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In computer science, data structures is a format for the organization, management and storage of data that enables its wide access and flexibility. Another term closely linked to data structures is algorithms. Algorithms are basically rules that a computer follows to generate a certain set of results. Algorithms need to be converted to code. Both of these are relevant in programming and require programming languages to fully function.
Algorithms are relevant in every walk of life, as is computer science. Every social media app you use, you name it, uses an algorithm. Data Structures are an important link to that.
What are the Best Data Structures Books to read?
There are hundreds of books available on these subjects. Hey range from a beginner level to a professional level. Each and every one also differs on the subject matter it covers. To find one best suited to your needs, continue reading belowand you might find something to your liking.
Best Data Structures Books: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best data structures books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy: Data Structures & Algorithmic Puzzles, Fifth Edition
Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy: Data Structures & Algorithmic Puzzles is a book that offers examples and their solutions to many Data Structures and Algorithmic problems. It makes complex problems easy to understand and solve. It a vital book for computer scientists, especially those who plan to give an exam or an interview on the subject.
The book makes great work of the principle, “Learn By Example”. The book has lots of figures and graphics to support the examples as well. The book also provide a list of relevant questions to problems given. The book also has an interesting approach to explain a problem through different levels of interpretation and comprehension.
The book is an apt find for every beginner or expert of computer science.
- Authors: Narasimha Karumanchi (Author)
- Publisher: CareerMonk Publications; 5th Edition (August 28, 2016)
- Pages: 415 pages
2. Data Structures & Algorithms In JAVA, 2nd Edition
Algorithms are a way to organize and manipulate data. Data Structures can be a challenging subject for many engineering and computer-science students. Data Structures & Algorithms not only breaks it down for you, it makes it extremely simple for you to comprehend. The book provides strong visual aids of data structures and its operation.
This revised edition is updated according to the newest version of the Java JDK. The book includes example programs at the end of each chapter for you to test your skills and understanding of the topic. Teachers at prestigious educational institutes have been granted access to the solution to these example programs. In addition, the book also contains a workshop that illustrates the process for further understanding.
- Authors: Robert Lafore (Author)
- Publisher: Sams Publishing; 2nd Edition (November 16, 2002)
- Pages: 800 pages
3. Data Structures and Algorithms in C++, 2nd Edition
The second edition of Data Structures and Algorithms in C++ offers an introductory opening to data structures and algorithms. It also discusses their design, analysis and implementation. This book offers a very technical & practical approach to the subject content.
The book is a pair of the book Data Structures & Algorithms in Java, as C++ as the primary language. It offers a lot of exercises and practice examples.
It is not a guide for beginners. Those that have some prior experience and knowledge of computer science can only grasp the technicalities discussed in the book. The book is a helpful reference book for an expert of computer science and brings interesting revelations to those who can understand the topic.
- Authors: Michael T. Goodrich (Author), Roberto Tamassia (Author), David M. Mount (Author)
- Publisher: Wiley; 2nd Edition (February 22, 2011)
- Pages: 736 pages
4. Introduction to Java Programming and Data Structures, Comprehensive Version, 11th Edition
Introduction to Java Programming and Data Structures, Comprehensive Version, as the name indicates is a comprehensive introductory guide for fresh admitters of undergraduate program of computer science and software engineering.
The book takes huge concepts of programming and makes them easy to understand for beginners. As beginners become comfortable with the basics, they turn to the next step; data structures and algorithmic programming.
The new edition has been revised enough times to create a nearly perfect version of the book. Some key features of the book are its simplicity, conciseness of content, exercises, examples and its killer visual presentation.
The book is also compatible with MyLab Programming. It is a new and modified way of learning through the Internet that is extremely engaging. It makes programming languages extremely easy to comprehend.
- Authors: Y. Daniel Liang (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 11th Edition (March 11, 2017)
- Pages: 1232 pages
5. A Common Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithm: Level up Your Core Programming Skills
Jay Wengrow in his book, A Common Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithm, has given a practical approach to algorithms and data structures. They are both, not just mere abstract theoretical components but have practical ramifications.
