You're starting a career in tech. How can you get up to speed with algorithms?

2 Learn the common algorithms

Once you have a solid foundation of the basics, you can start exploring the common algorithms that are used in many tech fields and industries. These algorithms are usually based on well-known techniques or patterns which can be applied to various scenarios and problems. Examples of these algorithms include divide and conquer, which breaks down a large problem into smaller subproblems that are solved recursively and then combined; dynamic programming, which optimizes a problem by storing and reusing previous solutions; greedy algorithm, which makes the best choice at each step without considering future consequences; backtracking, which tries different solutions and discards them if they don't meet the criteria; and graph algorithm, which works with data represented as nodes and edges. You can find many resources and examples of these algorithms online, but it's important to understand the logic behind them and how they work. Additionally, you can try to implement them in your preferred programming language and compare your results with others.

4 Keep learning and exploring

Finally, you should keep learning and exploring new algorithms and techniques that can enhance your knowledge and skills. Algorithms are constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges and opportunities, so it is important to stay updated and curious about them. You can learn from various sources, such as blogs and podcasts (e.g. Algorithmia, The Algorithm, or Data Skeptic), books and papers (e.g. Introduction to Algorithms, The Art of Computer Programming, or The Algorithm Design Manual), or courses and workshops (e.g. Coursera, Udemy, or edX). Networking with other people who are interested in algorithms is also beneficial; you can join online communities, forums, or groups (e.g. Reddit, Stack Overflow, or Quora) or attend events, meetups, or conferences (e.g. ACM SIGACT, IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science, or Algorithmic Fairness and Opacity Working Group). Learning algorithms is a continuous and rewarding process that will help you grow as a programmer and a problem-solver - an essential part of a career in tech - so make sure to take advantage of all these resources!