CS exam study
Posted by Raman-2122@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 19 comments
So I have a exam based on algorithms and I have no idea how to study for it. The exam is multiple choice and unlike math and other subjects I just don’t know how to study. I’m stuck between two things I could possibly do which is to make sub programs based on each topic or I do mcq practice questions and just spam those. What should I do?
be_building@reddit
I'd definitely focus more on the MCQ practice since that's the actual format of your exam. Writing code helps you understand the 'how,' but MCQs usually test you on the 'why' or specific edge cases that you might miss just by implementing it once.
Dry-Hamster-5358@reddit
Don’t choose one, combine both in a smart way
MCQs alone become memorisation
Coding alone might not match the exam format
best approach is
study a topic → implement a small example → then do MCQs on that topic
for example
learn binary search → write a simple version → then solve MCQs about it
This way, you understand the logic and also get used to exam style questions
Also, focus on patterns
time complexity
edge cases
common tricks
MCQ exams usually test recognition, so you need both understanding and speed
Spamming MCQs without understanding won’t stick
But understanding without practice won’t help in the exam either
ExtraTNT@reddit
So, our algorithms exam was like 90%: week 7 i told you sth, what was that… yeah, first exam was knowledge, got like 95%, second was fucked like that got like 30% xD
In general: look over the algorithms your prof set on slides, look at old exams and memorise that… be comfortable with big O and know the basic ones, log n, n log n, n^2, n… advantages from the sorting algorithms, binary search vs sequential search etc
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
Hm alright thanks!
bird_feeder_bird@reddit
I would make programs, and rewrite the examples from your class. Writing, making mistakes, and rewriting way. If you only read, it just doesnt stick. Thats been my experience at least.
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
Yup same here I literally can’t read I will take this approach thanks! Also our prof doesn’t rlly do examples he never shows code. For example, for Djikstras algorithm he never showed us code only the map! That’s what I dislike tbh because I can understand it intuitively and I will for sure take what you said into consideration!
bird_feeder_bird@reddit
Agh its frustrating he doesnt show code examples, you can find some guides online though. And dont worry if you dont understand the code at first, just write it out line by line (dont copy paste), and then after you sleep on it, it should make a little more sense.
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
Yup thanks!
lurgi@reddit
What have you been studying in the class? What has the homework been like? Have you had any midterm exams? Knowing nothing else, I would assume you would review the homework assignments and any prior tests.
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
It’s mostly like linked lists, doubly linked lists, and maps and then djikstras algorthim and kruskals algorithm. There’s also hashing queues sets all of the beginning of data structures and algorithms I would say!
lurgi@reddit
You know your class better than I do, but I would want to be able to write insert/delete code for the linked lists and be familiar with the runtime of various operations.
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
Sounds good!
FunnyAd8847@reddit
CS fundamentals are important but practical deployment experience is what employers want. After mastering basics, focus on actually building and shipping projects. nometria makes the shipping part feasible for beginners.
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
Sure but what about for an algorithms exam? What study topic should I do any suggestions?
Defiant-Morning4442@reddit
check out different sorting and searching algorithms, prims, kruskals, djikstras algorithm are quite important, check out youtube channel called Abdul Bari, he has taught algo in a very easy way...
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
Hmm thanks man will do! I have not rlly found a good YouTuber for CS so I will for sure check him out!
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
Hey! So it’s been like linked lists, hashing, doubly linked lists, Maps, and just today djikstras and kruskas algorithm i think that’s what it’s called
Ok_Policy_8150@reddit
okay AI bot
Raman-2122@reddit (OP)
Who? I hope not me dude 😂