11 Best Algorithms Books in 2024 [Learn Computer Algorithms ASAP]

Today we’re looking at 11 of the best algorithms books of this year.

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a step-by-step method for solving programming problems.

Actually, it’s kind of like a recipe: a combination of ingredients to come up with a delicious finished product. 🥧

🧠 Did you know? Google makes changes to its algorithm 500 to 600 times per year.

In this list of best algorithms books, you’ll discover their:

• features
• core concepts
• layout
• comparisons
• skill level
• and much more

In addition, you’ll find a few algorithm courses we love and recommend often. Let’s get to it!

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TLDR: 11 Best Algorithms Books
[Learn Computer Algorithms]

💸 Best Value 💸
Algorithms (4th Edition)

🔥 Best Algorithms Book for Newbies 🔥
Algorithms in a Nutshell

1. Data Structures & Algorithms in Python

Data Structures & Algorithms in Python is a comprehensive introduction to algorithms presented in the programming language Python.

➡️ We think Data Structures & Algorithms in Python is one of the best algorithms books to learn about the design, analysis and implementation of algorithms.

First off, you’ll start with a Python primer:

Then, you’ll learn about:

✅ recursion

✅ graph algorithms

✅ algorithm analysis

✅ sorting and selection

✅ array-based sequences

✅ object-oriented programming

And much more.

You must be familiar with C, C++, Python or Java before reading this book.

Be sure to check out these other books by Goodrich, Tamassia, and Goldwasser: Data Structures & Algorithms in Java and Data Structures and Algorithms in C++

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2. The Algorithm Design Manual

As the name suggests, The Algorithms Design Manual stresses design over analysis.

➡️ The Algorithm Design Manual is possibly one of the best algorithms books covering methods to design and analyze computer algorithms.

After exploring those methods, you’ll venture into the second part of the book. It is a reference guide for algorithmic resources and implementations.

The Algorithms Design Manual is packed with over 100 algorithm problems. Also, this includes some problems taken from LeetCode and HackerRank.

In addition, it’s jam-packed with color illustrations and code.

You’ll learn the best algorithmic implementations in C, C++, and Java.

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3. Introduction to Algorithms, 3rd Edition (The MIT Press)

Introduction to Algorithms is an in-depth look at different algorithm types. However, explanations are elementary.

➡️ Introduction to Algorithms is possibly one of the best algorithms books for beginner and intermediate learners.

In addition, each chapter is self-contained so there’s no bleed-through of information.

Algorithms are presented in pseudocode for widespread readability.

This updated version of Introduction to Algorithms includes new material such as multithreaded algorithms and dynamic programming.

Ready to start preparing for your technical interview? We recommend checking out The Algorithms and Data Structures Interview Crash Course on Educative.io.

This textbook has been used in universities worldwide.

What readers are saying about Introduction to Algorithms:

This book is amazing. It is rigorous yet approachable for anyone who likes a challenge. Definitely a keeper.

– J. Noor

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4. Algorithms (4th Edition)

Algorithms is another textbook used in universities worldwide.

➡️ In our opinion, Algorithms contains some of the most up-to-date algorithms.

There are over 50 algorithm types including:

✅ sort

✅ search

✅ graph processing

✅ string processing

And beyond.

Algorithms and solutions are written in Java.

You’ll work on things like sequential search in an unordered linked list:

There are also two free online courses you can take on Coursera to complement the material in the textbook: Algorithms Part I and Algorithms Part II.

With the online courses, you’ll:

• work on exercises
• look at lecture slides
• work on programming assignments

And beyond.

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5. Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms (2nd Edition)

Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms is geared towards data science professionals.

➡️ We believe Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms is one of the best algorithms books for advanced developers.

In addition to learning the characteristics of machine learning algorithms, you’ll:

✅ implement algorithms for supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning

✅ discover how artificial neuron networks work

✅ create, model and train probabilistic models

✅ learn how regression works

And much, much more.

🍷 PAIRING SUGGESTION We recommend pairing this book with the interactive Educative.io course Data Structures and Algorithms in Python. An intermediate course, it’s jam-packed with illustrations, code snippets and code playgrounds.

Solutions are presented in Python 3.8, so you must be familiar with Python.

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6. Algorithms in a Nutshell: A Practical Guide

Algorithms in a Nutshell takes a hands-on approach to applying algorithms with minimal use of math.

➡️ We think Algorithms in a Nutshell is one of the best algorithms books for less technical programmers.

In addition, each algorithm contains an explanation for where, why and how it should be implemented.

You’ll also learn how to:

✅ use design decisions to impact different algorithms

✅ locate algorithms for the problems you want to solve

✅ anticipate the performance of an algorithm

✅ improve the efficiency of algorithms with data structures

And beyond.

Code solutions are presented in C, C++, Java and Python.

🍷 PAIRING SUGGESTION: If you’re looking to work on even more complex algorithms, we recommend the AlgoExpert platform by Clément Mihailescu.

Then, you can work on over 150 problems ranging from Easy to Extremely Hard. AlgoExpert is geared towards preparing for FAANG interviews, but can also be used just to keep your algorithmic skills sharp.

