Ask HN: what are the best ways to learn algorithms and data structes?

#1

Post by nitin1213 » Wed, Feb 19, 2014, 12:46 PM UTC

I have recently started learning to program and have fiddled with some simple c programs Like calculator,matrix addition etc from a c textbook. but I am not able to understand how those programs are written. I know most part of the syntax but if anybody asks me to write a program to do x I don't know how to do it. I learnt that its essential to know algorithms in order to write good programs.how do I get started with it?I am fully determined to become proficient in programming and willing to put in the required effort.how do I go from my present state to a situation where I will be able to write awesome programs.?I have made fabrice bellard my idol.:-) anybody willing to mentor me over email? give me some suggestions.

Re: Ask HN: what are the best ways to learn algorithms and data structes?

#2

Post by brudgers » Wed, Feb 19, 2014, 1:51 PM UTC

Knuth, TAoCP, vol I. Because i t includes the maths and Assembly Language too, it perhaps qualifies as the hard way.

Re: Ask HN: what are the best ways to learn algorithms and data structes?

#3

Post by conexions » Wed, Feb 19, 2014, 2:59 PM UTC

https://www.coursera.org/course/algs4partI The Cousera couse above is a really good. Its centered mostly around Java, but the basic principles, of course, can be used in any programming language.

Re: Ask HN: what are the best ways to learn algorithms and data structes?

#4

Post by saranshkataria » Wed, Feb 19, 2014, 4:50 PM UTC

There's this introduction to algorithms course by MIT course ware which I found useful while I was learning. You can see it here: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-comput... The video lectures are pretty good!

Re: Ask HN: what are the best ways to learn algorithms and data structes?

#5

Post by ahazred8ta » Sun, Feb 23, 2014, 1:21 AM UTC

The Algorithm Design Manual by Steven Skiena is well regarded, has war stories, case studies, homework assignments. - Find it at http://www.algorist.com/

Re: Ask HN: what are the best ways to learn algorithms and data structes?

#6

Post by Mankhool » Mon, Feb 24, 2014, 7:05 PM UTC

ahazred8ta wrote: post #5

The Algorithm Design Manual by Steven Skiena is well regarded, has war stories, case studies, homework assignments. - Find it at http://www.algorist.com/

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