How can you tell if data structures and algorithms resources are trustworthy?

1 Author's background

One of the first things to check when choosing a data structures and algorithms resource is the author's background and expertise. Ideally, you want to learn from someone who has a solid academic or professional experience in the field, and who can explain the concepts clearly and accurately. You can look for the author's credentials, publications, projects, reviews, ratings, or testimonials to get a sense of their reputation and authority. You can also check if the author is active and responsive on social media, forums, or communities where they can answer questions and provide feedback.

2 Content's scope and depth

Another factor to consider when evaluating a data structures and algorithms resource is the content's scope and depth. You want to choose a resource that covers the topics that are relevant and useful for your goals, whether it is preparing for an interview, learning a new language, or improving your skills. You also want to choose a resource that provides enough depth and detail to help you understand the concepts, principles, and applications of data structures and algorithms, without being too superficial or too overwhelming. You can check the table of contents, the learning objectives, the examples, the exercises, or the quizzes to see if the content matches your expectations and needs.

4 Content's format and style

A fourth criterion to use when assessing a data structures and algorithms resource is the content's format and style. You want to choose a resource that is suitable for your preferred learning style, whether it is visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. You also want to choose a resource that is engaging, clear, and concise, without being boring, confusing, or verbose. You can evaluate the content's format and style by checking the layout, the design, the graphics, the audio, the video, or the interactivity. You can also check the language, the tone, the voice, or the readability of the content.

5 Content's feedback and support

A fifth element to consider when choosing a data structures and algorithms resource is the content's feedback and support. You want to choose a resource that provides you with opportunities to practice, test, and improve your knowledge and skills, and that gives you constructive and timely feedback. You also want to choose a resource that offers you support and guidance when you encounter difficulties, doubts, or questions, and that connects you with other learners or mentors who can help you. You can check the content's feedback and support by looking for the solutions, the hints, the explanations, the comments, the reviews, or the forums.

6 Content's price and value

A final factor to weigh when selecting a data structures and algorithms resource is the content's price and value. You want to choose a resource that is affordable and accessible, without compromising on the quality and credibility. You also want to choose a resource that delivers on its promises and expectations, and that provides you with a positive and rewarding learning experience. You can check the content's price and value by comparing the costs, the benefits, the features, the discounts, or the guarantees of different resources. You can also check the return on investment, the outcomes, the testimonials, or the ratings of the resource.

7 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?