In this video, I break down exactly how I would learn coding + DSA if I could start over with zero memory. The goal is not “500 LeetCode questions” or “1000 questions”—it’s reaching a point where you can read a new problem, quickly map it to a known pattern, implement a clean solution in 20–30 minutes, and explain it clearly in interviews or teamwork. The biggest mindset shift is this: DSA is about patterns, not memorizing answers. And yes—if you’re targeting ML/AI engineering roles, DSA is 100% non-negotiable for internships and jobs (unless you’re strictly research-based). I structure the journey into phases: Phase 0 (1–3 weeks) programming basics in one language (Python or C++—language doesn’t matter in most OAs), Phase 1 (2–4 weeks) foundations like complexity + core data structures and searching/sorting, Phase 2 (1–2 months) pattern-based problem solving (two pointers, sliding window, hashing, prefix sums, backtracking, DP, greedy), Phase 3 (1–2 months) advanced topics (trees, graphs, heaps, 2D DP), and Phase 4 timed sessions + contests. I also share the mistakes I made—random grinding and zero review—and the exact fix: pattern-first learning and active re-solving a few days later so the ideas actually stick.