10 Best Books for Data Structure and Algorithms for Beginners in Java, C/C++, and Python javinpaul Follow Mar 13 · 11 min read

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 into another level.

10 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 I strongly suggest that every programmer should have this in 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.

This is like the best of both worlds, you learn basic Algrotihsm 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 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 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.

While on Coursera, it also has some of the best collection of Data Structures and Algorithms courses covering each and 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 complete 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

4. Algorithm for Interviews

Algorithm for Interview by Adnan Aziz is a must-read book on algorithms, written in terms of keeping programming interview 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 object 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 Algorithms and Data Structures — Part 1 and 2 on Pluralsight. It’s an excellent course to get familiar with essential Algorithms and Data Structure before you move on to the Algorithm Design topic.

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 book, 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 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, 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 book, Beginning Python.

As I have told that algorithms are language-independent; learning python algorithm 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 is 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 on 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 which weighs this book with other algorithms book mentioned in this list

In short, one of the best Algorithms book for any beginner programmer. It doesn’t cover all the data structure and algorithms, but whatever it covers, it explains them well.

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 to read 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.

Effect of learning Algorithm 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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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.