10 Best Data Structures and Algorithms Books [2024]

Data Structures and Algorithms Books

Introduction

Data structures and algorithms are the fundamentals of software development. The study of data structures and algorithms involves a lot of thinking ability and exercise of the brain. From many big tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc to the new emerging startups like Zomato, Swiggy, etc, all have interview rounds based on data structures and algorithms. Since Data structures and Algorithms are so important, not just for the hiring processes but also for the development of the Problem-Solving Skills of a developer, it is very important to know about the best resources to study them. This discussion focuses on some of the best books on Data structures and Algorithms.

Data Structures and Algorithms Books: Best Finds

Here we have a list of some of the best books that you can use to study data structures and algorithms go in-depth of the concepts and feel them yourself. The books are not arranged in any particular order (from best to lowest or vice versa). Think of it as 10 equal-level good books, just for different needs.

1. ”Introduction to Algorithms” by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, and Clifford Stein

Introduction to Algorithms

About the book: This book is often said to be the bible for Algorithms. The book has a lot of famous algorithms ranging from a variety of topics like Dynamic Programming and greedy methods to various advanced Graph Algorithms and even Multithreaded Algorithms, algorithms related to Number Theory, and whatnot. However, this book is not that beginner-friendly but it is highly recommended in Colleges and Universities. The book is practical, with problems, diagrams, proofs, and implementations. It assumes familiarity with basic data structures and math. The book is famous by the name of CLRS Book on Algorithms.

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Recommendation: Read after acquiring a good understanding of basic data structures like Arrays, Strings, Linked Lists, Stacks, and Queues and when one has a fair idea (beginner level only) about algorithms.

2. “Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy: Data Structures and Algorithmic Puzzles” by Narasimha Karumanchi

Data Structures And Algorithms Made Easy

About the book: A beginner-friendly book that covers various beginner-level topics like introduction to Data structures and various data structures like Linked Lists, Stacks, and Queues along with some advanced and in-depth topics like Graph Algorithms, Dynamic Programming Algorithms, Greedy algorithms, and many more. The programs in this book are given in C Programming Language, making it a guide for interviews, exams, and certificates. Over 400 pages, it serves as a workbook for solving algorithmic problems, requiring familiarity with math and C/C++.

Recommendation: This book is highly recommended to anyone who is at a beginner-level or an intermediate level of knowing the programming concepts. 

3. “Algorithms” by Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne

Algorithms

About the book: This book is one of the top recommendations for Java Programmers as it covers the basics of Data structures and algorithms in Java and goes up to a decent level. The book covers various topics like fundamentals and introduction to data structures and algorithms using Java to some advanced Graph Algorithms, String Matching Algorithms, Network Flow, Reductions, etc. It is one of the highest-rated books especially for Java programmers as there are limited high-quality books that provide in-depth knowledge of data structures and Algorithms and use Java for it.

Recommendation: It is recommended to use this book as a resource for studying the concepts in-depth but it is not sufficient for practice. Java programmers should use this book as it is a good resource for learning DSA in Java.

4. “Grokking Algorithms: An illustrated guide for programmers and other curious people” by Aditya Bhargava

Manning Publications Grokking Algorithms

About the book: If you are a Python programmer and are worried about why isn’t there any book that teaches Data structures and Algorithms in Python, do not worry now. This book teaches the fundamentals of Data structures and Algorithms using Python Programming Language. It covers the basics like Greedy Algorithms, Dynamic Programming, etc. The differentiating factor of this book that makes it a lot more interesting is the diagrams and the interactive approach of the book towards all the topics. Suitable for Python programmers, focusing on common problems like sorting and searching, gradually progressing to complex issues.

Recommendation: This is not a complete coursebook as the number of topics covered is less, but the topics are covered fully with interactive explanations. This cannot be used as a complete guided path like the CLRS book but it can be used as a reference book. It is highly recommended to use this book and study in a very unique and interactive way in which the book teaches.

5. “The Algorithm Design Manual” by Steven S. Skiena

The Algorithm Design Manual

About the book: You might have seen various algorithm design courses on different online platforms. This book serves as a reference to almost all those courses. This book also covers a wide variety of topics from basic Data Structures to advanced topics like Interactive problems, Hard graph problems, problems based on Combinatorics, etc. There are pseudo-codes for most of the problems similar to C Programming Language. The book is divided into Techniques and Resources sections, offering both theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving resources.

