Roadmap/Data Structures
Beginner to Intermediate

Data Structures

Master the building blocks of computer science — understand how data is stored, accessed, and organized through every major data structure, from arrays to graphs.

10–12 weeks
15.2k students
4.9 rating
Progress0/55 lessons

Key Topics You'll Master

1
Foundations of Data Structures
2
Arrays and Memory Representation
3
Linked Lists
4
Stacks and Queues
5
Hash Tables and Dictionaries
6
Trees
7
Heaps and Priority Structures
8
Graphs
9
Advanced and Specialized Structures
10
Case Studies and Real-World Applications
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand internal memory representation of core data structures
  • Know which data structure to use for specific real-world problems
  • Visualize how data is stored, linked, and traversed
  • Evaluate time and space trade-offs
  • Implement efficient storage and retrieval mechanisms conceptually
  • Build a strong base for learning algorithms later
Prerequisites
  • Basic programming knowledge (any language)
  • Understanding of variables, loops, and functions
  • Logical and mathematical reasoning skills
1
Foundations of Data Structures
What data structures are, how memory works, and why they matter.
1 week
What is a Data Structure?
video • 15 min
Static vs Dynamic Data Structures
video • 20 min
Memory Layout: Stack, Heap, Pointers
video • 25 min
Abstract Data Types (ADT) vs Data Structures
article • 15 min
Practice: Identify Data Structures in Real Systems
exercise • 40 min
2
Arrays and Memory Representation
Understanding sequential storage and index-based access.
1.5 weeks
Array Basics and Fixed Memory Allocation
video • 25 min
Indexing, Contiguity, and Cache Locality
video • 20 min
Multidimensional Arrays and Memory Mapping
video • 22 min
Dynamic Arrays and Resizing Conceptually
article • 15 min
Use Cases: Images, Tables, and Buffers
article • 12 min
Visualization Exercise: Array Indexing
exercise • 45 min
3
Linked Lists
Non-contiguous storage and node-based structures.
1.5 weeks
Nodes, Links, and Memory References
video • 25 min
Singly vs Doubly Linked Lists
video • 25 min
Circular Lists and Sentinel Nodes
video • 22 min
Advantages and Drawbacks vs Arrays
article • 15 min
Use Cases: Undo Feature, Music Playlists, Hash Chains
article • 12 min
Visualization Exercise: Pointer Traversal
exercise • 50 min
4
Stacks and Queues
Ordered data control for last-in-first-out (LIFO) and first-in-first-out (FIFO) behaviors.
1.5 weeks
Stack Concept and Push/Pop Operations
video • 20 min
Queue Concept and Enqueue/Dequeue
video • 20 min
Circular Queues and Deques
video • 22 min
Practical Applications (Call Stack, Job Scheduling)
article • 15 min
Visualization: Simulate Stack and Queue Operations
exercise • 45 min
5
Hash Tables and Dictionaries
Fast access through hashing and key-value mapping.
1.5 weeks
Concept of Hashing and Hash Functions
video • 25 min
Collision Handling (Chaining, Open Addressing)
video • 25 min
Load Factor and Rehashing
video • 20 min
Advantages, Limitations, and Use Cases
article • 15 min
Real-World Uses: Caches, Maps, Sets
article • 12 min
Visualization Exercise: Hash Distribution
exercise • 45 min
6
Trees
Hierarchical structures that organize data in parent–child relationships.
2 weeks
Tree Terminology (Root, Leaf, Height, Degree)
video • 22 min
Binary Trees and Traversal Orders
video • 25 min
General Trees and N-ary Trees
video • 22 min
Balanced Trees Concept (Height Balancing)
article • 15 min
Applications: File Systems, DOM, Organization Charts
article • 15 min
Visualization: Tree Traversal Paths
exercise • 60 min
7
Heaps and Priority Structures
Specialized trees that maintain priority ordering.
1 week
Heap Properties and Hierarchical Structure
video • 25 min
Min-Heaps vs Max-Heaps
video • 20 min
Heap Representation Using Arrays
video • 20 min
Applications: Scheduling, Leaderboards, Caching
article • 15 min
Visualization Exercise: Heap Tree Construction
exercise • 50 min
8
Graphs
Networks of nodes and edges — the most powerful structure for modeling relationships.
2 weeks
Graph Basics: Vertices, Edges, and Adjacency
video • 25 min
Graph Representations: Matrix and List
video • 25 min
Directed vs Undirected, Weighted vs Unweighted
video • 25 min
Real-World Applications: Maps, Social Networks, Dependencies
article • 15 min
Visualization: Draw and Analyze Graphs
exercise • 60 min
9
Advanced and Specialized Structures
Data structures built for high performance and domain-specific needs.
1.5 weeks
Tries (Prefix Trees) and Their Use Cases
video • 25 min
Disjoint Set (Union-Find) Concept
video • 25 min
Sparse Tables and Segment Trees Overview
video • 22 min
Bloom Filters and Bitmaps
article • 15 min
Practical Applications Across Domains
article • 12 min
Visualization Exercise: Tries and Sets
exercise • 55 min
10
Case Studies and Real-World Applications
How real systems leverage these structures.
1 week
Databases and Indexing (B-Trees, Hash Maps)
video • 25 min
Operating Systems: Queues, Linked Lists, Trees
video • 20 min
Web Browsers, Compilers, and File Systems
article • 15 min
Designing Data Models in Real Products
article • 15 min
Capstone: Visualize a Real System’s Data Flow
exercise • 90 min