Top Algorithm Design Book Recommendations for Non-CS Programmers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for algorithm design books suitable for individuals who are not computer science majors but wish to improve their programming skills. Participants explore various texts, their accessibility, and the theoretical versus practical aspects of the content.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a comprehensive algorithm design book that would serve as a singular resource.
  • Another participant suggests a standard algorithms textbook, providing a link to a specific title.
  • It is proposed that "The Algorithm Design Manual" may be the most accessible option for non-CS majors.
  • Discussion includes various recommendations such as works by Carmen, Robert Sedgewick, and Knuth's "Art of Programming," with considerations for different levels of theoretical and practical focus.
  • One participant expresses a preference for more theoretical content and questions whether knowledge of assembly language is necessary to understand Knuth's book.
  • Responses indicate that while assembly knowledge is not strictly required, understanding it may enhance comprehension of how programs operate, particularly in the context of Knuth's examples.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of examples in Knuth's work, especially regarding the use of an imaginary assembly language.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best book recommendations, with no consensus on a singular "best" resource. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of assembly language knowledge for understanding certain texts.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying levels of familiarity with programming concepts among participants, differing definitions of what constitutes a suitable book, and the subjective nature of "accessibility" in algorithm design literature.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in algorithm design, particularly those without a formal computer science background, may find the recommendations and discussions relevant.

ice109
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can someone recommend a good algorithm design book? like the end all be all of algo design? so that i don't have to read anything else cause I'm not a cs major just someone who wants to be decent at programming
 
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This is probably the "standard" algorithms textbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262032937/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You might want to wander over to your local university library or bookstore and see which books they have to offer. You'll probably find one that fits your needs.

- Warren
 
Possibly the most accesible is "The Algorithm Design Manual"
 
It depends on what you want to do. Carmen or Robert Sedgewick are what you get in an Algorithms class at University.

Do you code for food now? If so, you need to read, starting now, keep on until you die.
Start with 'Art of Programming' by Knuth. If you just want a more nearly cookbook approach Knuth is not for you. Consider Carmen or Robert Sedgewick (two books). If you are into doing maths, consider Numerical Recipes in C.

The problem is that you cannot predict what you employer will want 5 years from now. It's nice to say, "yes, I've seen that and can do basic things with <fill in the blank>".
It's known as being indespensible.
 
don't code for money yet. something more theoretical would be nice, i know knuth invented tex so i trust his book will be decent so i'll check that out.

wait assembly? do i need to know assembly to be able to read this book?
 
Last edited:
Not really - go to a library and check out volume 1. See if you can read it.
Tex is based on the concept of Metafont - which is the basis for truetype fonts for example.
 
ice109 said:
wait assembly? do i need to know assembly to be able to read this book?
You can't really understand how a computer program works without understanding assembler.
TAOCP is written using an assembly language for an imaginary processor which only exists for examples in the book. The new edition uses a new RISC imaginary processor.
That's the good news, the bad news is that if you think the idea of examples in an imaginary assembly language is complicated - wait until you see what the book actaully covers using it !
 

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