Top 10 Data Structure and Algorithms Books and Resources for Developers
image credit — Graph Algorithms by Neo4j
Algorithms are language agnostic, and any programmer worth their salt should be able to convert them to code in their programming language of choice.
Unfortunately, I have come across several programmers who are _REALLY_ good on programming languages like Java or Python-like knows minor details of API and language intricacies but have inferior knowledge of fundamentals Algorithms and Data Structure.
Just ask them to implement any popular sorting algorithms like quicksort or merge sort, and they will fall apart.
If you expect them to know more advanced and sophisticated algorithms like String algorithms, graph algorithms, tree traversal, or greedy algorithms, be ready to check on Interviews; otherwise, you might end up with some surprises.
Once, I come across an excellent candidate for a core Java senior developer role, he was excellent in Core Java, multi-threading but his data structure and algorithm skill was really poor to his experience and caliber.
When did I ask him why he didn’t spend time brushing his algorithm and problem-solving skill before coming to the interview? His excuse was, _“those algorithms are just for interviews and never really used in practical coding. I have never used them in my six years of Java development career”_.
He was somewhat right; you don’t need to implement a hash table in Java, you can always use the `HashMap `class or `Dictionary `in Python for that sense, but he failed to recognize the more long term improvement algorithm and data structure do in improving programming skills.
> Algorithms are tools of developing programming solving skill and coding sense, which is required to convert a user requirement into the line of code also known as a computer program.
They are also all around, if you use Facebook Design, have you ever thought about how they find your friends so quickly? Or how does Netflix Technology Blog recommends the movie you want to watch? Those are just a couple of examples of Machine Learning Algorithms, which are taking Algorithms to another level.
And, if you are preparing for coding interviews, you can also checkout AlgoMonster, a great resource created by Google Engineers which also allows you to practice coding problems based upon data structures online on browser.
It also teaches coding interview patterns like sliding window, two pointers etc which can be used to solve 100s of LeetCode problems.
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## 12 Data Structure and Algorithm Books — Must Read for Developers
Another gold tip to those who think that Algorithms are Data Structures is for those who want to work in Amazon, Google, Facebook, Intel, or Microsoft; remember it is the only skill which is timeless, of course, apart from UNIX, SQL, and C.
> Programming languages come and go, but the core of programming, which is algorithm and data structure remains the same.
If you know how a hash table works, then you can use their implementation in any programming language like HashMap from JDK, Dictionary in Python, or HashMap from the C++ boost library.
So, if you are serious about programming and realizing it now that algorithms and data structure is not optional, here are some of the great books to learn algorithms.
Some of you might have already read them before, but they are worth reading again.
### 1. Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas H. Cormen
This is one of the most popular algorithm books, but be aware that it contains a heavy dose of theory. The current edition of this book is the 3rd Edition, and the 4th Edition is coming soon.
I strongly suggest that every programmer should have this on their bookshelf, _but only for_ _short reading_ _and references._
It’s not possible to finish this book in one sitting, and some of you may find it difficult to read as well, but don’t worry, you can combine your learning with an online course like Data Structures and Algorithms: Deep Dive Using Java along with this book.
## 10 Best Courses to learn Data Structure and Algorithms for Programmers
### These are the best courses to learn Data Structure and Algorithms for both Interviews and to become a better software…
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This is like the best of both worlds, you learn basic Algorithms quickly in an online course, and then you further cement that knowledge by going through the book, which would make more sense to you now that you have gone through a class already.
Another reason I recommend this book as one of the first books on algorithm is because of its language agnostic and accompanied by lectures here.
A big thanks to all the authors Thomas H Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, and Ronald L. Rivest for this creating this most comprehensive resource, also known as the CLRS book on Algorithms
### 2. Algorithms by Robert Sedgewick & Kevin Wayne
This was my preferred resource on algorithms for a long time, it still is, but now I see it less often than before. You will learn lots of background on the algorithm, and nowadays, even specific versions of this book are available for different programming languages like Java and C++.
There’s also a couple of free Coursera online courses for this book, Algorithms Part 1 and Algorithms Part 2, which nicely complements this book. It’s excellent. It’s also my top recommendation to Java programmers for learning algorithms.