The book discusses in detail the ways to implement them to solve problems. It also relates them to real life scenarios to make them more relevant to problems encountered by every person. The book uses practice questions and visual aids to support the otherwise difficult to comprehend content. The book makes a point of including several languages: Python, C++, JavaScript, Ruby, etc.
The book gives you tips and tricks to help you write an efficient code. It also guides how to solve problems faster and design programs that operate quicker. It also makes advanced data structures such as binary trees, etc. easier to understand.
- Authors: Jay Wengrow (Author)
- Publisher: Pragmatic Bookshelf; 1st Edition (August 22, 2017)
- Pages: 222 pages
6. Data Structures & Algorithms in Java, 6th Edition
If data structures and algorithms weren’t difficult enough to understand, the design of efficient and well-working structures are plenty of steps ahead of it. It is an arduous task indeed. Data Structures & Algorithms in Java.
The book is written by well-read and knowable experts of the field such as Michael Goodrich, Roberto Tamassia & Michael Goldwasser. All authors of the book are professors and have taught the subject for a considerable time.
The book is extremely helpful for undergraduates, especially because of its strong graphic presentation and detailed examples. It includes code examples with full source code and algorithms with relatable daily life examples as well. The content is well-structured with no extra details. It is practical and easily comprehensible.
- Authors: Michael T. Goodrich (Author), Roberto Tamassia (Author), Michael H. Goldwasser (Author)
- Publisher: Wiley; 6th Edition (January 28, 2014)
- Pages: 720 pages
7. Data Structures and Other Objects Using C++, 4th Edition
Data Structures and Other Objects Using C++ is an outstanding book on Data Structures. The book leaves students with a clear understanding of the basic concepts of Data Structures and Object oriented programming. The book lays out advanced topics and a solid foundation of data types. The book contains information on linked lists and stacks and queues and trees, etc.
The books is easy to comprehend and flexible in its teaching approach, even for those that are more used to another language of computer design.
It is a splendid book on computer sciences and all its relevant bibliophiles. It is well written in an easy to understand and adapt manner. If you are a student of computer science, you should definitely check it out.
- Authors: Michael Main (Author), Walter Savitch (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 4th Edition (March 6, 2010)
- Pages: 856 pages
8. Problem Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures Using Python, 2nd Edition
Problem Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures Using Python is a book about algorithms and data structures, the basis of computer science. The book is targeted for beginners of computer science who need a lot of practice. The books allows to make your basic concepts rock-solid and to explore other dimensions of computer science. Usual examples of data structures and problems are discussed.
The book includes illustrated examples in the form of codes and flow diagrams to make it further easier for the reader to understand. The book offers you information in a sequential manner so as to not overwhelm you.
If you’re in a field that has nothing to do with computer science but has always wanted to pursue it, this book is ideal for you. The book can be an interesting read for anyone wanting to know more about computer science.
- Authors: Bradley N. Miller (Author), David L. Ranum (Author)
- Publisher: Franklin, Beedle & Associates; 2nd Edition (August 22, 2011)
- Pages: 438 pages
9. Data Structures and Algorithms
The book is an interesting find for programmers and computer scientists. The programming language used is Pascal. The content of the book is extremely relevant to the course material.
The book is divided into parts. The first part is mainly an introduction to data structures and concepts related to it. The next part is about algorithms and its concepts.
Problems are illustrated in detail. The book has well-done illustrations to further drive the point made home. It also contains lots of exercises and practice questions.
- Authors: Alfred V. Aho (Author), Jeffrey D. Ullman (Author), John E. Hopcroft (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 1st Edition (January 11, 1983)
- Pages: 448 pages
10. Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis in C++
Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis in C++ is an advanced algorithm and data structures book that deals with both traditional CS2 and Algorithm Analysis courses.
