My Authors
Read all threads
👉 Do you really need to learn Algorithms and Data Structures to be a successful Software Engineer? 👈

Why are so many companies asking about these in their interviews?

Am I gonna have to use any of this on my job?

Let’s settle this debate! Here is a 🧵⬇️
Like everything in life, there is no absolute answer.

But I know a lot of you want to get to the point and want a firm, direct decision.

Here is mine:

✨ Yes, you should learn about Algorithms and Data Structures ✨

Keep reading if you want to hear the nuances 👇
Do you need to know how an engine works to drive a car?

Of course not!

You have millions of taxi, truck, Uber, Lyft, and whatnot drivers that have never ever looked under the hood!

And they are still making money!

They know how to do the job they are getting paid to do.

👇
Likewise, you can be a Software Engineer and never meet Dijkstra, or know about Binary Trees, or care about the differences between Linked Lists and Hash Tables.

The field is huge, and there’s a lot to do!

A lot of people make a living without any of this. So don’t worry!

👇
But those who want to expand their expertise, and understand how things work behind the scenes, have to learn the foundational concepts.

Just like mechanics have to know how the engine works, or they can’t do mechanic stuff.

Knowing this means more power to you.

👇
If you learn Algorithms and Data Structures, you are setting yourself up for success in different areas. You are giving yourself an advantage over those who don’t care.

✨ This is not a disqualifier for those who don’t know. It’s an advantage to those who do ✨

👇
A lot of the problems that we face become easier if we understand how to solve them from first principles.

And this is why a lot of companies ask these types of questions!

They aren’t looking to put you in a box. They want you to have the flexibility to move around!

👇
For the people who constantly complain about being asked these questions: It looks weak, and reflects poorly on your professionalism.

I understand if you don’t like this, but you don’t have to work for them! Move on and find a company that doesn’t care.

👇
So here is the summary and my final advice to you:

1. You don’t have to learn Algorithms and Data Structures to be successful.

2. If you do learn them, more doors will open for you.

3. There are a lot of opportunities out there, find those that ask what you want to answer.

👇
4. Complaining about this is like complaining because you don’t want to learn Math because who uses that anyway?

5. Big Tech companies ask these questions. They have poured millions of dollars to optimize their hiring process. Think about why they settled on this.

👇
My advice:

✨Learn about Algorithms and Data Structures ✨

Costs nothing and it will pay off forever.

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh.

Keep Current with Santiago ☉

Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

Twitter may remove this content at anytime, convert it as a PDF, save and print for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video

1) Follow Thread Reader App on Twitter so you can easily mention us!

2) Go to a Twitter thread (series of Tweets by the same owner) and mention us with a keyword "unroll" @threadreaderapp unroll

You can practice here first or read more on our help page!

Follow Us on Twitter!

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3.00/month or $30.00/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal Become our Patreon

Thank you for your support!