## Algorithms, Part I
### This course covers the essential information that every serious programmer needs to know about algorithms and data…
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## Algorithms, Part II
### This course covers the essential information that every serious programmer needs to know about algorithms and data…
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While on Coursera, it also has some of the best collection of Data Structures and Algorithms courses covering each and every essential topic. They are bundled together as Coursera Specialization on Algorithms. If you are keen on learning Algorithms in-depth, that’s the place I would suggest you go.
Believe it or not, but if you already know a programming language, then seeing an example of an algorithm on that programming language than others also reduces the learning curve. _You can also read the 4th Edition of this book online for free_ _here_ _._
And, if you find Coursera courses useful, which they are because they are created by reputed companies and universities around the world, I suggest you join the Coursera Plus, a subscription plan from Coursera which gives you unlimited access to their most popular courses, specialization, professional certificate, and guided projects. It cost around $399/year but its completely worth of your money as you get unlimited certificates.
### 3. The Algorithm Design Manual by Steve S. Skiena
This is another excellent book on computer algorithms that go over a ton of algorithms with a lot of code as well.
What I especially like about the book is where he actually gives examples of where he used the algorithms (or variations thereof) in practice; it really helps you see the class(es) of problems that a particular algorithm (or family of algorithms) can be used for.
The code is in C, but it’s not very esoteric, and it’s easy to follow. I had also been out of school for a while, and this helped me get up to speed quite quickly on a number of graph algorithms.
I’ve had this book for almost ten years now and still look at it from time to time. Big thanks to @SteveSkiena
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### 4. Algorithm for Interviews
Algorithm for Interview by Adnan Aziz is a must-read book on algorithms, written in terms of keeping programming interviews in mind.
The cover itself shows how unusual the book could be if you look at the image closely on the cover is drawn with thumbnails of famous people, and the book explains how you can develop such algorithms. Interesting, isn’t it?
Well, I like this book because of its approach and objective, sometimes learning the same thing with different objects helps to understand it better.
### 5. Algorithm in Nutshell
O’Reilly’s Algorithms, in a Nutshell, is an excellent book to learn programming algorithms, especially for Java programmers. It describes the algorithms with a focus on implementing them and _without heavy mathematics_ used in classic books on algorithms.
All algorithms are presented in pattern form, with a motivation to use them, pictures and pseudo-code giving a high-level overview, and working code (in C, C++, Java, and Ruby).
They also have benchmarks to provide proof of the theoretical performance of the algorithms. In short, one of the best books to learn algorithms for programmers.
### 6. Algorithm Design by Kleinberg & Tardos
This is actually the second-best book in Algorithms after Thomas Cormon’s Introduction to Algorithms. It’s not really an introduction to algorithms and more suited to experienced programmers.
It’s more about algorithm design for developers familiar with the necessary algorithms. You should start with the Introduction of Algorithm book or Algorithms by Robert Sedgewick and then continue with this book.
Btw, if you like, you can also combine your learning with an online course like Grokking Coding Interview Patterns in Java on Educative. It’s an excellent course to get familiar with essential Algorithms and Data Structure before you move on to the Algorithm Design topic.
## Grokking the Coding Interview Patterns
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### 7. Introduction to Algorithms: A Creative Approach
Introduction to Algorithms: A Creative Approach By Udi Manber is another excellent book for self-study as it is full of hundreds of problems and examples.
It is designed to enhance the candidate’s problem-solving abilities and understanding of the principles behind algorithm design, which will help you to develop your Problem solving and Coding skills.
### 8. The Design and Analysis of Algorithms
This is another great cook on computer algorithms and deserves a place in a programmer’s shelf. Once you’ve gone through the _Coursera Specialization on Algorithms_ and one of the intro books, you can read this book for studying advanced topics in algorithms.
### 9. Data Structures and Algorithms. Aho, Ullman & Hopcroft
Another good intro book on algorithms and data structures. A lovely and bright book and any programmer who doesn’t like the heavy use of Mathematics on the algorithm will appreciate this book.
Btw, if you find this book challenging to read, which is what some of my readers complain about, then you can also take a look at the Grokking Algorithms by Aditya Bhargava, one of the easiest and exciting books on Algorithms for beginners.
### 10. Python Algorithms: Mastering Basic Algorithms in the Python Language
This book is designed for Python programmers. Magnus Lie Hetland is also the author of one of the popular introductory Python books, Beginning Python.
