Introduction to Algorithms
by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, Clifford Stein · first published 1990
38% recommend52% neutral9% critical
Why HN recommends it
Rigorous, broad university-style textbook on algorithms and data structures, valued for formal proofs and breadth; suits those building CS foundations, practicing for coding interviews, or wanting a reference.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the modern study of computer algorithms. It presents many algorithms and covers them in considerable depth, yet makes their design and analysis accessible to all levels of readers. We have tried to keep explanations elementary without sacrificing depth of coverage or mathematical rigor. Each chapter presents an algorithm, a design technique, an application area, or a related topic. Algorithms are described in English and in a "pseudocode" designed to be readable by anyone who has done a little programming. The book contains over 260 figrues il
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…am I missing? The Art of Computer Programming (three volumes + fascicles) - Knuth (aka TAOCP) Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs - Abelson and Sussman (aka SICP, aka The Wizard Book) Introduction to Algorithms - Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, Stein (aka CLRS) Design Patterns - Gamma, Helm, Johnson, Vlissides The C Programming Language - Kernighan, Ritchie The C++ Programming Language - Stroustrup The Scheme…
on “ASK HN: Hacker Bibles” ↗…Psychology of Everyday Things) by Donald Norman. Many HN readers recommend Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP) and I heartily agree with that recommendation. Code by Charles Petzold. Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen/Leiserson/Rivest/Stein (CLRS). Code Complete by Steve McConnnell. The Mythical Man Month by Fred Brooks is a very thoughtful book. Statistics: A Guide to the Unknown by Roxy Peck, George…
on “Ask HN: Books That Gratify One's Intellectual Curiosity?” ↗The ranking of this list is extremely suspect. Code Complete is a fine book. The Pragmatic Programmer is okay. But neither book holds a candle to Introduction to Algorithms for career-long usefulness. For that matter, neither one holds a candle to Design Patterns for the ability to expand your mind and improve your ability to think about code (I read both at the same time,…
on “What is the single most influential book every programmer should read?” ↗…the material relatable. This in my opinion detracts from the material. Also, he doesn't always fully explain where he got some of the big ohs here and there. My advice? Follow MIT's OCW course (it uses CLRS). Supplement it with Algorithms Unlocked, the Khan Academy link in OP and CLRS. If you use those 4 resources and put in the work you'll understand the material. All 4 sources have Thomas C's DNA touch…
on “Algorithms” ↗Based on the description you give, you probably want a Data Structures/Algorithms intro. The canonical Algorithms textbook is Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen et al. The MIT OpenCourseware course on Algorithms -- which includes videos and assignments -- follows along with that book: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-compu... Note:…
on “Ask HN: I'm looking for a good book on the fundamentals of CS” ↗…get up on theory by doing your own program of sorts, you could do worse than start with these (in roughly this order): Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs - Abelson, Sussman, and Sussman Introduction to Algorithms - Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein The Art of Assembly Language - Hyde a digital logic book (not sure which is most recommended), and an architecture book (see reply by tftfmacedo) Modern Operating…
on “Must Read CS Books For Self Self-Taught Programmers” ↗While "The Art of Computer Programming" is a great book, it's not a fundamental book. I'd say it's more of a re-distillation plus some of Knuth's personal take on things. Also, I'd add, at least: Introduction to Algorithms / Cormen, Leiserson & Rivest (and recently also Stein)
on “Ask HN: What are the most fundamental books on computer science?” ↗I suggest you to read a book about algorithms. This one is pretty good: "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen and Rivest.
on “Ask HN: What are the 20% tips that will get my code to performance 80% faster?” ↗…[https://www.amazon.com/Clean-Code-Handbook-Software-Craftsma...] - Design Patterns (by "Gang of 4") [https://www.amazon.com/Design-Patterns-Elements-Reusable-Obj...] - Introduction to Algorithms (by "CLRS") [https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Algorithms-3rd-MIT-Press...]
on “Professional programming resources” ↗> The Art of Computer Programming, by Knuth Too dense and theoretical, even for someone who enjoys it. Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen, Leiserston, Rivest and Stein is more understandable and practical. It does cover everything useful and is thorough, it just isn't pedantic. [1] http://tinyurl.com/yr257c > Compilers: Principles,…
on “News.YC Library” ↗…they chose are not flawed, but in terms of ordering them and limiting them to 10, some is left to be desired. Here are some I would add: Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software Introduction to Algorithms
on “10 Books that will Substitute A Computer Science Degree (debate?)” ↗No mention of CLRS? For shame. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0262033844/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp...
on “Books that will Substitute for a Computer Science Degree” ↗…will make anyone a better programmer if you spend the time to internalize the subject matter. Don't really know any about management etc. 1. SCIP (Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs) 2. Introduction to Algorithms (Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, Stein) 3. The Art of Computer Programming (Vol 1-3). 4. Programming Pearls
on “Ask HN: What are some good books to read as a developer?” ↗…whiteboard and use that. Then type in the program when you are ready to get it graded. 2. You need to fill in some knowledge you would have gotten in college. For this, read the first few chapters of "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein. There's no royal road. Treat this as your full-time job until you get a job, i.e. work on it 8-10 hours a day 5 hours on the weekend. This is what I did last…
on “Ask HN: Is My Career Over?” ↗I know its not an online course and its a relatively massive tome, but I'd recommend just working through "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen/Leiserston/Rivest/Stein [1]. This book has great explanations and exercises for everything you could want to learn from the basics of sorting and algorithmic design and analysis, to graph…
on “Ask HN: What's the best algorithms and data structures online course?” ↗