The Algorithms - Python
A large collection of classic algorithms implemented in Python, for learning.TheAlgorithms/Python
- Stars
- 226k
- Forks
- 51.3k
- Licence
- MIT
- Language
- Python
- Last update
- 17 days ago
- Type
- Learning resource
What it is
This is a community-maintained collection of algorithms written in Python, covering a wide range of topics such as sorting and searching. The README says the implementations are for learning purposes and may be less efficient than Python's standard library. People use it to study how algorithms work and to see example code they can read.
- Read the implementation of a sorting or searching algorithm to understand its steps
- Browse the directory of algorithms to find one to study
- Compare a Python implementation against your own version as a practice exercise
- Follow the contribution guidelines to add or improve an implementation
Great for
- Students learning algorithms and data structures
- Developers who want readable Python examples of a specific algorithm
- Teachers looking for reference implementations to show in class
- Contributors who want to practice writing and reviewing code in an open project
Not ideal for
- Production systems that need fast or battle-tested code, since the README warns the implementations may be less efficient than the standard library
- Anyone looking for a ready-to-install library or application, since this is a collection of code files rather than a packaged tool
How to get it
- 1
Clone and build from source
You'll need: Python
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/TheAlgorithms/Python - 2
Run it
- Clone the repository to your computer
- Open DIRECTORY.md to browse the list of algorithms
- Open a file for an algorithm you want to study and read the code
- Run the file with Python to see it work
- 3
Get the most out of it
- Start with the directory to find algorithms by topic
- Read the Contribution Guidelines if you want to add code
- Join the Discord community to ask questions
- Use the project homepage for a browsable view of the material
Downloads
Strengths
- Very large collection with a broad range of algorithms
- Explicitly aimed at education and learning
- Active community with Discord channels for questions
Trade-offs
- The README states implementations are for learning and may be less efficient than the standard library
- The README provided is truncated and does not list the full set of algorithms; the DIRECTORY.md file is the reference for that
How it compares
| Project | Stars | Type | Level | Updated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Python (this) | 226k | Learning resource | beginner | 17 days ago | Students learning algorithms and data structures |
| Java | 66.7k | Learning resource | beginner | 4 days ago | Students learning algorithms and data structures in Java |
| C-Plus-Plus | 34.8k | Learning resource | intermediate | 1 months ago | Students learning algorithms and data structures in C++ |
| interviews | 65.5k | Learning resource | beginner | 1.5 years ago | Students preparing for their first software engineering interviews |
| Go | 18.2k | Learning resource | beginner | 3 months ago | Beginners learning Go who want to read working implementations of common algorithms |
| javascript-algorithms | 197k | Learning resource | beginner | 3 months ago | Students learning core computer science concepts in JavaScript |
Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.