Best programming language for DSA?

Most of us who are starting to learn Data Structure and Algorithms stumble upon this question frequently. Or you are maybe wondering, "Should I switch to another language?". So, let's clear the fog on this topic and find out what is the right choice.

Let's explore what options are available to us:

• C++
• Java
• Python

Note:

I wouldn't recommend JavaScript for those who are new to the language or just starting to learn DSA. As there is a lack of resources in comparison to other languages. And there can be a steep learning curve in understanding basic underlying programming concepts using JS.

However, if you have interest in Web Development and know JavaScript beforehand, then I will highly recommend it to you. It is the most practical language to learn in terms of your career if you are a web developer.

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The language which is best for you is.....

If I were to suggest only one language to someone for DSA, I would say, "Choose the language which you are most comfortable with.".

Let me explain the reason behind this, because the underlying and basic concepts of programming remains the same for every programming language. Only syntax and support of libraries changes.

Every one of them have pros and cons (which I'll discuss in detail below). But, these differences only account for nearly 10% of your understanding of the programming paradigms and underlying DSA concepts.

The main factor which will affect your understanding is your level of comfort with the language. If you are enjoying yourself solving the problems in some particular language, then that language is the best suitable for you.

Choosing the right language if you are an absolute beginner.

The right language if you are starting from scratch depends on a lot of factors and what you want to do.

Let's go through each language in detail to know if it is made for you or not.

C++

Pros:

• C++ is the most memory optimized language in all three.
• It is known for its high level performance and low level control.
• Wide support for libraries, including Standard Template Library(STL).
• Best suited for Competitive Programming.

Cons:

• It has a steep learning curve, as the syntax is not beginner-friendly and can seem complex to someone who is just starting out.
• Less industry adoption now days as compared to other two languages.

Industry adoption: Game Development, System Softwares, Networking and Telecommunication, Computer Vision and Graphics, High Performance Computing.

If you want to do Competitive Programming or have interest in any above-mentioned field, then you can give C++ a try.

Java

Pros:

• Java has a clean and well-structured syntax with almost zero space for ambiguity (confusion).
• It is widely known for its Object-Oriented Programming Features.
• Its Collection framework provides pre-built easy to use data structures.
• Relatively high performance compared to python. Automatic memory management (garbage collection).
• It is platform independent, i.e, "write once, run anywhere".
• Extensive industry adoption.

Cons:

• Java code can be more verbose, meaning its code takes more time to write and requires more lines as compared to the other two. Which can be a limiting factor while giving technical interviews.
• Like C++, It has a steep learning curve, as the syntax is not beginner-friendly and can seem complex to someone who is just starting out.

Industry adoption: Enterprise Software Development, App Development, Web Development, Server Side Development, Internet Of Things (IOT).

Most of today's legacy software are written on Java. If you want a structured high performance language with high industry adoption, Java is the one for you.

Python

Pros:

• Python is the most beginner-friendly language in all three.
• Its code is less verbose with English like syntax which is easy to understand.
• Extensive libraries with Third party packages.
• Most popular language in the Software Industry.
• Growing Industry adoption.

Cons:

• Slow and relatively low performance compared to the other two.
• The high abstraction of python makes it hard for learners to understand the underlying DSA concepts.
• Somewhat lack of DSA related resources in python as compared to the other two.

Industry adoption: Enterprise Software Development, App Development, Web Development, Server Side Development, Internet Of Things (IOT).

Python is the most popular language in the industry, and its popularity is growing day by day. With the introduction of AI and data science, it is the most sought language in these industries.

There you go, now you have the idea of these languages. What they do and for whom they are suited best.

Happy Coding 🍀

Opinion:

If you still don't know which is suitable for you, just choose JAVA. It's the middle way in my opinion, with relatively good performance and high industry adoption.

If you have any queries or want to see more of my content, feel free to connect with me. Click here to connect with me on LinkedIn.

Upcoming: How to actually start learning DSA?