The book covers a wide plethora of topics ranging from Np-completeness to the implementation of data structures. The book shares problems and practice questions for you to solve on your own. The book also has diagrams and has visual examples to make the subject matter easier to understand. Moreover, the author takes an analytical approach to data structures and algorithms. He goes in further detail to talk about the actual thought process behind the design of algorithms and data structures.
After a deep perusal of this book, you will be fully capable of developing efficient programs.
- Authors: Mark A. Weiss (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 4th Edition (June 23, 2013)
- Pages: 664 pages
11. Data Structures and Abstractions with Java; What’s New With Computer Science, 5th Edition
Data Structures and Abstractions with Java is an introductory handbook that makes data structures look really easy. The book leaves its mark on every reader by only introducing and concentrating on one concept at a time, being extremely flexible in its sequence, first focusing all attention on one concept and then moving on to its implementation and giving relevant information on Java as to topic.
The book makes use of real life examples to make the problems easy to comprehend. It also uses contemporary tools such as a self-explanatory presentation to make sure that it gets its point across to readers. The writing style of the authors is such that readers can easily connect with the course material.
- Authors: Frank M. Carrano (Author), Timothy M. Henry (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 5th Edition (March 11, 2018)
- Pages: 960 pages
12. Purely Functional Data Structures
Purely Functional Data Structures is a book that deals with the languages of computer science. Most books are written according to the C++ or C language. This book, however deals with functional languages e.g. Standard ML, Haskell or Scheme, which are not translated into easily.
Most of the programs discussed in the book can easily be translated into other functional languages. The book incorporates classical and new data structures and gives a detailed account of all problems. It also demonstrates how to implement functional data structures.
The book is an outstanding reference book for professional computer scientists and is valuable to anyone trying to find out more about the relevant subject.
- Authors: Okasaki (Author)
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 12, 2008)
- Pages: 232 pages
13. Data Structures and Other Objects using Java, 4th Edition
Michael Main’s book, Data Structures and Other Objects using Java, is a fascinating read on data structures and object-oriented programming. The book is mainly a review for the essential concepts of data structures and programs. It makes the foundation of the students stronger regarding basic concepts. After having read the book, the students can use the five step method to write efficient codes, the implementation and design of data types. The book provides adequate exposure to the students regarding Java.
The book is helpful for reviewing data structures for exam or interview purpose.
- Authors: Michael Main (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 4th Edition (November 12, 2011)
- Pages: 856 pages
14. Data Structures and Algorithms in Python
Michael Goodrich, the author of Data Structures and Algorithms in Python, is an expert in the field having written numerous books on Java and C++. The books share most of the course content. The textbook provides an extensive knowledge related to data structures. The book is intended as an introductory guide to object oriented programming, data structures and algorithms. The book includes their design, implementation and analysis as well.
Some of the key features of the book include source codes, more than 750 exercises and 500 illustrations. The book is an excellent addition to any computer scientists’ literary finds.
- Authors: Michael T. Goodrich (Author), Roberto Tamassia (Author), Michael H. Goldwasser (Author)
- Publisher: Wiley; 1st Edition (March 18, 2013)
- Pages: 768 pages
15. Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in C++, 3rd Edition
Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in C++, by Dr. Clifford A Shaffer is a one of a kind book on data structures. It is an extensive guide for computer scientists on how to select and design tools to give the best solutions. The primary programming language used is C++. This book is essential for second year students of computer science and software-related engineering fields.
The book covers under its huge umbrella a large amount of concepts. It also discusses the issues in the field. The book also includes lots of example to make the content easier to understand.
The book serves as a great addition to data structures books and will bring its readers up to date on the modern data structures and algorithms.
- Authors: Dr. Clifford A. Shaffer (Author)
- Publisher: Dover Publications; Third Edition (September 14, 2011)
- Pages: 624 pages
16. Think Data Structures: Algorithms and Information Retrieval in Java, 10TH Edition
Think Data Structures: Algorithms and Information Retrieval in Java is a book on data structures written by Allen Downey. The book offers a practical guide to learn and improve your knowledge of computer science and software engineering. It is an extremely concise and easily comprehensible book.
