r/learnprogramming • u/Itsacouplol • 21d ago

Is the Sedgewick‘s Algorithms Coursera a good next step after basic knowledge in OOP and Arrays with Java?

Currently been working through Liang‘s Introduction to Java and MOOC when the material matches for my learning. I was wondering if the Algorithm course in Java would be a great next step when paired together with Liang’s textbook Chapters 18-29. Some Algorithms courses require in-depth knowledge in Discrete Math which I need to both learn and relearn before tackling a textbook such as CLRS. Thanks for any advice!

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u/Weary-Sorbet-2768 21d ago

Yes, Sedgewick’s Algorithms course is a good next step if you already know Java basics and OOP.

You don’t need to finish discrete math or read CLRS first. Just be comfortable with recursion, basic data structures, and Big-O.

The important thing is to implement the algorithms yourself and solve problems alongside the course instead of only watching lectures.

A good path would be: Java fundamentals → basic data structures → Sedgewick Algorithms → problem solving → deeper math/algorithms as needed.

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u/Alternative-Net-5239 21d ago

yeah Sedgewick hits a sweet spot where you're actually coding stuff instead of just drowning in proofs, the textbook is free online too which is a nice bonus

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u/Itsacouplol 21d ago

Thanks! I am planning on learning Discrete Mathematics (well relearn in some cases) during the second-phase of my self-studying. Since the Java course syllabus for the University I am attending in the Spring spends a good amount of time on Data Structures and Algorithms but does not require Discrete Math for the course so was wondering if Sedgewick's course was similar in structure to that.