Data structures and algorithms (DSA) are foundational building blocks in programming that impact software performance, scalability, and efficiency.
Data structures refer to specialized ways of organizing and managing data, while algorithms are sets of instructions for problem-solving or task-performing.
Common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and hash tables.
Crucial algorithms include sorting, searching, traversal, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, and divide and conquer.