Algorithms

Searching, sorting and complexity analysis.

Algorithms is taught here in 3 lessons, running from Complexity and Big-O in practice through to Graph algorithms: BFS, DFS and shortest paths. Each lesson takes one topic, shows the working code, and links onward to the next, so the course can be read straight through in order.

TrackComputer Science Fundamentals
Lessons3
LevelBeginner
Reading timeabout 39 minutes
PrerequisitesNone beyond being able to open a text editor

Lessons

  1. Complexity and Big-O in practiceReading growth rates off real loops, measuring instead of guessing, and knowing where Big-O stops predicting runtime.
  2. Sorting and searchingWhich comparison sort to reach for, why stability matters, and binary search written so it cannot loop forever.
  3. Graph algorithms: BFS, DFS and shortest pathsRepresenting a graph, traversing it breadth-first or depth-first, and choosing between Dijkstra, Bellman-Ford and A*.

More in Computer Science Fundamentals

Data Structures Computer Networks Operating Systems Character Encodings Hashing & Checksums Data Formats Dates & Time Regular Expressions

FAQ

How long does the Algorithms course take?
It has 3 lessons, about 39 minutes of reading. Expect roughly twice that if you type out and run every example.
Do I need prior experience for Algorithms?
No. This is the first course in Computer Science Fundamentals, so it starts from the beginning and assumes no background.
What should I read after Algorithms?
Continue with Data Structures (3 lessons), the next course in Computer Science Fundamentals.

Last refreshed 2026-09-18.