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Learn Algorithms and Data Structures
π‘ Did you know that 81% of YouTubers say they watch videos suggested by the site’s algorithm?
Algorithms and data structures are an essential piece of computer science.
You really should learn them if you want to not only become an effective software engineer.
They also can come in extremely handy at technical interviews -especially the FAANG variety.
Perhaps most importantly? By learning these algorithms and data structures, you will come to understand how and why a program does what it does.
Then you can continue to write better programs while programming more efficiently.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you buy something. Read my disclosure for more details.
TLDR: 8 Courses to Learn Algorithms and Data Structures
π₯ Best Overall π₯
AlgoExpert
π₯ Best for Newbies π₯
Algorithms and Data Structures β Part 1: Pluralsight
πΈ Best Value πΈ
Data Structures and Algorithms in Python: Educative.io
Learn Algorithms and Data Structures
1. Data Structures and Algorithms in Python: Educative.io
Educative.io has a unique learning environment consisting of code playgrounds embedded in lessons. In these playgrounds, you can practice concepts as you learn them.
Data Structures and Algorithms in Python is an intermediate course that looks at some of the most common algorithms and data structures you’re likely to see in interviews and in a typical work day.
π We’re over the moon with Educative.io and their free 7-day trial. Find out why in our full Educative review.
Course Layout
There are 11 modules where you’ll learn core algorithms and data structures such as:
- linked lists
- arrays
- binary trees
- recursion
- string processing
And beyond.
Each module is jam-packed with illustrations and coding playgrounds.
π₯ By the end of the Data Structures and Algorithms in Python, you should be able to solve most problems using these data structures and algorithms.
What other software developers are saying about Educative.io
I’ve tried probably 5-7 different sites and Educative is easily the best…
Eric Downs, Educative.io Student
π° Cost: $59 for the course / $59 per month or $199 per year for all courses and Learning Paths
β²οΈ Duration: 19 hours
π Level: Intermediate
π₯οΈ Format: Interactive learning
πͺ Support: Yes
ποΈ Certificate: Yes
π Learn some of the most common data structures and algorithms in the book Cracking the Coding Interview by Gayle Laakmann McDowell.
2. AlgoExpert
AlgoExpert is more than an intermediate course on algorithms and data structures. It’s an entire platform dedicated to the subject matter.
The goal is to teach you algorithms and data structures to the point where you’re ready to ace your FAANG-level interview.
π We think AlgoExpert is a top-notch platform. Read why in our AlgoExpert review.
Platform Layout
AlgoExpert is not your father’s algorithms and data structures resource. Rather, it’s a veritable playground where you’ll find:
- a data structures crash course
- 160 algorithms questions ranging from easy to very hard
- 100+ hours of video explanations
- mock coding interviews
And much more.
For the algorithms questions, you’ll find a 4-pane integrated workspace where you’ll find a prompt, scratchpad, solutions, video explanations and more.
You have the option of coding your solutions in 9 languages:
| JavaScript | TypeScript | Python |
| Swift | Kotlin | C++ |
| Java | C# | Go |
π₯ AlgoExpert is a platform for software engineers serious about acing their FAANG interviews.
About the Instructor
ClΓ©ment Mihailescu is the co-founder, CEO and instructor at AlgoExpert. He’s also an ex-Google and ex-Facebook Software Engineer.
In fact, he created AlgoExpert so he could pass the Facebook interview (it worked!).
What other software developers are saying about AlgoExpert
… It played a key role in helping me prepare for internship interviews and helped me land an offer with Facebook!
– Nick, Software Engineer Intern
π° Cost: $99 per year for the course
β²οΈ Duration: 100+ hours
π Level: Intermediate
π₯οΈ Format: Interactive learning & video
πͺ Support: Yes
ποΈ Certificate: Yes
π₯ Geena’s Hot Take
While we labeled AlgoExpert as intermediate, there are some (25) easy questions on the platform. The rest (135+) are intermediate to very hard.
Plus the sheer amount of time you’ll spend on the platform earns it an intermediate label as well.
But it will be time well spent. By the end of AlgoExpert, you’ll be ready to nail those FAANG interviews. π¨
Use code realtoughcandy at checkout and SAVE 10%
π Want more algorithms practice? Pick up the book Grokking Algorithms.
3. Master the Coding Interview: Data Structures + Algorithms: Zero to Mastery
Zero to Mastery is the first video-based platform on our list of places to learn data structures and algorithms.
That means, unlike Educative.io and AlgoExpert, you’ll do all work on your local machine.
