How can Beginners with no Coding Background Quickly Get Started with Learning Algorithms

As 2025 kicks off with widespread layoffs, many still choose to pursue coding careers. For career switchers struggling with algorithm challenges, how can absolute beginners efficiently master foundational algorithms?

The first stage is definitely to lay the foundation, whether it is bootcamp or re-taking a degree is an option. If you are already STEM professional, have the relevant foundation, you can choose the direction you want to transcode, if it is Java direction can report an algorithm class to learn, because you need to learn the basic data structure: array, linked list, stack, queue, hash table, tree, graph, etc.; And master the basic algorithms: sorting (quicksort, merge), search (DFS, BFS), dynamic programming (Fibonacci sequence, minimum path sum); At the same time, you can also read some introductory books, like "Data structure and algorithm analysis", "Grokking Algorithms" such books I recommend!

The second stage, drill questions. The recommended platforms are definitely LeetCode and Drill Coder. The Zero base recommendation is to start with the simplest variables, Loops and Condition. Practice with something simple and straightforward to test your familiarity with Loop and Condition. For example, print a pascal triangle; Familiar with various sorting algorithms, including Bubble Sort, Selection Sort, Merge Sort, Quick Sort (just understand how to operate)

The third stage, mock interview. Select 2 questions to write code to the whiteboard or submit them on LeetCode several times a week to refine the idea; For OOD and OOP class topics, you can team up with friends to mock interview, try to ask each other what kind of questions you need to ask the interviewer in the mock interview, in addition to friends, I also recommend to find some more professional people for mock interview, such as "design a taxi application scheduling system".

Here are some quick tips for getting started with algorithms. I hope these tips will be helpful to those transitioning into coding, and I wish everyone a swift journey to landing their dream tech jobs!