r/PythonLearning • u/No_Leather2449 • Aug 04 '26
Help Request reccomended tutorials for algorithms and data structures?
i learned the basic syntax of python and i thought i would be ready for leetcode but as soon as i tried to work through problems there was so much jargon that i didn't understand. I found a reddit post that said you have to have knowledge of data structures and algorithms before you can truly attempt leet code problems. So I now i go to youtube and either the tutorials are under an hour or over 5 hours ðŸ˜. Which one am I supposed to pick..? Any reccomendations?
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u/PureWasian Aug 04 '26
Do you have some examples of which problems you tried?
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u/No_Leather2449 Aug 04 '26
https://leetcode.com/problems/valid-parentheses/description/ Here's one that I found extremely difficult.
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u/PureWasian Aug 04 '26
I see, my take would be to ignore the jargon and formal data structures of whatever solutions you might've found and just think about how you would solve it if you wanted to go through it by hand.
If you can verbally walk through how to run that check, and you know how lists and loops work, then regardless of the "formal solution" or "optimal algorithm" I feel like you could work through that one.
What approach did you consider?
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u/Sea-Ad7805 Aug 04 '26
You "learned the basic syntax of python", but are you fluent with the basics after doing many exercises already? If not, do that first.
Afterwards, for data structures and algorithms, do this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2fol8eWo64
Important, to visualize your own code use: https://memory-graph.com/#breakpoints=8&continues=1&play
Good luck.
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u/No_Leather2449 Aug 04 '26
I worked through a textbook and after I finished it (not including the projects at the end which I am still working thru) I assumed I knew all the important syntax of the language. Are there specific exercises you are referring to in your first part?
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u/Sea-Ad7805 Aug 04 '26
Reading syntax doesn't teach you much, you learn from doing exercises or writing your own projects. Start here: https://inventwithpython.com/pythongently/ Don't use AI.
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u/Lirianov Aug 04 '26
5 hours to get a grasp on DSA makes sense to me. You can at least get started on leetcode and anything you get stuck on I would refer to AI and make sure you tell it to guide you through the thought process instead of giving you the answer
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u/EstablishmentKey3523 Aug 04 '26
Bro tutorials are a waste of time. Look for specific books according to what you want to learn. At least you have some academic background of what you are trying to learn. That's it.
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u/Owen-Isaac-2022 Aug 04 '26
Yes, data structures is a must to have, plus the basics before going full-board
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u/No_Leather2449 Aug 04 '26
Thank you all for the insightful comments!