A banner image titled 'Why Should You Study Data Structures and Algorithms in Java or Python?' shows a laptop with a magnifying lens recommending several programming languages.

Why Should You Learn Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) in Java or Python?

By Amit Tikkiwal Category Full Stack Reading time 10-12 mins Published on Mar 13, 2023

What Are Data Structures and Algorithms in Java?

A data structure is a fundamental building block of any programming language. Data structures in Java provide storing and managing data in a system. It combines simple and complex data for particular purposes. In addition, it also offers collective data sets to perform operations on data. Such as

  • Arrays

  • Binary Search Tree

  • Binary Trees

  • Linked Lists

  • Hashing

  • Graph

  • Stack

  • Queue

  • Heap

We all know that Java is an object-oriented programming language. Many users find learning DSA in Java a safe and reliable option. This platform offers flexibility as its code can be run many times on any system that supports Java as a programming language.

What are Data Structures (DSA) in Python?

Data structures in Python group and organize data based on type. List, dictionary, tuples, and set are basic types of Python data structures and algorithms. In comparison, lists and tuples are the most used data structures in Python.

Each data structure is different from the others. We can distinguish them based on their order and mutability.

Any object that manages to alter after being designed is known as a mutable object. We can add, delete, or change any mutable object. At the same time, immutable objects are impossible to modify. Order refers to whether we can access an element by locating its position.

Why learn DSA in Java or Python?

Data structures organize data while algorithms run a problem on said data. Everything in programming relates to data structures and algorithms fundamentals. Data structures and algorithms in Python help solve a problem through various algorithms. You can choose the most effective solution to a problem by evaluating the algorithm's efficiency.

A professional seated in the front of laptop is busy in learning java.

How is DSA helpful?

  • DSA provides users with scalable code. Scalability means a code that can handle large-size problems with ease. If a code is scalable, it can run faster, improving an algorithm's performance.

  • Memory is another area where you can improve your code's performance. DSA provides a way to save on memory, increasing efficiency and saving space. Saving memory is critical in problems that require large data sets. Storing such data sets can make the code slower.

Now a different set of questions that may arise, are as follows.

Should you learn Java or Python?

It will be difficult to compare these languages as they offer unique benefits to coders. There are some parameters on which we can judge them.

Take a look at them below.

• Java is the most in-demand/used language

Java offers faster execution speed which means compilation time is less in Java as compared to data structures and algorithms in Python. You define the variable's data type during the initialization process in Java. Hence, we need to physically integrate and run the code in JVM (Java Virtual Machine).

In Python, you only need to write and initialize the variable name. The .py file automatically compiles and interprets the code at runtime. The only difference between JVM and PVM (Python Virtual Machine) is that JVM needs manual execution while PVM can automatically execute.

Still, Java offers quicker compilation as compared to Python.

• Python is easier to understand.

Python offers simplicity in its syntax, which makes it easier to learn. As stated above, you don't have to write the data types in Python, as it is a dynamic language. For writing a simple statement such as "Hello World" in Java, you will need at least 3-4 lines of coding. But Python simplifies it by executing it in just one line of code.

There are also other syntax differences between Python and Java. White spaces play a crucial role in Python, so you must be careful about including them in your code. Whereas in Java, the system ignores the white spaces.

An illustration shows a developer sitting with a laptop at the center. There is a Java logo on his left and a Python logo on the right.

In data science subsets, artificial intelligence, and machine learning applications, many learners prefer Python due to its simple syntax and ease of use. Since they can learn and write codes faster in the Python programming language, coders use Python to program most AI and ML applications.

Besides, Java is a multithreaded and platform-independent language here; you can easily run the same code multiple times on the platform, enhancing faster programming using multiple cores. All these features also make Java a much more reliable and trending programming language.

In short, both languages are compatible with faster programming, but it depends entirely on individual preferences.

Should I learn Java or Python for web development?

Web applications demand secure and quick programs. Both Java and Python offer these features in their Spring and Django frameworks, respectively. Django provides a scalable and secure framework for a web application.

If you want to learn data structures and algorithms in Java, Spring is quick and provides several modules, such as security, cloud, and more, which are highly useful. Learning and mastering any language will help you implement security, speed, and reliability in your web development language and applications.

Can you learn DSA in Python/Java for free?

You can easily find the best data structures and algorithms course, but learning how to implement and execute a code yourself without errors is difficult. You must practice them thoroughly and gain confidence in your codes.

Many free online resources are available where you can learn to implement a code, but this could only be helpful to a certain extent.

But, if you want to learn how DSA in java and python works, you can obtain a basic understanding through free classes provided by Learnbay on their YouTube page. This may give you an overall perspective on how to code, its ramifications, and demand in the evolving tech world.

All of these courses have been developed by professionals and experts to provide an adequate amount of knowledge; however, to gain comprehensive knowledge in the field of DSA, you must attend an industry-level course that can provide you with in-depth knowledge of programming languages and prepare you to meet current trends.

An illustration shows candidate shaking hands with the interviewer.

Where to learn data structure with Python/Java at the Industry level?

Learning DSA in Python and Java is not a complex topic. Here, you need to look for courses that can provide in-depth knowledge and experiences of real-world DSA projects. This takes time and requires constant implementation.

Keeping up with industry practice is also essential to understand DSA. Whichever language you choose to study, Python or Java, you will have the updated modules to practice on and learn. Additionally, an industry-level course will enrich you with the knowledge to crack the MAANG interviews through peer-to-peer interviews and support.

If you are fascinated by the topic DSA in Python and Java and want to sustain a full-time career in this industry, then maybe you can join the Data Structures Algorithms & System Design course, where you can learn Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) in Java or Python with the advanced level execution and proper job assistance.