I don't know the basics of programming or core CS subjects properly.

Recently, I enrolled in CodeWithHarry's Data Analytics course, but now I'm confused about what I should prioritize.

Should I:

\- Start learning DSA first?

\- If yes, should I learn DSA in Java or C++?

\- Or should I continue with Data Analytics and learn programming alongside it?

My goal is to build a strong foundation and become job-ready before graduation. I don't mind starting from scratch if that's the right approach.

I'd really appreciate guidance from people who have been in a similar situation. Thank you!

I'm willing to study consistently for 2–4 hours every day. I just don't want to waste time learning the wrong things.

​

I'm genuinely curious how people manage to complete these online assessments.

I've solved 500+ LeetCode problems, including Hard problems, and I can solve them when I'm practicing. But when it comes to company OAs (Cisco, Amazon, Flipkart, etc.), I struggle badly with time.

The format is usually:

MCQs

Short-answer questions

2 extremely difficult coding questions

All within 90 minutes

Even if I know the concepts, the coding questions take so much time to understand, think through edge cases, and implement. By the time I finish one, there's barely any time left for the second.

Do people actually solve both coding questions completely, or is everyone just partially solving them?

What helped you get faster?

More contest practice?

OA-specific practice?

Better time management?

Recognizing patterns faster?

I'd really appreciate advice from people who've cleared these OAs because right now they feel much harder than solving LeetCode on my own.

Pls don't say cheating is the option like companies ban people for cheating and u have camera on so not possible.

Hey everyone,

​I’m planning to dive deep into Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) starting this August, and I'll be using Java along with Striver’s A2Z DSA Course/Playlist. I am currently in my first year(just joined).

​I know consistency can be a challenge, so I’m looking for an accountability partner (or a small group) to stay on track.

​About Me & The Plan:

• ​Language: Java

• ​Resource: Striver's A2Z Sheet / Playlist

• ​Timeline: Starting August 2026

• ​Commitment: will try to solve 2 problens daily, and gradually increase it.

• ​Timezone: India Standard Time(IST)

Time zone in India (GMT+5:30)

​What I’m looking for in a buddy:

Someone who is also starting out or at a similar beginner/intermediate level, planning to stay consistent, and down to do daily or weekly check-ins via Discord or Slack to share progress and discuss blockers.

​Comment below or shoot me a DM if you're interested in crushing DSA together!

I am beginner and never code before so I am thinking to start with c++ for which I found striver dsa playlist do it is a combo of c++ and dsa or I have to first learn c++ from any other platform and then have to come here I am bit confused and don't know what to do can anyone explain plz .

And also I think in first few lecture he had taught basics of c++ do this is what we need or it is just a quick revision.

Started on Jun 19th (properly) .

with one week break for some unavoidable reasons.

Solved 42 questions — 22 Easy | 19 Med | 1 Hard

Ik I'm late to this DSA race , I'm at the start of my 2nd year now.

what would u advise me , I'm planning for a top product based company (from a tier 3 / 4 college )

Hi guys I’m from India and I’m looking for a good platform to practice aptitude. Please recommmend something that’s like an equivalent of Leetcode for DSA…

😎😏🙂‍↔️

The best Book to learn and master DSA and it’s preferred to be in C or Java as these are my mastered languages