50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know
Second Edition
An unbeatable arsenal of algorithmic solutions for real-world problems
50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know
Second Edition
Copyright © 2023 Packt Publishing
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First published: June 2020
Second edition: September 2023
Production reference: 1260923
Published by Packt Publishing Ltd.
Grosvenor House
11 St Paul’s Square
Birmingham
B3 1RB, UK.
ISBN 978-1-80324-776-2
Foreword
In 2014, I enthusiastically embraced my new role as a data scientist, despite having a Ph.D in economics. Some might see this as a stark shift, but to me, it was a natural progression. However, traditional views of economics might suggest that econometricians and data scientists are on separate tracks.
At the outset of my data science adventure, I waded through a sea of online materials. The sheer volume made pinpointing the right resources akin to finding a diamond in the rough. Too often, content lacked practical insights relevant to my position, causing occasional bouts of disillusionment.
One beacon of clarity in my journey was my senior colleague, Imran. His consistent guidance and mentorship were transformative. He pointed me to resources that elevated my understanding, always generously sharing his deep knowledge. He had a gift for making complex topics understandable.
Beyond his expertise as a data scientist, Imran stands out as a visionary, leader, and adept engineer. He thrives on identifying innovative solutions, especially when faced with adversity. Challenges seem to invigorate him. With natural leadership ability, he navigates intricate projects with ease. His remarkable contributions to AI and machine learning are commendable. What’s more, his talent for connecting with audiences, often laced with humor, sets him apart.
This expertise shines brightly in 50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know. The book goes beyond listing algorithms; it reflects Imran’s ability to make intricate subjects relatable. Real-life applications range from predicting the weather to building movie recommendation engines.
The book stands out for its holistic approach to algorithms—not just the methodology but the reasoning behind them. It’s a treasure trove for those who champion responsible AI, emphasizing the importance of data transparency and bias awareness.
50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know is a must-have in a data scientist’s arsenal. If you’re venturing into data science or aiming to enhance your skill set, this book is a solid stepping stone.
Somaieh Nikpoor, PhD
Lead – Data Science and AI, Government of Canada.
Adjunct Professor, Sprott School of Business, Carleton University
Contributors
About the author
currently lends his expertise as a data scientist for the Advanced Analytics Solution Center (A2SC) within the Canadian Federal Government, where he harnesses machine learning algorithms for mission-critical applications.
In his 2010 doctoral thesis, he introduced a linear programming-based algorithm tailored for optimal resource assignment in expansive cloud computing landscapes. Later, in 2017, Dr. Ahmad pioneered the development of a real-time analytics framework, StreamSensing. This tool has become the cornerstone of several of his research papers, leveraging it to process multimedia data within various machine learning paradigms.
Outside of his governmental role, Dr. Ahmad holds a visiting professorship at Carleton University in Ottawa. Over the past several years, he has been also recognized as an authorized instructor for both Google Cloud and AWS.
I’m deeply grateful to my wife, Naheed, my son, Omar, and my daughter, Anum, for their unwavering support. A special nod to my parents, notably my father, Inayatuallah, for his relentless encouragement to continue learning. Further appreciation goes to Karan Sonawane, Rianna Rodrigues, and Denim from Packt for their invaluable contributions.
About the reviewers
previously worked as a data scientist on the Google Cloud AI Services team where she worked to build machine learning solutions for customer use cases. She holds a post-graduate degree in data science from Columbia University and has over 450,000 followers on LinkedIn. She was spotlighted as a LinkedIn Top Voice for data science influencers (2020) and has been recognized as a Women in AI Trailblazer of the Year.
is a programmer based in Burgundy, France. He has worked at several major software companies, including Mozilla and Elastic, where he has built web services and tools for developers. Tarek founded the French Python user group, Afpy, and has written several best-selling books about Python and web services.
I would like to thank my family: Freya, Suki, Milo, Amina, and Martine. They have always supported me.
started his coding career in his elementary school computer lab, hacking BASIC to make programs that entertained his peers and annoyed authority figures. Much later, Brian earned a Ph.D in cognitive psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Brian currently teaches programming and artificial intelligence.
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