Recommendation: Not beginner-friendly but an excellent resource for intermediate-level to advanced-level programmers. A lot of high-level concepts are covered with separate chapters for mathematically advanced topics like Computational Geometry. 

6. “Algorithms Unlocked” by Thomas H. Cormen

Website: Amazon.com

About the Book: In this book, the author takes a different approach by emphasizing more on demystifying the world of algorithms. It focuses on explaining how algorithms are used in our everyday technology to perform various tasks like searching, sorting, and graphing. This makes it an ideal choice for readers who are interested in understanding the practical applications of algorithms rather than diving deeply into theoretical aspects. The author employs explanations and real-life examples to make complex concepts more understandable.

Recommendation: The book is highly recommended for readers interested in gaining insights into how algorithms are applied in various technological tasks, making it suitable for technology enthusiasts, curious minds, and those interested in the practical applications of algorithms. The book is accessible and does not require an extensive background in computer science, making it a good choice for a broad audience.

7. ”Introduction to Algorithms: A Creative Approach” by Udi Manber

Algorithms: A Creative Approach

About the book: This is an advanced-level book for programmers who already have an understanding of data structures and algorithms and are seeking an in-depth exploration of the mathematical aspects of algorithm design. Unlike other algorithm books, this one takes a creative approach to algorithmic problem-solving. The book is known for its advanced content, focusing on mathematical aspects rather than providing a hands-on guide for coding interviews. It covers a wide range of topics creatively and analytically, making it suitable for readers interested in delving into the mathematical complexities of algorithm design.

Recommendation: This book is not for beginners or those preparing for coding interviews. The book is quite advanced in its level. The fact that this book is quite advanced can be stated by a simple example that there is only 1 chapter in which all the data structures have been covered. It is highly recommended based on the user interest. If someone wants to have a deep mathematical analysis of how the algorithms are designed, this book is for you. 

8. “Problem-solving with Algorithms and Data Structures using Python” by Bradley N. Miller and David L. Ranum

Problem Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures Using Python

About the Book: The book “Problem-Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures in Python” is a very basic level book, for beginners in Data structures and algorithms. The range of topics covered in this book is not very vast, yet they give Python programmers a good introduction to DSA and problem-solving. Topics like recursion, trees and their algorithms, and basic data structures like Linked Lists, Stacks, and queues are covered in this book.

Recommendation: This book focuses more on Python programming and data structures in Python to be precise. It can be used by beginners currently learning Python programming to build their foundation strong by already learning some of the basic data structures in Python apart from the Language.

9. “Algorithms in a Nutshell” by George T. Heineman, Gary Pollice, and Stanley Selkow.

Algorithms in A Nutshell

About the book: This is one of the best books to learn Data Structures and Algorithms for Java, C, C++, and Python Programmers. The book has implementation tips (only tips not the entire code) for all of the above-stated programming languages. Mainly, the programs are in the C programming language. The explanations are very good with proper dry-run of the algorithms using diagrams, UML diagrams are also used in many places to explain the concepts clearly. The book is divided into 4 parts which cover very basic topics like searching and sorting basic algorithms to advanced topics like Network flow algorithms, Computational Geometry, etc.

Recommendation: This book is recommended to beginners as well as intermediate programmers who have a good hold over programming. 

10. “Advanced Data Structure” by  Peter Brass

About the book: This book focuses on the importance of data structures in algorithms and optimizing searches. It is designed for advanced readers and data science practitioners, offering an in-depth exploration of data storage within data analysis. The book covers various data structures and their variants, providing detailed discussions on topics such as stacks, queues, hash tables, search trees, and more. It goes beyond basic data structures and includes discussions on specialized structures like interval trees. Throughout the book, readers can find working code examples in the C programming language, enhancing the understanding of practical implementations. 

Recommendation: This book is ideal for advanced readers, especially graduate students and data science practitioners, with a deep understanding of data structures and algorithms. It delves into intricate details of data storage in the context of data analysis, making it less suitable for beginners or those seeking an introductory exploration of data structures.

Conclusion

So, these were some of the top-rated and suggested books on Data Structures and Algorithms. Again, which book to go for? This completely depends on your current level and knowledge of programming and your further interests.

One thing that we can suggest is that stick to one book at a time and don’t waste your money and time in purchasing and reading a lot of books as it just increases confusion and chaos.

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