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Data Structures and Algorithms

Shant Dashjian's Pro-tier foundation in data structures and algorithms: about 2.5 hours on the concepts behind efficient code and technical-interview success.

Quick answer​

Data Structures and Algorithms is a 2.5-hour, Pro-tier, advanced course taught by Shant Dashjian. It builds a foundation in the data structures and algorithmic thinking that underpin efficient code and technical interviews. It is the broad, general DS&A course in the catalog, where the binary-search and merge-sort courses are narrower deep-dives by a different instructor. Worth it if you are comfortable coding and want the algorithmic foundation that bootcamps often skip.

Is it worth your time?​

If you can build apps but freeze when a technical interview asks about time complexity or which data structure to use, this is the foundation you are missing. It is also the kind of knowledge that quietly improves everyday code, since choosing the right structure often matters more than micro-optimizing. For self-taught developers especially, this is commonly the largest gap.

The honest caveat is the level. It is marked Advanced and means it: it assumes you are already comfortable writing code and thinking through problems. At 2.5 hours it is a focused foundation rather than an exhaustive DS&A textbook, so deep mastery comes from practicing problems well beyond the course.

What you'll learn​

Across 34 lessons the course establishes the core of data structures and algorithms: how common structures work, how to reason about the efficiency of code, and how to approach algorithmic problems methodically. The framing is practical, aimed at writing better code and performing in technical interviews rather than at academic theory.

Treat it as the broad foundation. Once the general concepts click, the narrower binary search and merge sort courses go deep on specific algorithms.

Who it's for, and who should skip it​

It fits experienced developers and self-taught coders who can write working code but lack a formal grounding in data structures and algorithms, especially anyone facing technical interviews. It is useful for CS students wanting a practical, code-first treatment.

Skip it if you are still learning to program; the Advanced level assumes solid coding fundamentals first. Also skip it if you only want a single algorithm in depth, where the binary-search and merge-sort courses are the targeted option.

Prerequisites​

Comfortable, working programming ability: you should be able to write functions, use core data structures like arrays and objects, and reason through a problem. This course builds on that foundation rather than teaching you to code.

Where it fits​

This is a standalone advanced course rather than a fixed step in a named path. It is the broad DS&A foundation, with the binary search and merge sort courses serving as focused deep-dives once the general concepts are in place.

Free or Pro​

This is a Pro course, so it requires a Scrimba subscription. Pro also covers the full career paths, the coding challenges, the Discord, and certificates. See current plans for what Pro costs in your region.

Strengths and limits​

What it does well: it fills a foundational gap that bootcamps and self-teaching often leave open, and it frames DS&A around practical use and interviews rather than dry theory.

Where it is limited: the Advanced label is accurate and unforgiving if your coding fundamentals are shaky, and at 2.5 hours it is a foundation rather than a complete treatment, so real fluency comes from solving many problems afterward.

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