DSA Roadmap

A pattern-first approach to DSA. Instead of grinding random problems, this roadmap groups topics by pattern — so when you see a new problem you know which mental model to reach for first.

ArraysTreesGraphsDPLeetCode
3phases
7topics
2posts linked
1

Linear data structures

Arrays, strings, linked lists, stacks, and queues.

Arrays & strings

Beginner

Two pointers, prefix sums, and the string problems that come up in every loop of interviews.

✍️Post coming soon — read other posts in the meantime.

Binary search

Beginner

Search space reduction, the off-by-one that breaks every first implementation, and rotated array variants.

Related posts

DSABinary search: the off-by-one that cost me three hours6 min read

Linked lists

Intermediate

Fast/slow pointers, reversal in-place, cycle detection (Floyd's algorithm), and merge problems.

✍️Post coming soon — read other posts in the meantime.
Phase 2 →
2

Trees & graphs

The problems that separate juniors from senior candidates.

Binary trees

Intermediate

DFS (pre/in/post), BFS level-order, lowest common ancestor, and serialisation.

✍️Post coming soon — read other posts in the meantime.

Graph traversal

Intermediate

BFS, DFS, topological sort, and connected components — with adjacency list vs matrix trade-offs.

✍️Post coming soon — read other posts in the meantime.

Dynamic programming

Advanced

Identifying overlapping subproblems, memoisation vs tabulation, and the 10 patterns that cover most DP problems.

✍️Post coming soon — read other posts in the meantime.
Phase 3 →
3

System design for interviews

Architecture concepts that get tested at FAANG and new-grad interviews alike.

Offline-first architecture

Advanced

Delta sync, conflict resolution strategies, and the outbox pattern — with a real implementation as example.

Related posts

System designSync architecture for an offline-first kirana app9 min read
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End of roadmap

You've covered all 7 topics in the DSA roadmap.