Introduction to DSA Series

Sep 5, 2024

Starting the DSA Series

Introduction

  • Welcome to Tupna College.
  • Launching a new series on DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms).
  • Goal: To explain all DSA concepts simply and deeply.

Problems to Address

  1. Dependency on Pseudo Code: Many YouTube series focus only on pseudo code, leaving students with incomplete knowledge.
  2. Quality Content: Aim to provide high-quality DSA content in this series.
  3. Lack of Practice Questions: Many series lack practice questions.

Importance of DSA

  • DSA is important in software engineering.
  • Good knowledge of DSA increases efficiency in problem-solving, which can lead to high salaries in tech companies.

Method of Studying DSA

  • We will start with a focus on C++ programming language.
  • Initial lectures will focus on the programming language.

Method of Taking Notes

  • In earlier chapters: Brief notes are not necessary for topics like flowchart, pseudocode, variables, data types, etc.
  • Mainly use a rough notebook.

Problem Solving Process

  • A simple example is given to understand the problems: calculating the sum of two numbers.
  • Process:
    • Understand the problem.
    • Identify the needed input.
    • Derive a solution.
    • Solve it in code.

Flowchart and Pseudocode

  • Flowchart: A diagram that represents the solution process.
  • Pseudocode: A way to write general logic in an English-like language.

Components of a Flowchart

  1. Start/Exit: Use an oval.
  2. Input/Output: Use a parallelogram.
  3. Process: Use a rectangle.
  4. Decision: Use a diamond.

Example of Pseudocode

  • Example: Sum of two numbers. 
    Input A and B
Sum = A + B
Print Sum

Practice Questions

  • Area of a Square:

    • Input: Length of one side.
    • Formula: Area = Side × Side

  • Minimum of Two Numbers:

    • Use a Decision Block.

Loops and Prime Numbers

  • To identify a prime number, check from 2 to n-1.
  • If dividing n by any i results in remainder 0, the number is not prime.

Homework Questions

  1. Simple Interest: Take PRT as input and calculate simple interest.
  2. Maximum of Two Numbers: Find the maximum of two numbers.
  3. Factorial of a Number: Calculate n!.
  4. Driving License Eligibility: Check eligibility for a driving license based on age.

Programming Setup

  • Install Visual Studio Code and C++ Compiler.

Conclusion

  • In the next lecture, we will start the coding journey.
  • Suggestions given for students to track their progress.
  • Students encouraged to stay motivated.

These notes briefly present an introduction to the DSA series.