Ask HN: what are the best ways to learn algorithms and data structes?

[nitin1213]

I have recently started learning to program and have fiddled with some simple c programs Like calculator,matrix addition etc from a c textbook. but I am not able to understand how those programs are written. I know most part of the syntax but if anybody asks me to write a program to do x I don't know how to do it. I learnt that its essential to know algorithms in order to write good programs.how do I get started with it?I am fully determined to become proficient in programming and willing to put in the required effort.how do I go from my present state to a situation where I will be able to write awesome programs.?I have made fabrice bellard my idol.:-) anybody willing to mentor me over email? give me some suggestions.

[saranshkataria]

There's this introduction to algorithms course by MIT course ware which I found useful while I was learning. You can see it here: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-comput... The video lectures are pretty good!

[conexions]

https://www.coursera.org/course/algs4partI The Cousera couse above is a really good. Its centered mostly around Java, but the basic principles, of course, can be used in any programming language.

[ahazred8ta]

The Algorithm Design Manual by Steven Skiena is well regarded, has war stories, case studies, homework assignments. - Find it at http://www.algorist.com/

[Mankhool]

Hey Ahaz I wanted to reply to your question on this link https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7176039 I work for a TV Studio that is part of a global Telco. Please put a contact email in you link!

[brudgers]

Knuth, TAoCP, vol I. Because i t includes the maths and Assembly Language too, it perhaps qualifies as the hard way.