Introduction to Fundamental Data Structures and Techniques
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Introduction to Fundamental Data Structures and Techniques
This course is part of Master Data Structures & Algo – Ace Leetcode & Blind 75+ Specialization
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What you'll learn
Gain a deep understanding of core data structures like arrays, strings, and linked lists.
Develop problem-solving skills using hashing, two-pointer techniques, and sliding windows.
Master essential algorithms for binary search and linked list manipulation.
Learn optimized approaches to solve common algorithmic problems efficiently.
Skills you'll gain
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February 2026
8 assignments
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There are 7 modules in this course
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A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Mastering data structures and algorithms is essential for excelling in technical interviews, and this course is your first step toward that goal. With detailed explanations and hands-on problem-solving, you’ll develop the skills to tackle common data structure challenges such as arrays, strings, linked lists, and more. As you progress, you’ll not only understand these concepts but also become proficient in applying them to real-world problems, all while learning optimized solutions and techniques. The course begins with an overview of the fundamental data structures, starting with arrays and strings, before delving into more complex topics like linked lists, stacks, and binary search. You'll solve problems like "Two Sum," "Group Anagrams," and "Valid Palindrome," learning how to approach them efficiently. Each section introduces essential algorithms and techniques such as two-pointer approaches, sliding windows, and fast & slow pointers, helping you build an in-depth understanding of these key concepts. Throughout the course, you'll engage with challenges that will prepare you for real interview scenarios. You'll explore essential strategies like hashing, sliding window, and binary search in problem-solving, equipping you with a strong foundation for tackling technical interviews. The course concludes with a focus on optimizing solutions and improving time complexity. This course is perfect for aspiring software engineers, developers, or anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of data structures and algorithms. A basic understanding of programming and problem-solving is recommended, but no prior expertise is required. The course is designed to be accessible to learners at the beginner to intermediate level. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently solve data structure problems, optimize your code, and apply your knowledge to real-world coding challenges in interviews and projects.
In this module, we will introduce the course structure, objectives, and essential strategies to master data structures and algorithms. You'll also get an overview of recommended resources and tips to enhance your preparation.
What's included
2 videos2 readings
2 videos•Total 11 minutes
- Introduction to the Specialization•3 minutes
- Resources / Speed / Recommendations [Important]•8 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Introduction to Fundamental Data Structures and Techniques'•10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resources•10 minutes
In this module, we will dive into various techniques for manipulating arrays and strings. From solving problems like "Two Sum" to using hashing for performance optimization, we’ll explore essential methods to boost your problem-solving skills.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
8 videos•Total 183 minutes
- Two Sum / 1•22 minutes
- Contains Duplicate / 217•14 minutes
- Valid Anagram / 242•21 minutes
- Group Anagrams / 49•26 minutes
- Top K Frequent Elements / 347•19 minutes
- Is Subsequence / 392•18 minutes
- Longest Consecutive Sequence / 128•32 minutes
- Product of Array Except Self / 238•31 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Arrays, String: Manipulation & Hashing - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the power of the two-pointer technique. You'll learn how to tackle problems like validating palindromes and maximizing areas, while mastering methods to optimize your solutions.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
4 videos•Total 105 minutes
- Valid Palindrome / 125•30 minutes
- Two Sum II - Input Array Is Sorted / 167•19 minutes
- 3Sum / 15•29 minutes
- Container With Most Water / 11•27 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Arrays, String: Two Pointers - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover the sliding window technique, helping you efficiently solve problems related to subarrays, stock prices, and substrings with optimal time complexity.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videos•Total 179 minutes
- Maximum Average Subarray I / 643•26 minutes
- Best Time to Buy and Sell Stock / 121•15 minutes
- Longest Repeating Character Replacement / 424•54 minutes
- Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters / 3•35 minutes
- Minimum Window Substring / 76•49 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Arrays, String: Sliding Window - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover the fast and slow pointer technique, helping you solve key linked list problems such as cycle detection, list reversal, and merging sorted lists with efficiency.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
8 videos•Total 176 minutes
- Middle of the Linked List / 876•14 minutes
- Linked List Cycle / 141•21 minutes
- Linked List Cycle II / 142•28 minutes
- Reverse Linked List / 206•23 minutes
- Reorder List / 143•31 minutes
- Remove Nth Node From End of List / 19•22 minutes
- Merge Two Sorted Lists / 21•18 minutes
- Merge k Sorted Lists / 23•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Linked List: Fast & Slow Pointers - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore how stacks can be used to solve problems like checking for balanced parentheses and finding days to warmer temperatures. You’ll learn how stacks streamline these solutions.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
2 videos•Total 51 minutes
- Valid Parentheses / 20•24 minutes
- Daily Temperatures / 739•27 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Stack - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the binary search algorithm in depth, focusing on its application in finding target elements and the minimum value in sorted and rotated arrays.
What's included
3 videos1 reading3 assignments
3 videos•Total 62 minutes
- Binary Search / 704•15 minutes
- Find Minimum In Rotated Sorted Array / 153•22 minutes
- Search In Rotated Sorted Array / 33•25 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Introduction to Fundamental Data Structures and Techniques'•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Binary Search - Assessment•15 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
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Frequently asked questions
Data structures and algorithms form the foundation of computer science and software development. They help organize and process data efficiently, which is critical for solving complex problems. Understanding these concepts is vital for optimizing performance and preparing for technical interviews at top tech companies, where problem-solving skills are highly valued.
This course, "Introduction to Fundamental Data Structures and Techniques," covers key data structures like arrays, strings, linked lists, stacks, and binary search. It introduces important techniques for manipulating data efficiently, such as hashing, two-pointer methods, sliding window, and fast-slow pointers. The course also includes practical coding exercises to solve common algorithmic problems, preparing you for technical interviews.
After completing this course, you will be able to solve a wide range of algorithmic problems using fundamental data structures and techniques. You will also be able to implement and optimize solutions for problems like "Two Sum," "Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters," and "Merge k Sorted Lists," among others. Additionally, you'll have a strong foundation for tackling technical interviews focused on data structures and algorithms.
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