You're an intern who wants to learn algorithms. What's the best way to get started?

1 Pick a language

The first step is to choose a programming language that you are comfortable with and that supports algorithmic thinking. Some popular languages for algorithms are Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. They have different syntax, features, and libraries, but they all share some common concepts and paradigms. You don't need to know everything about the language, but you should be familiar with the basic data structures, control structures, and functions.

2 Learn the basics

The next step is to learn the fundamental concepts and techniques of algorithms. You should understand what is an algorithm, how to design, analyze, and implement it, and what are the common types and categories of algorithms. You should also learn about the basic tools and methods for measuring the performance, complexity, and correctness of algorithms, such as time and space complexity, Big O notation, and testing and debugging. You can find many online courses, books, and tutorials that cover these topics, such as Coursera's Algorithms Specialization, MIT's Introduction to Algorithms, and Khan Academy's Algorithms.

3 Practice and apply

The best way to improve your algorithmic skills is to practice and apply them to real-world problems. You can use online platforms, such as LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codeforces, to find and solve various algorithmic problems of different levels and domains. You can also participate in online contests and competitions, such as Google Code Jam, Facebook Hacker Cup, and ACM ICPC, to challenge yourself and learn from others. You should also try to apply your algorithmic knowledge to your internship projects and tasks, and seek feedback and guidance from your mentors and peers.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?