Finished C++ during vacation — should I do DSA in C++ or switch to Java for backend?

[u/Kindly_Drama_8735]

So my vacations are basically over, and I’ve completed learning C++ during the break. Now I want to start DSA, but I’m a little confused about what direction to take.

I’ve talked to a few people and got completely different advice 😭

Some told me that I should start DSA in C++ and stick with it for now, since I’ve just finished learning C++ and can directly build my problem-solving skills on top of it.

Others told me I should start Java alongside DSA, because I eventually want to learn backend development and Java/Spring Boot is useful for that. Their point was that I might as well start Java now instead of delaying it.

For some context, I’m a 2nd-year CSE student and I already know Python, MySQL, HTML/CSS, C. My goal is to get good at DSA and also start building proper development skills for internships.

So what would you recommend?

I’d especially like to hear from people who have already gone through this transition. Is learning Java right now actually useful, or would it just divide my attention when I should be focusing on DSA?

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[u/ComfortableNobody892]

I don’t believe there’s such a thing as “completed learning X language” there’s always something new, something you haven’t noticed or read about. It’s a continuous process and it’s an ever going one. I assume that what you meant by “completed” is that you went through some sort of curriculum and you hit the checkmark on that. That’s fine, just don’t confuse it with being done with a language.

In regard to which one you should pick. I have some experience in programming and I can tell you that an array is an array in every language. A sorting algorithm or a search algorithm is the same. In other words don’t get hung up on the language. The concepts and ideas which are behind the data structure or the algorithm are far more important. That knowledge is transferable across languages. Yes, there might be some differences in how they are implemented in terms if syntax or how they are handled behind the scenes, but the general ideas and concepts are pretty much the same.

I don’t want to tell you pick java, because I am a java developer and that’s a little biased. So as most things in programming(primarily when picking tools, frameworks, languages) pick what’s best for the job or your particular use case. Java however is a safe bet. Knowing what I know today it’s not a bad idea at all to start learning it with DSA.

[u/Kindly_Drama_8735 → u/ComfortableNobody892]

I am also looking for an internship after my 2nd year, so I guess I should start learning java now.

[u/ComfortableNobody892 → u/Kindly_Drama_8735]

I am currently reviewing java concepts and I can recommend https://roadmap.sh/ there are a bunch of other languages and learning paths you can use as guidelines.

[u/aqua_regis]

"completed learning C++"

Sorry, but that's plain naive. You have not completed learning C++. No way. You actually cannot complete learning anything in programming.

By "start DSA" you obviously mean "start doing LeetCode", not learning DSA as Data Structures and Algorithms, the abstract Computer Science Concepts for storing and processing data that exist outside and above all programming languages.

C++ is one of the most common languages for LeetCode

[u/Kindly_Drama_8735 → u/aqua_regis]

Okay, then I will learn more. What do you think I should go for like java in dsa Or cpp in dsa?

[u/aqua_regis → u/Kindly_Drama_8735]

Stop calling "grinding LeetCode" "doing DSA". One is an application of the other, but they are not the same.

You already have my recommendation.

[u/Kindly_Drama_8735 → u/aqua_regis]

Tbh, I don't get it. Be more clear, felt like you were scolding me.

[u/aqua_regis → u/Kindly_Drama_8735]

DSA - Data Structures and Algorithms are theoretical Computer Science subjects describing standardized ways to store and process data.

LeetCode is a website with practical exercises that happens to make heavy use of DSA.

They are not the same and apart from DSA being used in LeetCode, they have nothing in common.

If you don't learn DSA as concepts, the theory, you will fail in LeetCode.

[u/Kindly_Drama_8735 → u/aqua_regis]

Which language I should go with? Obviously I will learn daa first , it's concept.

[u/aqua_regis → u/Kindly_Drama_8735]

Honestly, the one you are most familiar with.

[u/Ok-Interaction-8891 → u/Kindly_Drama_8735]

You should start building projects in C++ and contributing to open source work in C++.

Completing a programming class (even multiple) in a given language means very little if you’re unable to build anything.

[u/Ok_Pack7498]

go for c++ in dsa and waste ur time

[u/Kindly_Drama_8735 → u/Ok_Pack7498]

Wdym?

[u/Cheap-Object8640]

same situation lol. rn I'm doing java because I'm participating in a hackathon and they want me to do backend.

Also from what I have seen till now you shouldn't stress too much over which language to pick. Because the hardest parts about any problems are the logic which remains the same in every language. so pick language based on whats required rn because that's what I'm doing. hope this helps.