Getting Started with DSA
If you are new to programming, grab a pen and paper and let's dive in! The intent of this course
is to prepare you to easily solve any DSA question that comes up in online tests or interviews.
You should be able to provide optimal solutions to these problems.
Problem:
Given a set of values, how do we approach the problem and write code to solve it?
Solution:
Analyze the problem: Before writing any code, it's important to understand the problem and
break it down into smaller, manageable parts. This involves identifying the inputs and expected
outputs, as well as any constraints or requirements.
Choose an appropriate algorithm: Once we have a clear understanding of the problem, we can
choose an algorithm that fits our requirements. This may involve researching different
algorithms and their time and space complexities.
Write pseudocode: Before writing actual code, it's useful to write out the steps we need to take
in plain English. This helps us to organize our thoughts and ensure that we are on the right track
before we start coding.
Write code: Finally, we can write the actual code to solve the problem. This may involve
debugging and testing to ensure that the code works as expected.
Example code:
def example_function(input): # Step 1: Analyze the problem # Identify inputs and expected
outputs # Consider any constraints or requirements # Step 2: Choose an appropriate
algorithm # Research different algorithms and their complexities # Step 3: Write
pseudocode # Break problem down into smaller steps # Organize thoughts and ensure on
right track # Step 4: Write code # Solve problem using chosen algorithm
Debug and test code return output
Here's a problem and its solution:
First, we'll come up with a rough solution using pseudocode or a flowchart.
Then, we'll write the actual code for it using a high-level language.
However, computers only understand 0s and 1s, so we need to convert our code into a
machine-readable format.
Once we do that, our program becomes executable.
For example, if we wrote a program to add a+b and want to print the answer, we need to make
sure it's in a format the computer can understand.
To make the computer understand the given problem, we need to convert it into machine
understandable language. The process involves:
Formulating the first question
Providing the necessary values
Deciding on the approach
Coding the solution
, Once we have written the code, we need to ensure that it is in a format that the computer can
understand.
Understanding Source Code and Flow Charts
Source code refers to the instructions written in a specific programming language that a
computer can understand and execute. It's the backbone of any software or application.
A flow chart, on the other hand, is a diagrammatic representation of an approach to solving a
problem. It breaks down the approach into various components that can be easily understood
and followed.
So, when we write source code, we are essentially writing instructions for the computer to follow.
And when we create a flow chart, we are breaking down those instructions into a visual
representation that can be easily understood by humans.
Lecture - 2
Getting Started
We saw in the last lecture that we create our source code using a programming language. But
we know that a computer won't understand our code because it only knows binary (01)
language. So, we need something that translates our source code into machine understandable
language just like we use a translator to convert Hindi to French.
We have a compiler which converts source code into binary language, allowing it to be run by a
computer and produce an output. This is how the compilation process works. Essentially, the
compiler makes it possible for us to run a source code.
Here's an example: let's say we have a=1, b=2, and we want to do c=a+b. The computer won't
be able to understand these lines of code on its own. First, a compiler converts the source code
into an executable format, which the computer can then run.
So, to summarize: a program works by using a compiler to convert source code into an
executable format that can be run by a computer and produce an output. Hopefully, this gives
you a basic understanding of what a compiler does and how a program is executed.
Let's talk about the Coding Ninjas.
Coding Ninjas has supported us in providing this amazing DSA course to you. Thanks to them,
Coding Ninjas is one of the largest coding platforms in India.
If you are interested in paid courses of development, machine learning, or android development:
Development courses:
Web Development
Data Science and Machine Learning
Competitive Programming
Machine Learning courses:
Machine Learning Foundation
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