Hey everyone! I'm a computer science student currently tackling an algorithms class, and I've been finding the material pretty challenging. We're using 'Introduction to Algorithms', 3rd Edition, and while it's considered a classic, I feel like it's quite dense and not the easiest to digest. I'm thinking about getting a physical copy since I prefer reading books over PDFs, but I want to know if it's actually worth the investment.
1. Is this book good for someone who's struggling with algorithms?
2. Or is it too complex for beginners, and should I look for other resources instead?
I'd really appreciate any recommendations for beginner-friendly books, websites, or videos! Thanks!
1 Answer
I haven't bought any physical textbooks for my CS classes—I usually just use digital copies from the library. If you're not sure about buying, you might want to check your library first. The book is a solid reference but can feel dry and rigorous, especially if math isn’t your strong suit. I found 'Algorithms' by Sedgewick easier to read, and it covers important concepts but is less detailed mathematically. Combining both could help a lot! Goodrich and Tamassia's book in Java is worth considering too, though I didn’t use it much.
Thanks a lot for the detailed answer, this really helps! I definitely feel the 'dense and dry' vibe from 'Introduction to Algorithms'. I’ll check out the Sedgewick book and Goodrich & Tamassia one too. Appreciate your help!