If you've spent any time in the tech community — whether on Twitter, Reddit, YouTube, or college forums — you've probably seen a familiar mantra:
"To get a good job in tech, you need to master DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms). Solve 300 Leetcode problems. Then maybe... maybe you’ll be interview-ready."
But is that really the path everyone must take?
Let’s explore the truth behind the hype, the value of DSA, and whether it deserves the pedestal it's placed on.
What is DSA and Why Is It Taught?
Data Structures and Algorithms are the core concepts of computer science. They teach:
How to organize and store data (arrays, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, etc.)
How to solve problems efficiently (searching, sorting, optimization, etc.)
How to think logically and improve performance
These topics are essential for building a strong foundation in programming and are deeply relevant to competitive programming, system design, and technical interviews at top tech companies.
The Rise of the Leetcode Grind
Over the past few years, platforms like Leetcode, HackerRank, and Codeforces have exploded in popularity. They're excellent tools — but they’ve also given rise to a culture of “grind to succeed.”
Many students and early-career devs now believe that DSA is the only skill that matters — more important than building projects, learning real-world tools, or understanding user needs.
This belief has led to:
Endless Leetcode streaks without real context
Burnout from problem-solving without purpose
Lack of confidence in devs who haven’t "done DSA"
So, Is DSA Overhyped?
Yes — and no.
✅ DSA is not overhyped when:
You're preparing for FAANG or large product-based company interviews
You're interested in competitive programming
You're trying to strengthen your CS fundamentals
🚫 But DSA is overhyped when:
You're building apps, SaaS products, or startup MVPs
You're focused on frontend, mobile, or full-stack development
You're made to feel "not good enough" for skipping it
It's valued more than actual development, systems thinking, or communication skills
Real-World Dev ≠ Leetcode Dev
In real-life software jobs, the focus is different:
Working with APIs, databases, cloud platforms
Designing scalable systems and maintaining existing codebases
Writing clean, testable, maintainable code
Collaborating with teams, understanding user stories, and shipping on time
Knowing how to reverse a linked list rarely comes up.
What helps more is knowing how to break down problems, think clearly, and communicate solutions.
What You Should Actually Do
Instead of blindly following the DSA hype, ask:
What are your goals?
Big Tech? Learn DSA deeply.
Startups or freelancing? Focus on delivery and problem-solving.Where are you starting from?
If you're new, learn how to build. Then, sharpen your skills with DSA if needed.What does the job demand?
Not every role — especially in frontend, devops, product engineering — tests DSA heavily.
Final Thoughts
DSA is a tool, not a requirement.
Learn it if your path demands it. But don’t let it become a gatekeeper to your confidence or career.
There are many roads to becoming a great engineer — and DSA is just one of them.
So, is DSA overhyped?
Only when we treat it as the only way forward.
Let's normalize diverse learning paths in tech. Let’s respect both the coders who solve graphs and those who ship great products.
🗣️ What’s your take on DSA and the Leetcode culture?
Let’s discuss in the comments below.