Ask HN: Algorithms Resources for Beginners?

7 points by this_rabbit 11y ago ↗ HN

I am a beginning web developer with no CS background. I've had a year of experience with ruby and some haskell. I'm hungry to dig deep into this material to use in my own projects and just for learning and challenge, but every resource I've found requires a CS background. What are good resources for learning algorithms for total beginners? Thanks!

3 comments

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ChintanGhate 11y ago ↗

This question was answered aptly on quora, perhaps something from this link will be helpful for you - http://www.quora.com/What-are-the-most-learner-friendly-reso...

chad_strategic 11y ago ↗

I'm a self taught developer and I have built my own algorithms.

This is probably the most important resource: http://www.businessinsider.com/jack-dorsey-on-programmers-20...

If you really are coding what you want, you will figure it out. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. CS degree is not needed.

Aheinemann 11y ago ↗

just one thing: computer science ist not about programming. CS is about the math involved in solving problems using a specific set of instructions in a manner sufficiently specific that it can be implemented. It is intimidating at first and quite helpful once mastered. Don't avoid it and don't let it deter you.

build a tool set of algorithms and you will begin to understand. Then you will want to study cs (possibly). resources:

Introduction to Algorithms by Leiserson, Rivest et al.

Algorithms, Sedgewick

Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice by Foley

http://bookboon.com/en free ebooks about math, cs, programming, office...