As I have told that algorithms are language-independent; learning python algorithms doesn’t mean you cannot implement them in Java or C++, but if you already know Python, then this is an excellent book to learn computer algorithms.
This book also gives a lot of focus on Graph Algorithms, which are very useful in solving real-world problems.
### 11. Grokking Algorithms
This is the book that was not part of the original series when I published this article on my blog, but after reading this book, I ought to include this into the list because of its simplicity. It’s one of the best books I have read on algorithms, particularly from a beginner’s point of view.
It uses modern-day examples like how Facebook would have stored a username so that it can search it easily when login. These examples resonate better with beginners and help them to grasp the concept like why array is a better choice than a linked list for search.
Aditya’s background in Fine arts also makes this book a visual learning resource. You will find so many interesting, to-the-point diagrams in this book which helps you to learn the concept better and quicker. If you want, you can also read _my review of Grokking Algorithms book_ on The Hacker News
Here is a helpful diagram that weighs this book with other algorithms book mentioned in this list
In short, one of the _best Algorithms books for any beginner programmer_. It doesn’t cover all the data structure and algorithms, but whatever it covers, it explains them well.
### 12. A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms by Jay Wengrow
This is another great book to learn Data Structures and Algorithms for beginners. This book not just will teach you all essential data structures and algorithms but also explain Big(O) notation which is used to measure the performance for any data structure or algorithms.
This book also teach you about advanced concepts like recursion and dynamic programming as well as advanced data structure. It also comes with many exercises which further solidify your knowledge.
In short, a great book for anyone who is serious to improve their DSA Skills and if you are preparing for coding interviews, you can also combine this with the Algomonster, another great resource which is created by ex Google engineers and allows you to practice coding problems on browser.
That’s all about 10 Algorithm books every programmer should read. I agree that algorithms are a complex topic, and it’s not easy to understand them in one reading; in that case, I suggest reading the same book twice.
> Also just reading is not enough, try to implement them in a programming language you love. It doesn’t hurt writing your own ArrayList, HashMap, or a tree-based Map implementation.
The effect of the learning Algorithms is not immediately visible, but you will notice a subtle improvement in your thinking, solution building, and code quality over time.
Btw, if you are interested in an online course on algorithms, I suggest you check out Data Structures and Algorithms: Deep Dive Using Java on Udemy. It’s not a free course, but you can buy in just under $10 to $15 on several of Udemy flash sales, which happens every few days
Btw, if you buy any course using my links on this article, I’ll get paid with no additional cost to you, but you should only purchase a course after watching the preview and whether you can connect to the instructor or not.
Purchasing a course where you don’t connect to the instructor will be both a waste of time and money. Same with books, choose the one where you connect with the author and mix with a course if it makes it easy for you. Thanks for your support.
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* 30+ Array-based Coding Problems from Interviews
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* My favorite list of free courses to learn Algorithms in Depth (freeCodeCamp)
Thanks for reading this article, If you like this list of books then you would also enjoy my collection of 10 books every programmer should read, which is a list of books on programming, coding, software development techniques, and best practices, computers, programming as profession and experience of some of the great programmers/coders/developers of last 50 years.
> At last, there are two types of programmers, one who understands the algorithm and one who doesn’t.
_Btw, you don’t need to read all these books to master Algorithms, yes, that’s not required, you can start with one book which you find easy like_ _Grokking Algorithms_,_and then follow up with another comprehensive book like_ _CLRS_ _._
And, if you like to watch videos rathe than reading articles, here are few YouTube videos where you can find Data structure and algorithms courses and tutorials:
And, here are few free online tutorials to learn Data Structures and Algorithms:
> P. S. — If you prefer online courses over books or you want to learn from both books and online courses then you can also check out my list of Top 5 Online Courses to Learn Data Structure and Algorithms. It includes courses on Java, Python, and JavaScript for easy learning.
## Top 10 Online Courses to Learn Data Structure and Algorithms - Best of Lot
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And, if you want to learn System Design, another important topic for interviews then you can also checkout ByteByteGo by Alex Xu, one of the best places to learn System Design for interviews
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Top 10 Data Structure and Algorithms Books and Resources for Developers image credit — Graph Algorithms by Neo4j Algorithms are language agnostic, and any programmer worth their salt should be ...
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