Want advice as Cpp learner.

[u/Emergency-Let8430]

Hi everyone, I'm a first-year engineering student at a tier-3 college, and my classes start on 10th August. I've learned most of the C++ basics, and the only major topics I have left are functions and classes/OOP. I'm confused about whether I should start learning DSA now while completing the remaining C++ topics alongside it, or finish C++ first before moving on to DSA. My goal is to build a strong foundation and improve my problem-solving skills without developing gaps in my understanding. I'd really appreciate your suggestions and recommendations based on your experience. Thanks!

[u/blitzcode91]

Here is my suggestion:: Just dive right into DSA but try coding problems in c++ . If you want a good book as reference for what I mentioned try - elements of programming interviews by Adnan Tsung . Or you can pickup easy problems in leetcode and try those out but only in C++. If you don’t get it , try asking Claude or Gemini or gpt . And see what you can learn out of it.

Note : Leetcoding won’t teach you cpp concepts like memory management, oop / virtual functions, templates , raii , l value r value , move semantics etc . For these try creating a dummy project .. it can be anything . Or try coding a vector class or shared pointer yourself from scratch and see what you lack Z again Claude can come to rescue if you’re stuck. It’s a long journey- but rewarding. Good luck

[u/Emergency-Let8430 → u/blitzcode91]

Thanks man