Essential Algorithms
A Practical Approach to Computer Algorithms Using Python and C#
by Stephens, Rod
This book resonated deeply with me—especially the chapter on Sorting, which brought back memories of my first real challenge in assembly language programming. I had to sort millions of records using various algorithms to find the fastest one, and that experience shaped my understanding of computational efficiency. I also appreciated the chapter on Decision Trees, which seamlessly built on my existing knowledge of system modeling with Python. Both chapters were not just informative—they felt personally relevant and intellectually rewarding.
I highly recommend this book to all kinds of programmers—whether you’re just experimenting with computers for fun or working deeply on AI and machine learning projects from scratch. Its insights are clear yet powerful, making it a great companion at any stage of your coding journey. After imagination and creativity, what truly matters in programming is math and the science of algorithms.