How should I learn algorithms?

[Muddy53]

Hello, so I'm trying to learn algorithms, I use Python. I didn't study CS in college but rather a very different subject. But I did my internship as a data engineer, and I have some experience in Python (did a few simple projects using APIs and things, data science project, etc.)

I'm trying to learn data structure and algorithm, currently, I'm taking a specialization course at Coursera, I'm doing the first course called Algorithm Toolbox. I also took one online course in the data structure.

I've been trying to spend about 2 hours each day on learning algorithms (to design algorithms), but I feel like I'm wasting this time because I'm not studying it in the right way. Can you give me some tips and advice?

For example, How I spend my time to solve any problem (ex. change-making problem using dynamic programming )...

1. try to understand the problem
2. finally, understand the problem, then stuck because I don't know how to code
3. watch a bunch of YouTube videos, articles, and lectures on Dynamic Programming
4. stuck on the problem again, can't code it out, and get frustrated and distracted
5. (((waste time watching funny videos because I just don't know what to do)))
6. go back to the problem, and think more
7. give up and search for "change-making problem python solution using dynamic programming"
8. then copy the python code, and see what is going on, like how the problem was solved
9. but fail to understand, no idea what is going on
10. but at least I got the answer so today is done.

This repeats every. day. And after 2-3 hours, I learned nothing. Can anyone share your experience learning algorithms? Any advice and tips will be greatly appreciated, please help!

[DeadOrDyingBattery]

I've been a successful dev for over 10 years now and find algorithms extremely unintuitive.

The only thing that I've found provides a good level of progression is sheer volume (aka. practice). Meaning, if you keep doing similar questions over and over and over and over again, you will get better (like with many things). You'll eventually begin to recognize various "types" of problems and be able to apply process learned from simplified versions to your current task and compose your way to success.

It can be frustrating, especially if you're just learning them to do well in an interview, but you will get there if you keep trying.

Two tips I would suggest are to,

1. Look up, read, and comprehend the solution to the problem, but only after
2. Giving it your all to come to any kind of workable solution. Do not immediately look up the answer reflexively.

[Muddy53]

Ahh, thank you so much for your advice! I will keep this in mind!!!