Classic Computer Science Problems in Python
by David Kopec · first published 2019
12mentions
6recommended by
8HN commenters
2019–2025first – last mentioned
75% recommend25% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Practical, problem-solving approach to classic computer science algorithms implemented in Python; suits self-taught programmers and readers who want to build working code while picking up some theory.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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…This would be an iconoclastic route into programming, to say the least. If you are looking for a more approachable or practical book that gets you programming and introduces some theory I recommend “Classic Computer Science Problems in Python” by David Kopec. Reading TAOCP to get into programming is sort of like reading a physics textbook in order to build a doghouse in your backyard.
on “For Donald Knuth, good coding is synonymous with beautiful expression” ↗I wrote two of them specifically for self taught programmers like her: “Classic Computer Science Problems in Python” and “Classic Computer Science Problems in Swift.” Unfortunately we don’t have a JavaScript version yet. Instead of focusing on things like complexity analysis we focus on problem solving techniques in…
on “Ask HN: What book to read to get a footing in CS theory?” ↗…of books where programming (not framework/standard library API calling) is used to accomplish something. Any language is fine. Any MOOC or playlist is fine, too. Some examples: 1. Nature of Code 2. Classic Computer Science Problems in Python 3. Math Adventures with Python 4. Realm of Racket 5. Digital Signal Processing in Python by Allen Downey 6. Python Playground by Mahesh Venkitachalam 7. Hands-on Rust by Herbert Wolverson
on “Ask HN: What are some fantastic books in other topics that use programming?” ↗My current favorites: https://runestone.academy/runestone/books/published/pythonds... Grokking Algorithms Classic Computer Science Problems in Python
on “Ask HN: Self taught programmer, now wanting to learn more about CS theory” ↗Off topic, but I wanted to tell you that I'm enjoying going through 'Classic Computer Science Problems In Python.' I think you're a very good writer and I'm looking forward to more of your work.
on “Writing a game from first principles in 65c02 – Part One” ↗Unrelated, but I read much of your Classic Computer Science Problems in Python. And it is really a great book. Especially suitable for people in junior roles right now or people in any kind of role with a knack for solving interesting problems.
on “The Tools I Use to Write Books (2018)” ↗I'm going through two Python books right now, both of which I'm enjoying: - Python Workout: 50 ten-minute exercises. - Classic Computer Science Problems in Python. Would strongly recommend if you are looking to up your skills in Python
on “Ask HN: Python Programming Books” ↗I'm also a Manning author and this also happened to me a couple years ago. Amazon was allowing a counterfeit Kindle edition of Classic Computer Science Problems in Python to pose as legitimate on my own book's page! Only emailing Jeff got a solution. Manning seemed powerless to solve the problem themselves. I still have some bad reviews as a result of that counterfeit…
on “Amazon has a book piracy problem” ↗We did a fun experiment in Chapter 5 of Classic Computer Science Problems in Python. We ran a genetic algorithm to find what order of a list (assuming the order doesn't matter) of names led to the best compression using one of the Python standard library's built-in compression algorithms.…
on “Using machine learning to choose compression algorithms” ↗> Amazon was allowing a counterfeit Kindle edition of Classic Computer Science Problems in Python to pose as legitimate on my own book's page! Amazon tries to "unify" pages for products that are "the same", which ends up being a disaster. A while ago I found that the page for Husain Haddawy's translation…
on “Amazon has a book piracy problem” ↗…Programming Paperback – 12 Jan. 2023 by Eric Matthes (Author) Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science Paperback – Illustrated, 30 Jan. 2016 by John Zelle (author) (Author) the 'third onee': classic computer science problems in python, algorithms illuminated learning scientific programming in python, python tools for science effective pandas
on “I've Read over 100 Books on Python: Here Are the Top 3 [video]” ↗…Science from Scratch: Building Interpreters, Art, Emulators and ML in Python: https://nostarch.com/computer-science-from-scratch In the technical community I am probably best known for writing the book Classic Computer Science Problems in Python which has been translated into 8 languages. But I am also an avid podcaster with a semi-successful podcast I co-host now on its fifth season called Business Books & Co.: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AHsPplOB57xM25RtJwYQg…
on “Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (March 2025)” ↗