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Grokking AI Algorithms, Second Edition
book

Grokking AI Algorithms, Second Edition

by Rishal Hurbans
April 2026
Intermediate
592 pages
15h 8m
English
Manning Publications

Overview

Understand the algorithms that underpin AI, from classic to cutting-edge.

Artificial intelligence algorithms are the backbone of search and optimization, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and, of course, generative AI. Grokking AI Algorithms, Second Edition introduces the most important AI algorithms using relatable illustrations, interesting examples, and thought-provoking exercises. Written in simple language and with lots of visual references and hands-on code examples, it helps you build a natural intuition into how intelligent systems learn, plan, and adapt. This second edition has been thoroughly revised, with new chapters on large language models, image generation, and more.

In Grokking AI Algorithms, Second Edition you will discover:

  • How to pick the right algorithm for each AI problem
  • Learn the fundamentals of search (the foundation of modern AI)
  • Building intelligent agents to solve puzzles
  • Finding solutions using the theory of evolution and genetic algorithms
  • Make predictions with neural networks
  • Understand how AI gets better with reinforcement learning
  • Building a LLM pipeline and image diffusion model from scratch

You know you can solve a problem with AI—but how? Which algorithm do you pick and how do you properly implement it? Grokking AI Algorithms, Second Edition makes it simple and easy to understand the most core and common AI approaches. You’ll learn how to understand problem types, map real-world tasks to those problems, and how to design and implement the right algorithm—all following clear visual examples, pseudocode, and learning-oriented examples.

About the Technology
AI algorithms are the backbone of search and optimization problems, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and, of course, generative AI. But knowing which algorithm to use—and why—is often harder than writing the code itself. Grokking AI Algorithms, Second Edition illuminates the algorithms behind modern generative AI with clear explanations, step-by-step code examples, and beautifully simple illustrations.

About the Book
Everything you’ll learn in this powerfully simple book is reinforced through engaging, end-to-end projects—from solving mazes with search algorithms to navigating a car through a crowded parking lot with reinforcement learning. Plus, this second edition has been thoroughly revised with fresh chapters exploring the core algorithms of LLMs and image generation models.

What's Inside
  • Search algorithms and swarm optimization
  • Deep learning and neural networks
  • Training AI with reinforcement learning
  • Building a LLM pipeline for text generation


About the Reader
Requires beginning to intermediate programming skills and high school level mathematics. No AI experience required.

About the Author
Rishal Hurbans is an experienced technologist and serial entrepreneur specializing in AI engineering and human performance.

Quotes
Clear writing and fun examples make the ideas stick in a way that feels effortless.
- Luis Serrano, Author of Grokking Machine Learning

Builds the intuition needed to reason about the systems that will increasingly shape our world.
- Nathan Lands, Lore

Learn a robust conceptual framework to innovate with AI systems.
- Ganapathi Pulipaka, DeepSingularity LLC

Get grounded, actionable understanding—exactly what the industry needs.
- Kenneth Byrne, RealisLabs

A pedagogically strong introduction to core AI topics—valuable for both students and practitioners entering the field.
- Rodolfo Allendes, University of Osaka

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Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9781633434813Publisher SupportOtherPublisher WebsitePurchase Link