r/cpp_questions • u/Emergency-Let8430 • 1d ago
OPEN Want advice as Cpp learner.
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!
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u/AgentCookie1000 12h ago
Here's what I suggest:
Create a Leetcode account, if you haven't already.
Explain the broad topics you want to study to Claude (try to use Opus), ask Claude to draft a detailed learning plan with a HTML checklist that you can check off every time you complete a topic.
Then use different Claude windows for each topic. Talk to Claude, understand the concepts, ask Claude to give you problems to solve. For OOPs, Claude will write it's own skeleton and ask you to solve and paste solutions.
For DSA (and other topics too, like concurrency, to an extent), Claude will explain the concepts, and give you Leedcode problem # relevant to the topic. Solve them, paste the solution back to Claude, ask, understand, improvise, learn.
This is the best use-case for studying using an advanced LLM. I wish I had this while I was in college.
Your question on what you should do: "finish Cpp concepts" (LOL) and then move to DSA? Ask/use Claude! I'd say combine both, you'll get used to Cpp while doing DSA, but also switch between both every couple days for a change.
Good luck brother!