Algorithms in a Nutshell

Audience

If you were trapped on a desert island and could have only one algorithms book, we recommend the complete box set of The Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1–3, by Donald Knuth (1998). Knuth describes numerous data structures and algorithms and provides exquisite treatment and analysis. Complete with historical footnotes and exercises, these books could keep a programmer active and content for decades. It would certainly be challenging, however, to put directly into practice the ideas from Knuth's book.

But you are not trapped on a desert island, are you? No, you have sluggish code that must be improved by Friday and you need to understand how to do it!

We intend our book to be your primary reference when you are faced with an algorithmic question and need to either (a) solve a particular problem, or (b) improve on the performance of an existing solution. We cover a range of existing algorithms for solving a large number of problems and adhere to the following principles:

• When describing each algorithm, we use a stylized pattern to properly frame each discussion and explain the essential points of the algorithm. By using patterns, we create a readable book whose consistent presentation shows the impact that similar design decisions have on different algorithms.

• We use a variety of languages to describe the algorithms in the book (including C, C++, Java, and Ruby). In doing so, we make concrete the discussion on algorithms and speak using languages that you are already familiar ...