Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Mastering data structures and algorithms is essential for excelling in technical interviews, and this course is your first step toward that goal. With detailed explanations and hands-on problem-solving, you’ll develop the skills to tackle common data structure challenges such as arrays, strings, linked lists, and more. As you progress, you’ll not only understand these concepts but also become proficient in applying them to real-world problems, all while learning optimized solutions and techniques. The course begins with an overview of the fundamental data structures, starting with arrays and strings, before delving into more complex topics like linked lists, stacks, and binary search. You'll solve problems like "Two Sum," "Group Anagrams," and "Valid Palindrome," learning how to approach them efficiently. Each section introduces essential algorithms and techniques such as two-pointer approaches, sliding windows, and fast & slow pointers, helping you build an in-depth understanding of these key concepts. Throughout the course, you'll engage with challenges that will prepare you for real interview scenarios. You'll explore essential strategies like hashing, sliding window, and binary search in problem-solving, equipping you with a strong foundation for tackling technical interviews. The course concludes with a focus on optimizing solutions and improving time complexity. This course is perfect for aspiring software engineers, developers, or anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of data structures and algorithms. A basic understanding of programming and problem-solving is recommended, but no prior expertise is required. The course is designed to be accessible to learners at the beginner to intermediate level. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently solve data structure problems, optimize your code, and apply your knowledge to real-world coding challenges in interviews and projects.

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module, we will introduce the course structure, objectives, and essential strategies to master data structures and algorithms. You'll also get an overview of recommended resources and tips to enhance your preparation.

Arrays, String: Manipulation & Hashing

In this module, we will dive into various techniques for manipulating arrays and strings. From solving problems like "Two Sum" to using hashing for performance optimization, we’ll explore essential methods to boost your problem-solving skills.

Arrays, String: Two Pointers

In this module, we will explore the power of the two-pointer technique. You'll learn how to tackle problems like validating palindromes and maximizing areas, while mastering methods to optimize your solutions.

Arrays, String: Sliding Window

In this module, we will cover the sliding window technique, helping you efficiently solve problems related to subarrays, stock prices, and substrings with optimal time complexity.

Linked List: Fast & Slow Pointers

In this module, we will cover the fast and slow pointer technique, helping you solve key linked list problems such as cycle detection, list reversal, and merging sorted lists with efficiency.

Stack

In this module, we will explore how stacks can be used to solve problems like checking for balanced parentheses and finding days to warmer temperatures. You’ll learn how stacks streamline these solutions.

Binary Search

In this module, we will explore the binary search algorithm in depth, focusing on its application in finding target elements and the minimum value in sorted and rotated arrays.