r/learnpython

Hey everyone,

Not sure where to post this, so here i am.I'm new to computer science and currently taking an Algorithms & Analysis course in Python. Honestly, it's one of the hardest subjects in my degree, and I'm struggling to figure out the best way to actually learn these concepts instead of just memorizing them.

This is what we're covering this semester: Basic Data Structures & Algorithmic Analysis, Algorithmic Analysis, Brute Force, Decrease & Conquer, Divide & Conquer, Transform & Conquer, Greedy Techniques, Dynamic Programming, Time & Space Tradeoffs, and Iterative Improvement.

I know Abdul Bari the GOAT, and his videos have definitely helped me understand the theory. But my biggest issue is practice. Everyone recommends LeetCode, but even the Easy problems feel way above my level sometimes. Also, I can't seem to find problems that match the topics we're learning in class, especially things like Transform & Conquer or Iterative Improvement.

So I wanted to ask: how did you learn algorithms when you were just starting out? Where did you practice topic by topic? Are there any websites that organize problems by algorithm rather than difficulty? Should I be doing LeetCode, HackerRank, Codeforces, something else, or just implementing the algorithms from scratch? Any advice for someone who feels completely lost with algorithms?

I'd really appreciate any tips or resources that helped you when you were a beginner. Thanks!How do you actually learn and practice Algorithms & Analysis?How do you actually learn and practice Algorithms & Analysis?

50 yo.

No coding experience.

Wish me luck! 🤞

upd: BIG THANK YOU for the support and warm wishes! Truly, words cannot express how much this inspires me!

I've spent months learning Python through courses, tutorials, and personal projects. I understand the concepts, but I still don't feel confident enough to work on a real production codebase or contribute to a team. It feels like there's a gap between learning Python and actually using it in the real world. How did you overcome that gap? What gave you the confidence to say, "I'm ready"?