Introduction to Algorithms (6.006)

Modeling problems before solving them

The course starts with the mathematical modeling of computational problems and then works through the common algorithms and data structures used to solve them. It keeps returning to how algorithms are expressed as programs.

Core threads

• Algorithmic paradigms and the data structures they rely on
• Basic performance measures for these problems
• Analysis techniques for judging efficiency

Who it suits

Anyone building a foundation in algorithms, or refreshing one, will find the emphasis on connecting theory to code useful. It is a foundation course rather than a survey of advanced topics. Working through the paradigms alongside their performance analysis shows why one approach beats another for a given problem.