π¬ Zero to Mastery is a favorite over at RealToughCandy. Find out why in our Zero to Mastery review.
Course Layout
Master the Coding Interview: Data Structures and Algorithms is an intermediate course. It’s plum full of 21 information-rich modules covering:
- big O notation
- data structures
- algorithms
- non-technical interview questions
And much more.
First you will you learn and implement various algorithms and data structures.
π₯ Then you’ll discover how to ace FAANG-level technical interviews.
About the Instructor
Andrei Neagoie is a top-rated instructor with almost half a million students. He also used to be a Senior Software Developer in Toronto and Silicon Valley.
What other software developers are saying about Zero to Mastery
… I’ve started a career as a Web Developer thanks to you, your courses, your advice and your posts…
– Adil Asif, Senior Software Engineer
π° Cost: $39 per month or $279 per year for all courses and Learning Paths
β²οΈ Duration: 19.5 hours
π Level: Intermediate
π₯οΈ Format: Video
πͺ Support: Yes
ποΈ Certificate: Yes
Use code FRIENDS10 at checkout and SAVE 10% at ZeroToMastery.
π Want more practice before the big day? Grab A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms.
4. Algorithms and Data Structures Part 1: Pluralsight
Like Treehouse and BitDegree, Pluralsight is another video-based platform where you’ll do all work on your local machine. And at 2.5 hours, Algorithms and Data Structures – Part 1 is perfect for beginner students with a shorter attention span.
Sign up now for your 10-day free trial of Pluralsight.
Pluralsight is most similar to BitDegree but instead of paying for courses a la carte, you can sign up for monthly or yearly subscriptions to all courses and Learning Paths.
It’s an all-you-can-eat algorithm buffet.
β° Is Pluralsight worth your time? Read our full Pluralsight review.
Course Layout
Algorithms and Data Structures – Part 1 contains 5 modules that use real-world examples to teach you about:
- storing and accessing data
- linked lists
- stacks and queues
- binary search trees
- hash tables
And beyond.
π₯ By the end of this course, you’ll understand some of the core algorithms and data structures used in every day work.
Don’t forget to check out Algorithms and Data Structures – Part 2.
π° Cost: $29 per month or $299 per year for all courses and Learning Paths
β²οΈ Duration: 2.5 hours
π Level: Beginner
π₯οΈ Format: Video
πͺ Support: Yes
ποΈ Certificate: Yes
π Want more practice? Scoop up the book Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy.
5. Land a Job Easily: Java Algorithms & Data Structures Interview Questions: BitDegree
BitDegree can most easily be compared to Udemy: the courses are plentiful and the sales are frequent.
Like Treehouse’s algo course, Land a Job Easily is another intermediate video-based course where you’ll do all work on your local machine. But at 1.5 hours, Land a Job Easily is the shortest course on our list, making it great for students with a short attention span.
In this course, you’ll learn some of the most popular algorithms and data structures interview questions in Java.
πΈ Should you invest in BitDegree? Read our full BitDegree review.
Course Layout
With 12 modules, you’ll discover some of the top questions asked at tech interviews such as:
- palindrome problem
- largest sum subarray problem
- finding the middle node in a linked list
- k-th smallest element in a search tree
And beyond.
π₯ Practicing these Java problems will help put you ahead of the pack for your technical interview. πΊ
π° Cost: $16.65 for the course
β²οΈ Duration: 1.5 hours
π Level: Intermediate
π₯οΈ Format: Video
πͺ Support: Yes
ποΈ Certificate: Yes
π Ready to level up? Pick up the book Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures by Manning Publications.
6. Computer Science Career Path: Codecademy Pro
Codecademy Pro is kind of like a blend of Educative.io and Treehouse: You’ll use interactive learning and videos to learn algorithms and data structures.
But rather than take one course, you’ll work on a Career Path which is comprised of several courses. So instead of working for a few hours, you’re locked into 5 months of learning.
Daaaaaaaaaaaannnggg!
π§Ή Should you mess with Codecademy Pro? Check out our full Codecademy review.
Career Path Layout
Rather than focus on just algorithms and data structures, the Computer Science Career Path covers all the bases:
- algorithms and data structures
- Python programming
- command line
- Git
And much more.
π₯ You’ll learn computer science fundamentals while building a professional portfolio (yay, projects!) and preparing for an entry-level tech role.
π° Cost: $39.99 per month or $239.88 per year for all courses and Learning Paths
β²οΈ Duration: 5 months
π Level: Beginner
π₯οΈ Format: Interactive learning & video
πͺ Support: Yes
ποΈ Certificate: Yes
π Work on algorithms challenges with The Algorithm Design Manual.
7. Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization: Coursera
Coursera is yet another video-based platform that also offers plenty of readings. But, like Codecademy Pro, Data Structures and Algorithms is a Specialization.
Specializations are similar to career paths in that they train you to become proficient in a particular set of skills using several coinciding courses.
You can expect to spend about 8 months on the Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization.
π£ Is Coursera all it’s cracked up to be? Read our Coursera review.
Specialization Layout
There are 6 courses in the Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization:
- Algorithmic Toolbox
- Data Structures
- Algorithms on Graphs
- Algorithms on Strings
- Advanced Algorithms and Complexity
- Genome Assembly Programming Challenge
In the Genome Assembly Programming Challenge, you’ll combine all of what you’ve learned to work on a real-world project: develop a program to assemble genomes of E. coli X from millions of overlapping substrings.
π₯ By the end of this Specialization, you should be able to solve both simple and complex programming challenges.
π° Cost: $49 per month for the Specialization
β²οΈ Duration: 8 months
π Level: Intermediate
π₯οΈ Format: Video
πͺ Support: Yes
ποΈ Certificate: Yes
8. Algorithms and Data Structures Track: Treehouse
π¨ ALERT π¨
As of September 2021, Treehouse has laid off 90% of its staff. The future of Treehouse is unknown.
Like Zero to Mastery, Treehouse is video-based. However, the Algorithms and Data Structures Track is much shorter at just 6 hours.
A Track is kind of like a course on steroids. Instead of one course, there are multiple on a specific discipline. In this case: algorithms and data structures.
Track Layout
There are three courses in the Algorithms and Data Structures Track:
- Introduction to Algorithms
- Introduction to Data Structures
- Algorithms: Sorting and Searching
So after learning the basics of algorithms and data structures, you’ll discover how to implement well-known algorithms such as selection sort, merge sort and binary search.
π₯ This track is ideal for absolute beginners learning algorithms and data structures.
π° Cost: $25 per month for all courses and Learning Paths
β²οΈ Duration: 6 hours
π Level: Beginner
π₯οΈ Format: Video
πͺ Support: Yes
ποΈ Certificate: No
BONUS: How to Get a Job in Web Development: RealToughCandy
Ready to put those newfound algorithms and data structures skills to use? Check out the how-to course and companion book How to Get a Job in Web Development.
In this no-BS course, you’ll learn how to:
- craft your Holy Clover of application materials (resume, cover letter, GitHub, portfolio)
- leverage the power of social media
- strategically apply to jobs
- prepare for interviews
- prepare for your first week at work
And much, much more.
Learn Algorithms and Data Structures: Conclusion
Today we looked at the best courses to learn algorithms and data structures including:
π₯ Best Overall π₯
AlgoExpert
π₯ Best for Newbies π₯
Algorithms and Data Structures β Part 1: Pluralsight
πΈ Best Value πΈ
Data Structures and Algorithms in Python: Educative.io
You can also learn algorithms and data structures from any of the books we recommended.
Learn more about algorithms and data structures:
- 7 Best Data Structures Courses This Year [Learn Data Structures ASAP]
- 19 Best Books for Data Structures [Learn Data Structures and Algorithms]
- Best Way to Learn Algorithms This Year [Learning Algorithms ASAP]
- 10 Best Algorithms Courses [Learn Algorithms ASAP: Beginner and Intermediate]
- Where can I learn data structures and algorithms?
We recommend courses like AlgoExpert, Data Structures and Algorithms in Python by Educative.io, and Algorithms and Data Structures Part 1 on Pluralsight. Courses are an excellent resource to learn algorithms. To learn about these courses and more (and some books), be sure to check out today's article.
- Is the Algorithms and Data Structures Track by Treehouse worth it?
We think so. After learning the basics of algorithms and data structures, you'll discover how to implement well-known algorithms such as selection sort, merge sort and binary search. Read our full review to find out more.
- Can I get a job after learning algorithms and data structures?
Yes. If you properly prepare, you can set yourself up to ace the technical and soft skills portion of the interview. We recommend a combination of AlgoExpert and How to Get a Job in Web Development by RealToughCandy. You can learn more about both of these courses in today's post.
- Where can I learn data structures and algorithms in Python?
Educative.io has a course Data Structures and Algorithms in Python. It's an intermediate course that looks at some of the most common algorithms and data structures you're likely to see in interviews and in a typical work day. To learn more about this course and others, check out today's article.