How to manage DSA and DEV, all together

For the past few weeks, I have been getting DMs from loads of students, beginners, and developers who are working JOBS that they want to escape through learning to code.

I get N number of DMs on a daily basis about doubts that beginners have.

But 1 question that never ceases to amaze me is:

“Can we manage DSA and Web development learning together? I find it hard to give both of them equal focus.”

Why does it amaze me? Because it’s not a question, rather, its an excuse.

I know, I know.

I have been there, juggling between DSA, Development, College academics, and building in public, all together.

I know how hard it can be to give equal time and attention to everything at once.

But know this: The two things complement each other, they really do.

Data structures and algorithms improve your problem solving skills.
Web development trains your creative muscle.

Problem solving is needed in development; it is common sense.

Creativity is needed in DSA, Think about the last time you had to figure out an out-of-the-box approach to solving a problem.

Get it?

When you need a break from problem solving, go build some beautiful websites.

When you need a break from scratching your head over Javascript syntax, go scratch your head over a Leetcode medium.

So now you know.

How doing DSA and development at the same time can actually benefit you, rather than cause chaos.

Alright.

I know what you’ve been waiting for.

The answer to this.

“How the hell do I manage both of them together, its getting tough for me?”

That’s the reason I am writing this in the first place.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the system that I used to consistently solve problems and build projects, both at the same time, for 90 days.

I ain’t lying.

So, listen to me.

Scenario 1: A guy solves 3 problems 1 day, 5 the next, 1 the next, and none on the 4th day, continues doing this for a month, and stays inconsistent.

Scenario 2: A guy solves 1 problem a day without fail, regardless of how he is feeling that day, and consistently does this for months.

Who do you want to become?

The latter, of course.

Which is why I am going to tell you about the system I used to follow as a beginner.

1. The Foundation:

By foundation, I simply mean laying a strong foundation of basics that you’re going to follow throughout your journey.

What I mean is, learn the fundamentals of any programming language, specifically in the case of DSA.

I chose C++, you can choose the one you’re comfortable with, but be aware that having a strong knowledge of the fundamentals is going to help you in the long run.

In Web dev, you can practice and become a master at them in just about 2-3 months, it pays off in the long run, don’t neglect this.

2. The Process

The #1 mistake I did when learning DSA and doing Web Development together was that I didn’t have a roadmap.

Having a roadmap, planning the process you’re going through is crucial to learning anything, not just coding.

Will keep this one short, I simply planned out a 90 day roadmap for myself and kept solving questions on a daily basis, + learning from YT and documentation.

3. The End goal:

What are you aiming for?

Are you preparing DSA for job interviews? And web development to build projects? Or just proceed with more advanced concepts and deep dive into topics.

A vision is crucial if you want to stay consistent.

Simply put, set a goal, use the S.M.A.R.T goal setting framework, I explained it in this article.

Now keep revising the goals, and working towards them.

Talking about the time, I used to code for 3hrs/day, combining DSA + Development together.

Solve 1 Leetcode question daily, and work on mini projects alongside.

Sigh.

I think that’s enough information for a Sunday afternoon, you might need to take a break after reading this one.

I forgot to tell you one thing.

Its cliche, but listen to me.

SHOW UP DAILY.

Consistency is what will put you above 99% of the individuals.

Treat everything as competition, and see your progress skyrocket.

Alright, that’s a wrap for today. It’s week 4 of writing a newsletter consistently.

That’s what I’m talking about, consistency beats everything.

Anyway, have a good week ahead, I’ll see you in the next one.

-Atharva

PS: I have 2 things for you:

1. Craft a perfect resume: Having a good resume is crucial for landing an interview and job search, which is why I use the Resume Helper by MyShell, which has a library of various FREE AI bots and tools.

   Put your information together and create a job-winning resume asap.

   Its completely free, check it out here.

2. The Coderpreneur community: Join members who interact and talk about tech, coding, improvement, and building in public.
   Join the TG group here.