How to Learn DSA in Java

Understanding data structures and algorithms (DSA) is an important component of writing code in any programming language. Java features built-in data structures that you can interact with using algorithms. Data structures and algorithms are important to data science because a data structure allows you to store data, and an algorithm allows you to manipulate data. Together, these tools enable you to perform complex calculations on data stored in a program.

Java is one of the programming languages that developers use the most. Learning skills like DSA in Java can help you prepare for technical roles in many different industries due to both Java’s popularity and its versatility. Explore how to learn DSA in Java and what prior knowledge might help you learn data structures and algorithms faster. 

What is DSA?

Data structures and algorithms, or DSA, refer to the organization, processing, and management of data. With efficient DSA practices, you can make it easier to work with your data and allow both humans and computers to understand it better. 

When you write code, you provide a computer with instructions that often include the data it needs to perform its duties, particularly in the case of programs like machine learning models that need data to understand and predict patterns. Java is particularly well-suited for processing and analyzing data, which makes it a popular programming language for data analysis and creating artificial intelligence algorithms. In a programming context, algorithms specify the instructions a computer needs to carry out. Meanwhile, data structures refer to the methods you can use to store and organize data, such as arrays, stacks, and queues, as well as how you can interact with data once you’ve stored it, such as with algorithms like searching, sorting, and compression. 

How to learn data structures and algorithms in Java

You will likely start learning about DSA in Java as early as your first few beginner courses or tutorials. In an object-oriented language like Java, data structures and algorithms work together to define classes, meaning that the algorithm is part of the data structure. 

To determine the correct data structure for your needs, you’ll consider information like what kind of data you’re storing and how you’ll need to work with it. Understanding how to navigate these factors while writing code in Java is important for quick and responsive code. For example, if you wanted to store text in your code, you might use a string for your data structure. Once your program has the data stored properly, you can use algorithms to perform text processing, such as searching for patterns in the data. 

DSA in Java tutorials

Your first option for learning DSA in Java is to explore Java tutorials, videos, blog posts, and even Java documentation. These resources can help you learn DSA through self-study using free online resources. These types of resources are the most popular with developers learning how to code, with 82.1 percent practicing their skills this way [1]. 

On the scale of the easiest to most difficult programming languages to learn, Java is on the easier side. It’s versatile, many companies use it to run their software and websites, and the language has a vibrant community of support and resources to help you learn. At the same time, Java can be complex compared to languages like Python, making it slightly more difficult for beginners to pick up. Once you master the foundational principles, Java can offer you a wealth of resources like frameworks, libraries, and other tools to help you develop programs. For this reason, you may prefer learning DSA in Java with guided learning programs where you can access a course instructor if you need additional assistance. 

DSA courses

Online courses are another option that can help you learn data structures and algorithms in Java. Across the entire development community, 50 percent of individuals learning to code choose an online course or certification program to develop coding skills [1]. For a course specific to DSA, it may be helpful to have some basic Java and math skills. As you learn Java, you become familiar with concepts like arrays, loops, conditional statements, and classes. These concepts form the basics you need to work with data structures and algorithms on a more theoretical level.

Depending on your current experience with Java, a few options for courses or course Specializations to learn DSA include: 

• Introduction to Java and Object-Oriented Programming

• Object Oriented Programming in Java

• Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization

• Object Oriented Java Programming: Data Structures and Beyond Specialization

DSA in Java certification

You can also learn about DSA in Java with certificates and certification programs. The difference between a certificate and a certification program is generally the scope of the program. A certificate usually represents completion of a course or course series and demonstrates your knowledge of a smaller range of concepts as compared to a certification. Certification programs, meanwhile, often represent a broader range of topics and help to validate that you have the skills needed to enter a career or possess a level of professional experience. You can find both types of programs to help you learn and validate your skills using data structures and algorithms in Java.

Certificates you may consider include: 

• IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate

• Object Oriented Programming in Java

• IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate

You can also earn certification from Oracle, the company that owns Java. These include: 

• Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java: This course can help you demonstrate your knowledge of Java features and applications, basic Java elements, and working with different types of data, operators, classes, statements, and more. 

• Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer Certification: This course can help you validate your ability to create and build web-based interfaces using Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 7.

How to learn DSA in Java for beginners

As a beginner, you can start with simple data structures like arrays, lists, and stacks, or algorithms like searching, sorting, or shuffling. If you’re new to Java, you can find beginner-level resources to help you grasp the basic concepts of Java and programming languages before learning more advanced DSA. A course like Oracle Java Foundations on Coursera can help you explore Java programming language basics like data types, programming constructs, classes, objects, exception handling, and inheritance.

Skills that make it easier to learn data structures and algorithms 

Many courses and certification programs focusing on DSA in Java assume that learners will have some background knowledge, commonly in programming and math. You will start using data structures and algorithms in introduction-level courses on Java, but at this stage of learning, these concepts are used to explore types of data and how you can utilize data. 

After you have grasped these foundational concepts, you may feel more prepared for courses that can deepen your understanding of working with data structures and algorithms. This can help you prepare for roles where you can use your skills, like a data scientist, a machine learning scientist, or a data architect. Take a look at two core skills in more detail:

• Programming languages: While data structures and algorithms are an important part of using a programming language to instruct a computer, it can be helpful to have a working knowledge of at least one language before learning about DSA. Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript are common languages for individuals learning about data structures and algorithms. 

• Math: Prior knowledge of math for computer science can help you work more effectively with DSA. Data structures and algorithms are central to working with programming languages like Java, but they are particularly relevant for data science and data analysis. Experience with linear algebra, calculus, logic, or probability may make it easier for you to understand DSA.

Jobs that require DSA in Java

Data structures and algorithms in Java are important concepts for machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science, three quickly expanding industries poised for more growth over the next decade. Data analysis can benefit many industries, including finance, health care, sales and marketing, transportation and logistics, energy, and much more. With a solid foundation in working with data structures and manipulating data in Java, you can prepare for various roles, including data scientist, machine learning scientist, and data architect. 

Data scientist

Average US salary (Glassdoor): $113,974 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 36 percent [3]

In the role of a data scientist, you will conduct research based on data for companies and organizations. You’ll determine what data you need for the hypothesis you are studying, then you will collect, process, and analyze the data. You may also present your findings in the form of data visualizations and reports to other stakeholders, such as company leadership, or publications in peer-reviewed papers. 

Machine learning scientist

Average US salary (Glassdoor): $127,268 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 26 percent [5]

As a machine learning scientist, you will work with data structures and algorithms as you test and create machine learning models or apply machine learning models to real-world problems. You may develop machine learning models and algorithms for specific use cases or study algorithms and research new technology that allows algorithms to complete even more tasks. In this role, you may work with a team of other professionals, including data engineers and algorithm specialists. 

Data architect

Average US salary (Glassdoor): $133,555 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [7] 

In the role of a data architect, you will help design solutions for companies and organizations to store and analyze data. You may create databases and applications for other professionals to access and analyze the data. You might also spend time optimizing the current data system at your organization and looking for ways to make it more efficient and easier to use. 

Learn more about DSA in Java on Coursera

You can learn how to apply DSA in Java and prepare for a role as a data scientist, data architect, or machine learning scientist with certifications, courses, and online tutorials. You can start learning DSA in Java today on Coursera with programs like the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, where you can learn the tools, languages, and libraries used by professional data scientists. 

Or you can explore a program like the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate to focus on the development side of DSA. With this Professional Certificate, you can begin learning to develop with front-end development languages and tools, program applications using back-end languages and frameworks, and deploy and scale applications using Cloud Native methodologies and tools.