The author is a firm believer that while theoretical learning has its own place; nothing can beat the information you retain through actual, practical implementation. The book demonstrates the usage of data structures, their implementation and how to make a judgment about the efficiency of a product. The book provides you knowledge of how to use data structures and explains how they actually operate, how to build an application that goes through all mediums of knowledge aka data accurately, how search engines are built, how to analyze code, etc.
- Authors: Allen B. Downey (Author)
- Publisher: O’Reilly Media; 1st Edition (August 1, 2017)
- Pages: 158 pages
17. Hands On Data Structures and Algorithms with Python: Write complex and powerful code using the latest features of Python 3.7, 2nd Edition
Hands on Data Structures and Algorithms with Python by Basant Agarwal, is a book that is a concise guide for all Python related problems and also provides a concrete knowledge of common algorithms. The book will leave every student of computer science with the realization of the importance of concepts such as lists, stacks and graphs, etc. The book is written in a sequential manner; it starts with the application of binary programs and concludes with the organization of code.
The book is essential to comprehend the analysis and design of data structures, to explore Python and learn about the functionalistic implementation of data structures. The book also offers tips and tricks for students to learn better and explore this niche of computer science.
- Authors: Dr. Basant Agarwal (Author), Benjamin Baka (Author)
- Publisher: Packt Publishing (October 31, 2018)
- Pages: 398 pages
18. Object Oriented Data Structures Using Java, 4th Edition
Object Oriented Data Structures Using Java, 4th Edition is the most updated and revised version of this book up to date. It is a completely necessary course book for students of computer science. The primary programming language used is Java programming language. It is a good presentation of modern and classical systems and does not stray from its main focus which is problem solving and object oriented software design.
The book discusses all Java features in detail such as interfaces and threads, etc. The book is an amazing find for any student or professional who wants to gather a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Java.
- Authors: Nell Dale (Author), Daniel T. Joyce (Author), Chip Weems (Author)
- Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 4th Edition (September 12, 2016)
- Pages: 694 pages
19. Advanced Data Structures, 1st Edition
Data Structures is a subject related to how data is stored and organized. It is necessary for students studying computer science. Advanced Data Structures is a compressed book on data structures. It is simple, easy to understand.
The book presents all the data structures in a universal manner which makes it extremely easy to comprehend. It touches on all categories of data structures; heaps, balanced trees, queues, stacks, arrays, binary trees, etc. It also incorporates working examples to further illustrate its content. It also provides tips and tricks for memory retention as well.
The book is perfect for anyone interested in computer science and looking to master it. The extensive bibliography and citations are an added bonus for every computer nerd out there trying to do the best they can.
- Authors: Peter Brass (Author)
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st Edition (September 8, 2008)
- Pages: 474 pages
20. Data Structures Algorithms Using Python and C++
Data Structures Algorithms Using Python and C++, by David M. Reed and John Zelle, is a course book for college students. The content of this book is put together under the assumption that the readers are already familiar with the basics of data structures and algorithms and various programming languages. Even so, if anyone might have any confusion, it will surely be resolved in the introductory chapters of the book. Python is an essential language to learn and the book reveals to the reader some of the little known but critical information related to the working of Python.
If you successfully master Python using this book, you will have no difficulty in learning another language. Learning to use C++ will be as easy for you as breathing air.
This book is an amazing guide for students of computer science who want to gain a preliminary knowledge of data structures and a concise learning of programming languages.
- Authors: David M. Reed (Author), John Zelle (Author)
- Publisher: Franklin Beedle & Associates (March 1, 2009)
- Pages: 568 pages
Choosing the Best Data Structures Books
Hopefully after reading this article, you have found the right book for your needs and are going to be a much better computer scientists than before. You will be equipped with knowledge, experience and confidence.
