How do you choose the best data structures and algorithms book for your skill level?

When you start preparing for a coding interview, the first step is not only to evaluate your level of proficiency in algorithms, but also your ability to implement them. Since most Algorithms 101 courses/books focus on theoretical aspects of Algorithms, we recommend complementing them by courses/books based on the learning-algorithms-through-programming approach. You can use the coding interview preparation platforms (such as LeetCode) or interactive textbooks (such as “Ace Your Next Coding Interview by Learning Algorithms through Programming and Puzzle Solving” by Kulikov and Pevzner) to try a few coding challenges and algorithmic puzzles to assess your strengths and weaknesses.

The second step is to consider your preferred style of learning. For example, if you are most interested in the theoretical aspects of algorithms, you should use excellent Algorithms 101 books, such as "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein or “Algorithms” by Dasgupta, Papadimitriou, and Vazirani. However, if you focus on implementing algorithms and preparing for a coding interview, you may want to use “Ace Your Next Coding Interview by Learning Algorithms through Programming and Puzzle Solving” by Kulikov and Pevzner. Depending on your style of learning, you can either use the traditional hard-copy book (example) or an interactive book complemented by coding challenges, online puzzles, and lecture videos.

The third step is to define your goals from reading a data structures and algorithms book. If you want to learn the theory of algorithms and practice proving theorems, then "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein or “Algorithms” by Dasgupta, Papadimitriou, and Vazirani is your best choice. If you want to prepare for an interview, you may want to use interactive textbooks specifically aimed at preparing you for a coding interview, such as “Ace Your Next Coding Interview”. If you want to improve your skills for a specific project, you may want to read a book on algorithms in, e.g., bioinformatics, such as "Bioinformatics Algorithms" by Compeau and Pevzner.

It is always a good idea to check the quality of a book, for example, you can check online reviews or check the table of contents before you decide to buy it. If you are preparing for a coding interview, it is important to check whether the book is interactive, e.g., allows you to code and instantly check whether your implementations of algorithms are correct.

You should try the book before you buy it. Many books offer some chapters for free so that you can check whether the book fits your style of learning. Some books have associated courses with online learning platforms, and you often can try these courses for free. This way, you can avoid wasting time on a book that does not work for you. For example, “Ace Your Next Coding Interview by Learning Algorithms through Programming and Puzzle Solving” by Kulikov and Pevzner complements the online course “Algorithmic Toolbox” with 500,000+ learners that was named one of the top 10 computer science courses on Coursera.

After you finish the book, continue learning! For example, if you finish “Ace Your Next Coding Interview by Learning Algorithms through Programming and Puzzle Solving”, remember that it covers only the first course in the Coursera specialization “Data Structures and Algorithms” – there are six more courses! There is no end in learning data structures and algorithms!