Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition

The definitive formal academic textbook on the subject.
This is an extremely high quality formal academic textbook on the subject of algorithms in computer science. This book likely gets assigned in many upper division or graduate level classes on the subject. For example, it has formal academic proofs of all of its claims about algorithms up front, and it is filled with exercises that are clearly intended to be completed by students. This is a formal and rigorous high level academic textbook, really serious stuff.The pseudo code is excellent, top notch, it makes even very complex algorithms readable. The pseudo code is close-ish to python in style, but the discussion of the algorithms more broadly is clearly written by people coming from a background in C/C++ since they reference pointers frequently during their explanations. The pseudo code is good enough that it could likely be used as is.The book I got was clearly freshly printed, it smelled as though the ink had just dried and one of the pages still needed to be separated at the bottom from another. So if you buy new, you might get a book that has just been printed, which is pretty cool. The printing (at least the hard cover) is very high quality, full color, glossy pages. There are some minor printing mistakes, but this is like a 1000+ page book, so the fact that 99% of it is perfect is pretty awesome.This covers virtually every common algorithm, and even includes mention and brief discussion of rare algorithms and variations of common algorithms. It’s 1000+ pages, and I get the feeling that they packed in as much as they possibly could.I would love if they would release a second volume because they just didn’t have room here to discuss everything. Like they mention a ton of variations of algorithms that they just don’t have the time to explore. For example, I’d love to have a whole section dedicated to self balancing binary trees. They cover the most common self balancing binary tree algorithms, but they briefly mention and discuss at least 5-10 other related algorithms that I would love to see covered in depth.Likewise, I would love for a second volume to cover computational geometry, which is absent from this book. I totally get why they didn’t include it, it’s a whole field in and of itself, and this book is already 1000+ pages, and this book covers almost literally every other major algorithm and problem. That’s why I hold out hope, not for a revised edition, but for a second volume that covers the stuff that this one didn’t have time for.This book is a formal academic textbook. It’s not an intro level text. You need to know your stuff before reading it. It doesn’t try to be particularly easy to read, but nor does make the subjects seem overly complex. It’s just a rigorous academic look at algorithms, like you’d expect in an upper level college course. Could it be written in a simpler style? Sure, but I feel like the market for this book is classrooms and academics, that kind of thing. It’s still very readable as long as you know your stuff, just don’t go in expecting intro level material. This is the opposite of intro level.If you are a software engineer, you pretty much owe it to yourself to own this book. This is the definitive textbook on the subject of algorithms. I really, really hope they release a second volume that covers all the algorithms that they only mention in this work. This work is very comprehensive, don’t get me wrong. It covers pretty much every major algorithm that you’d want to know, with the obvious exception of computational geometry. It even covers the NP-Hard problems, it really is comprehensive. I just want all the more obscure algorithms too!Publishers and authors if you’re listening, please release a second volume of this awesome book that covers everything you couldn’t fit in this one!

Excellent book for explaining algorithms
I’m taking a computer algorithms class from a professor who actually wrote a book on algorithms. It’s tough and I’m super confused. I got this Intro to Algorithms textbook to help explain what the professor thinks is obvious. This book has been really helpful. The book is huge and it covers a lot but it doesn’t assume you already know the material the way a lot of other algorithm textbooks do. It explains complex topics very well and is a great book for those of us CS majors who don’t immediately understand algorithms. I recommend this book even if you don’t have to get it just as a reference for computer science majors. Understanding algorithms is critical for computer science jobs, if just to get past the interview stage and get a job, so I’m glad to have this book as a reference.

Best book
Best book

I recently started reading this book, and it has proven to be an invaluable resource for enhancing my understanding of algorithms.Positive:This book is exceptionally well-organized and covers a wide range of topics related to algorithms, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers. The explanations are clear and detailed, accompanied by practical examples that help clarify complex concepts. The authors do a great job of breaking down algorithms into manageable parts, making it easier to grasp how they function and where they can be applied.The exercises at the end of each chapter are particularly beneficial for reinforcing the material and testing your understanding. The book strikes a good balance between theoretical insights and practical applications, providing a well-rounded perspective that is advantageous for anyone looking to enhance their programming skills.Additionally, its comprehensive nature makes it an excellent reference for future projects. Whether you’re studying for exams or addressing real-world programming challenges, this book is a valuable addition to your library.Overall:”Introduction to Algorithms” is a highly recommended resource for anyone interested in computer science and programming. Its depth, clarity, and practical approach make it essential for mastering algorithms.

I’m a middle-aged self-studying aspiring SWE, and had read that ‘CLRS’ aka ‘Introduction to Algorithms’ is essential reading. Despite it being a long time since I’ve tried seriously studying from any textbook, I find this book very accessible as a learner. The information is laid out clearly and coherently with excellent visual aids. The content, while obviously challenging, is thoroughly absorbable and engaging. I’m using this as an aid to some online algorithms courses, and the depth and quality of writing here really helps to accentuate (and occasionally outshine) even the top-tier e-learning content.The only difficulties experienced so far are in reading through and attempting to understand some of the more mathematical proofs – although that is laziness on my part, the appendices section looks like it will be very helpful in bringing a rusty mind back up to speed with mathematical lexicon.The only minor criticism is merely a conflict with the authors’ collection assertion to avoid providing solutions – seemingly on the basis that students might be find the compulsion to look up sample answers to the problems an irresistible temptation! Perhaps the lazy or poorly motivated would do so – and would certainly end up rewarded with the diminishing benefits and future struggle that that specific attitude would deserve.However, those learners who are prepared to put in the mileage of a good 30 minute attempt at a tougher problem should be able to verify if their own work is correct – and get an idea of where they might be going wrong. Personally, not having the luxury or privilege to access a lecturer, instructor, or mentor (and with the sending of solutions not being encouraged), it is sometimes frustrating – although there are obviously large numbers GitHub accounts which are starting to farm out ‘tentative solutions’ for every problem in the book. It is difficult and frustrating to try and elucidate what solutions are worthwhile in looking at when struggling – and it would be more convenient to compare my own attempts with answers from a credible source.Anyway, apart from that minor (extended) quibble, I would encourage anyone who is learning about algorithms to make purchasing and working through this book their number one priority!