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10 Must Read Data Structures and Algorithms Books for Developers

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10 Must Read Algorithms Books for Developers

Hello Devs, its well know that 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 at programming languages like Java or Python, few knows minor details of API and language intricacies but have very poor knowledge of the fundamentals of Algorithms and Data Structures.

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 processing 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 a perfect candidate for a core Java senior developer role, He was excellent in Java, multi-threading but his data structure and algorithm skill were penniless to his experience and caliber.

When I asked 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 meetings and never really used in practical coding. I have never used them in my 6 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 skill.

Algorithms are tools for developing programming solving skills and coding sense, which is required to convert a user requirement into a line of code, also known as a computer program.

They are also all around, if you use Facebook, have you ever thought about how they find your friends so quickly? Or how does Netflix 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.

In my last article, I shared 10 Must Read Software Engineering Books for Developers and in this article we will only focus on Algorithms.

10 Must Read Software Engineering Books for Developers

10 Data Structures 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 that 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 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 4th Edition by Thomas H. Corman

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 4th Edition, and I strongly suggest that every programmer should have this on their bookshelf, but only for short reading and references.

This book is also commonly referred to as CLRS (named after its authors Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein), is a seminal textbook in the field of computer science.

Now in its fourth edition, this comprehensive and authoritative resource provides an in-depth exploration of fundamental algorithms and data structures.

This book is also the gold standard in data structure and algorithms but It's not possible to finish this book in one sitting, and some of you may find it difficult to read as well.

In that case, you can combine your learning with an online course like Data Structures and Algorithms: Deep Dive Using Java along with this book.

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.

Is Algorithms 4th Edition worth it

Another reason I recommend this book as one of the first books on algorithms is because of its language agnostic and accompanied by lectures here 


2. Grokking Algorithms 2nd Edition by Aditya Bhargava

This is one of the best book to learn about Algorithms in Python. When I got bored by reading Algorithms and Introduction to Algorithms book, I started reading this book and it was quite refreshing.

Starting with the size of the book, this one is quite lean and clean compared to other algorithms book which encouraged me to reading.

Then I hooked into Aditya's diagram and explanation and real world examples which I can related to, like how does Facebook will find my profile when I login.

Their chapter on Dynamic Programming and Knapsack problem is another gem as before that I never really understood the dynamic programming but this book makes using Dynamic programming really easy, just like an extension of recursion and divide and conquer approach.

best algorithms book for Python developers

All these things makes this book an essential book on Algorithms particularly for Python developers. In fact, one of the best Algorithms book on Python.

But if you ask this is one of the most readable book a complex topic like data structure, algorithms and dynamic programming.  I highly recommend it and other books from Aditya Bhargava.

By the way, If you also struggle with Dynamic programming like me, you can also check the Grokking Dynamic Programming Patterns for Coding Interviewcourse on DesignGurus.io, this was another resource I used a lot while preparing for Dynamic programming question for coding interviews. It's also part of their all course bundle which I mentioned before.


3. 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 complement this book. It's excellent. It's also my top recommendation to Java programmers for learning algorithms.

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.

best Algorithm book for Java Programmers


4. The Algorithm Design Manual 3rd Edition 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 liked 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 several graph algorithms

I've had this for almost 10 years now and still look at it from time to time.

One notable feature of this book is the inclusion of "war stories"** that provide real-world insights into algorithm design and problem-solving.

The book is often praised for its practicality, emphasizing the importance of intuition and problem-solving skills in addition to formal algorithmic analysis.

It is also widely used in academic settings and serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of algorithmic principles and their practical applications.

advanced algorithm book for programmers


5. Coding Interview Patterns: Nail Your Next Coding Interview

This is one of the newest book I read on Data structures and algorithms, I read this book during holiday period and really loved it.

This book is created by Alex Xu, creator of ByteByteGo and author of famous System Design Interview --- Insider guide in collaboration with Shaun Gunawardane.

This book will teach you coding patterns like two pointers, sliding window, fast and slow pointer which you can use to solve 100s of Leetcode problems.

While the idea of coding interview pattern is not new and I already know them having gone through courses like Grokking the Coding Patterns from DesignGurus.io, this book bring them together with more real world examples then you will find elsewhere.

There are 101 real coding interview problems with detailed solutions and most importantly 1000+ diagrams which makes learning really easy. Just because of those diagrams value of the book increased multi-fold.

In short, "Coding Interview Patterns," is a great book to start your coding interview pattern and master key patterns needed to ace your next coding interview.

Here is the link to get this book --- Coding Interview Patterns: Nail Your Next Coding Interview

Coding Interview Patterns: Nail Your Next Coding Interview


6. 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 carefully 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.

You can also combine this book with the Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions, an excellent interactive course from DesignGurus.io to learn essential coding patterns like sliding window, merge interval, fast and slow pointers, etc that can be used to solve 100+ Leetcode problems.

best algorithm book for interviews

And, if you like these Grokking interview courses from DesignGuru, you can get all of them for a big discount by purchasing their All course bundle. This bundle include their most popular Grokking courses. You can also use discount code GURU to get 30% discount.


7. 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.

Practical book to learn Algorithm


8. 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 is more suited to experienced programmers.

It's more about algorithm design for developers familiar with the basic algorithms.

You should start with the Introduction of Algorithm book or Algorithms by Robert Sedgewick and then continue with this book.

Algorithm design book for programmers


9. 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.

This book is designed to enhance the reader's problem-solving abilities and understanding of the principles behind algorithm design, which will help you to develop your Problem solving and Coding skills.

Good book to learn Algorithms


10. The Design and Analysis of Algorithms

This is another great cook on computer algorithms and deserves a place on a programmer's shelf.

Once you've gone through the Coursera class on Algorithms and one of the intro books, you can read this book for studying advanced topics in algorithms.

Advanced algorithm design books


11. Data Structures and Algorithms. Aho, Ullman & Hopcroft [Bonus 1)

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.

best Data structure and algorithm books


12. Python Algorithms: Mastering Basic Algorithms in the Python Language (Bonus 2)

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.

best books to learn Algorithms in Python

That's all about 12 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 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 on several of Udemy flash sales, which happens every few days.

At last, there are two types of programmers, one who understands the algorithm and one who doesn't.

Remember, each of these books represents a treasure trove of knowledge that can transform your approach to software engineering. So pick one today and start your journey toward mastery!

And, if you haven't read, you can also read 10 Must Read Software Engineering Books for Developers I have shared earlier, it contains books other than algorithms for software engineers and developers.

10 Must Read Software Engineering Books for Developers

All the best with your learning journey !!

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Top comments (3)

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mardsoul profile image
Aleksei Laptev

Thanks a lot for reading list.

I don't agree with point 2. Grokking Algorithms is only essentials and it's not covered lots of parts of subject. But it's OK, maybe it depends on that I work on Java/Kotlin and Data Structures and Algorithms in Java by Lafore is more useful for me. :)

Here's free course of DSA (4 parts): Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

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peter_truchly_4fce0874fd5 profile image
Peter Truchly

Amazing list with many legendary books!
Today it may seem that algorithms and mathematics studied in detail are a waste of time, as everything is implemented in libraries and AI will do the thinking for us.
However, every journey in the IT world should begin with study.
It's a coincidence, but a few days ago I was sending a colleague my short list of books that started my programming journey almost 30 years ago.

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kviz profile image
Kostya

Very good list. From my point of view you missed SICP)

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