What readers are saying about Algorithms in a Nutshell:

Simply on of the best books on algorithms you will ever find. Period.

C. L. Beard

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7. A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms, Second Edition

A Common Sense Guide to Data Structures takes a real-world, practical approach to teaching algorithms.

➡️ We believe A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms is one of the best algorithms books for creating more efficient algorithms.

For example, you’ll use big-O notation to measures the efficiency of your code.

Also, from there you can modify your algorithm to make it faster.

In addition, you’ll use recursion to create algorithms to run faster.

Finally you’ll work on advanced data structures to scale specialized applications.

A Common Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms presents examples in JavaScript, Python and Ruby.

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8. Grokking Algorithms

Grokking Algorithms is a user-friendly book geared towards self-taught programmers.

➡️ Grokking Algorithms is possibly one of the best algorithms books for visual learners.

In addition to its easy-to-read format, Grokking Algorithms contains over 400 illustrations.

Binary search is one of the first things you will learn:

After a brief introduction, you’ll learn nine of the most important and frequently-used algorithms:

• Selection sort
• Recursion
• Quicksort
• Hash tables
• Breadth-first search
• Dijkstra’s algorithm
• Greedy algorithms
• Dynamic programming
• K-nearest neighbors

These are all algorithms related to search, sort and graph.

Code samples are given in Python. 🐍

At the conclusion of Grokking Algorithms, you’ll know when and where to use common algorithms.

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🍷 PAIRING SUGGESTION: We think this book pairs well with Andrei Neagoie’s video course Master the Coding Interview: Data Structures + Algorithms. Both are great for beginners.

In addition to 19 hours of videos, Master the Coding Interview will teach you how to learn, implement and use different data structures and algorithms.

In addition, you’ll learn how to prepare for FAANG-level interviews.

9. Hands-On Data Structures and Algorithms with Python

Like the titles says, you’ll learn how to implement data structures and algorithms using Python.

Specifically, you’ll learn some of the most common algorithms to build manageable applications.

➡️ We believe Hands-On Data Structures and Algorithms with Python is one of the best algorithms books to understand data structures.

In addition, you’ll be learn how to gain insights into Python implementation of algorithms.

And much more.

As a result, you’ll be able to write efficient code in Python 3.

You should be familiar with Python before reading this book.

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10. 40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know

40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know is geared towards both beginner and experienced programmers.

➡️ We think 40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know is one of the best algorithms books for aspiring FAANG developers.

You’ll learn fundamental algorithms such as sorting and searching. In addition, you’ll learn algorithms commonly used in machine learning and cryptography.

Using Python, you’ll learn how to:

✅ implement graph algorithms for fraud detection

✅ use machine learning algorithms to process Twitter data

✅ use supervised learning algorithms to predict weather

And much more.

In addition, you’ll learn techniques to design algorithms which solve complex problems.

Also, you’ll become familiar with neural networks and deep learning.

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11. Algorithms Illuminated: Part 1: The Basics

Last on our list of best algorithms books is Algorithms Illuminated.

This is a 4-part series. Part 1 deals with algorithm basics.

➡️ Algorithms Illuminated: Part 1 is possibly one of the best algorithms books for developers who aren’t yet proficient in any programming language.

Here you’ll learn a programming language-agnostic approach to algorithms.

In other words, the code examples aren’t presented in a specific programming language.

Rather, you’ll learn the skills you need to create algorithms in various languages.

One of the first concepts you’ll learn about is integer multiplication:

Also, Algorithms Illuminated includes quizzes, problems and solutions.

Author Tim Roughgarden presents concepts with accompanying YouTube videos.

Then, Algorithms Illuminated: Part 1 will cover things like divide-and-conquer algorithms, randomized algorithms, and widely-known sorting and selection algorithms.

And much more.

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Be sure to check out the other books in this series.

Best Algorithms Books Bonus: The Cambridge Handbook of the Law of Algorithms

The Cambridge Handbook of the Law of Algorithms examines our legal and ethical responsibility to use algorithms.

Then, it examines challenges algorithms pose to law.

For example, algorithms are often used to determine things like prison sentences.

In addition, it looks at how algorithms are replacing people as decision makers.

But with that, it analyzes how human biases are built into algorithmic decision making. Some instances include housing, credit approval and more.

Finally, it takes a look at algorithms in relation to free speech, intellectual property and human rights.

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Best Algorithms Books: Conclusion

Today we showed you 11 of the best algorithms books that we love:

1. Data Structures & Algorithms in Python
2. The Algorithm Design Manual
3. Introduction to Algorithms, 3rd Edition (The MIT Press)
4. Algorithms (4th Edition)
5. Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms
6. Algorithms in a Nutshell
7. A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms, Second Edition
8. Grokking Algorithms
9. Hands-On Data Structures and Algorithms with Python
10. 40 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know
11. Algorithms Illuminated: Part 1: The Basics

In addition, we included the bonus book The Cambridge Handbook of the Law of Algorithms.

So whether you want to dive into the intricate inner workings of computer science or just need something fast and easy, there’s an algorithm book in this list for just about any software developer.

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