Too Many DSA Rounds: A Developer’s Perspective

Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind (and probably yours too if you’re job-hunting): the sheer number of DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) rounds in tech interviews. As someone who’s solved hundreds of LeetCode problems and spends way too much time analyzing the nuances of graphs and DP (dynamic programming), I’ve got a love-hate relationship with these rounds.

First off, I get it. DSA is foundational—it teaches problem-solving, efficiency, and how to think like a programmer. But let’s be honest: how often does optimizing a Fibonacci sequence really come up in your day-to-day work? Unless you’re building compilers or working at the bleeding edge of tech, it’s not exactly representative of most roles.

What bothers me is when companies overdo it. Three or four DSA rounds for a backend role? Really? If I’m being hired to write clean APIs or design scalable systems, wouldn’t it make more sense to test my understanding of microservices, database optimization, or debugging production issues?

The irony is that companies are looking for “real-world problem solvers” but often filter candidates based on their ability to crack contrived puzzles. Don’t get me wrong—I’ll happily ace those rounds because it’s part of the game. But I can’t help but feel that this emphasis sometimes overlooks developers with practical experience but less time to grind LeetCode.

I’m all for a balanced approach. One or two DSA rounds? Sure, let’s test the fundamentals. But let’s also talk about system design, the projects I’ve worked on, and how I approach solving real-world challenges. After all, the best developers aren’t just great at algorithms—they’re great at delivering value.

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – Hans Hofmann