--- product_id: 20696800 title: "Python Algorithms: Mastering Basic Algorithms in the Python Language (Expert's Voice in Open Source) First Edition" brand: "magnus lie hetland" price: "€ 124.98" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 4 url: https://www.desertcart.at/products/20696800-python-algorithms-mastering-basic-algorithms-in-the-python-language-experts store_origin: AT region: Austria --- # Python Algorithms: Mastering Basic Algorithms in the Python Language (Expert's Voice in Open Source) First Edition **Brand:** magnus lie hetland **Price:** € 124.98 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Python Algorithms: Mastering Basic Algorithms in the Python Language (Expert's Voice in Open Source) First Edition by magnus lie hetland - **How much does it cost?** € 124.98 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.at](https://www.desertcart.at/products/20696800-python-algorithms-mastering-basic-algorithms-in-the-python-language-experts) ## Best For - magnus lie hetland enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted magnus lie hetland brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Full description not available ## Images ![Python Algorithms: Mastering Basic Algorithms in the Python Language (Expert's Voice in Open Source) First Edition - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61p6qdSWosL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good for coding newbies *by S***O on May 12, 2014* For those who want to learn algorithm but only know some scripting languages or some sorts, this is definitely ideal! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good explanation of basic algorithms *by R***K on December 13, 2010* Pros:- Very clear explanation of a complex subject.- Each chapter builds upon the previous chapters so that this is more like a class than a reference manual.- More approachable that the Sedgewick and Cormen.Cons:- The almost constant parenthetical phrases distract from the text and quickly become irritating. After page 20 I just skipped them and found that I understood the concepts more quickly.- The use of single letter variables in the code examples makes it more difficult to understand the structure of a new concept. When there are several of them, it can become confusing. (See page 207.) Why not just use descriptive variable names?There are sections that make note of how to implement certain algorithms using Python specific features, and this is very helpful, but this is first and foremost a book on algorithmic theory that happens to use Python for code examples. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ For Intermediate Python Programmers Who Want to Master Basic Algorithms *by V***I on January 21, 2011* Python Algorithms is of the same level as the book Pro Python by Marty Alchin,also by Apress. So warning: this is not for beginners. Especially if you arejust starting with both Python and algorithms. Experienced algorists wouldprobably find their way through the book though.So much for apologies, to use Dijsktra's words. This has been my hardest Apressso far and second reading is in order. Oh and next time, I won't be skippingthe exercices. I advise you do the same. Some are very necessary if you want tohave a good grasp of all the algorithms covered.Professor and author Magnus Lie Hetland is an experienced algorist and Pythoncoder. He promises in Chapter 1 (Introduction) to make you master basicalgorithms with Python and teach you how to create new ones. *cough* I think Imissed that latter part in the book. I only gathered that we can transform fewbasic algorithms and apply them to new problems, especially graph algorithms.It is thus important that you dont skip Chapter 5 (Traversal: The Skeleton Keyof Algorithmics) where I think the basics are found. No really, you don't wantto skip it. And while we are at it, you don't want to skip Chapter 4 (Inductionand Recursion... and Reduction) either. The idea of using reduction whensolving new problems is discussed in full in that chapter.The last chapter I want to mention is Chapter 11 [Hard Problems and (Limited)Sloppiness]. Weird but important terms used by experienced algorists arediscussed. I am talking about: solvable, tractable, P, NP, NPC, NP-hard, SAT,etc...The chapters I have not mentioned were difficult for me to understand. I wontsay more about them.You got to like author Lie Hetland for his frankness though. Dijsktra (who getschapter 9 entirely dedicated to his graph algorithm) wrote in his preface to ADiscipline of Programming: "For the absence of a bibliography I offer neitherexplanation nor apology." Here we have a different author, he writes: "Even so,I'm sure I have failed in many ways, and if you have suggestions for improvingthe book, I'd be happy to hear from you". So can I bitch a little?The discussion for most algorithms are really visual and that is beautiful...unless picturing them gets in the way. In chapter 3 (Counting 101) everythingis explained using metaphors. Sums are stories of knights jousting attournaments and algorists shaking hands at conferences. The width and theheight of binary trees are the hare and the tortoise. Ice cream cones are usedfor doubling and halving processes. Combinations and permutations are storiesof movie goers trying to get tickets.You quickly get lost in the pictures if like me you are the imaginative type.So many images, so many stories, in only 25 pages. The whole thing becomes morea distraction than an actual explanation. I felt that the author sometimesreduces the reader to hysterical despair with his ability to switch betweenstories and metaphors.I mentioned that I took one algorithm class in college. I remember we weregiven formulas, we proved them, and we convinced ourselves that they werecorrect. That's it. Don't get me wrong though, Chapter 3 is easily my favorite,but the pattern repeats itself thorough the book with never ending metaphorcompilations.All in all, if you are a Python programmer interested in algorithms, this bookis for you. It's a good read. Take your time though, don't rush the readinglike I did and you will learn a lot. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.at/products/20696800-python-algorithms-mastering-basic-algorithms-in-the-python-language-experts](https://www.desertcart.at/products/20696800-python-algorithms-mastering-basic-algorithms-in-the-python-language-experts) --- *Product available on Desertcart Austria* *Store origin: AT* *Last updated: 2026-05-06*