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Guide · Open source

How to use javascript-algorithms: clone, study and learn

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

javascript-algorithms, by trekhleb, is an MIT-licensed collection of JavaScript implementations of well-known algorithms and data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and sorting and searching methods. It is written for students, interview candidates and anyone who wants readable reference code. This guide shows you how to get a local copy with Git and how to use the repository to study each topic.

javascript-algorithmstrekhleb/javascript-algorithms · ★ 197k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Install Git. Git is the only prerequisite named in the source. Confirm it is available in your terminal before you continue.
  2. 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/trekhleb/javascript-algorithms.git to download a copy to your machine.
  3. 3Open the main README. Read the list of data structures and algorithms, and note which entries are marked Beginner.
  4. 4Pick a beginner topic. Start with a simple structure such as the linked list or stack, or a basic sort such as bubble sort.
  5. 5Read the topic README. Each topic folder has its own explanation and further reading links, so read it before the code.
  6. 6Compare related topics. Study two related implementations side by side to understand their trade-offs.

What the repository contains

The repository is organized as a reference index. Data structures include linked lists, doubly linked lists, queues, stacks, deques, hash tables, heaps, priority queues, tries, trees, graphs, disjoint sets, bloom filters and LRU caches. Algorithms are grouped by topic: math, sets, strings, searches and sorting, with more topics listed in the README.

Each entry is marked as Beginner (B) or Advanced (A), which helps you choose where to start.

  • Data structures: linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs and more
  • Algorithms: math, sets, strings, searches and sorting
  • Each topic has its own README with explanations and further reading links, some including YouTube videos

Install javascript-algorithms by cloning it

The only install method given in the source is cloning the repository with Git, so Git is the prerequisite. Run the clone command in a terminal, then open the new folder.

  • Prerequisite: Git
  • Clone the repository into your current folder
git clone https://github.com/trekhleb/javascript-algorithms.git

Find a topic and read its README

Start from the main README, which lists every data structure and algorithm with a link to its folder under src. Open the folder for the topic you want, such as the linked list or binary search, and read the README there. It contains the explanation and the links for further reading.

Read the explanation before the code. The repository's own note is that each data structure has trade-offs, so it is more important to understand why you would choose one than how to implement it.

  • Open the main README and pick an entry marked B for beginner
  • Follow the link to its src folder
  • Read the topic README first, then the implementation files

Study the implementations and compare trade-offs

Use the implementations to see how each structure or algorithm works step by step. Pairing two related topics, such as Binary Search Tree and AVL Tree, or Merge Sort and Quicksort, makes the differences easier to see.

The source does not describe a test or build command, so check the repository files for how to run any examples yourself.

  • Compare sorting algorithms that solve the same problem
  • Compare tree types, such as binary search tree, AVL tree and red-black tree
  • Use the further reading links to go deeper on a topic

Know what the project is not for

The README presents these implementations as educational examples. If you need a production-ready library to import into an application, this repository is not designed for that purpose. It is also not a single guided course, so you may need to build your own learning order.

  • Not a production library to import
  • Not a step-by-step curriculum

What people use it for

  • Learning how a linked list, stack or queue works in JavaScript
  • Reviewing common sorting and searching algorithms before a technical interview
  • Comparing binary search tree, AVL tree and red-black tree behaviour
  • Studying string matching methods such as KMP and Rabin Karp
  • Looking up explanations and further reading for a specific algorithm

Frequently asked questions

How do I install javascript-algorithms?

Install Git, then run git clone https://github.com/trekhleb/javascript-algorithms.git in a terminal. The source describes this clone-and-build method and names Git as the only prerequisite.

What do I need to run javascript-algorithms?

The source names Git as the prerequisite for getting the code. It does not list other requirements, so check the repository files for any setup needed to run examples.

Is javascript-algorithms free to use?

The project is licensed under MIT, as stated in the listing. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms.

Is javascript-algorithms good for learning algorithms?

Yes, it is designed as a study resource. Each topic has an explanation and further reading links, and entries are marked Beginner or Advanced.

Can I use javascript-algorithms in a production app?

The README presents these as educational examples, so it is not positioned as a production-ready library to import. Use it as a learning reference instead.

Are there alternatives to javascript-algorithms?

The listing shows no comparable projects, so this page does not name alternatives. Look for other learning resources that match your level and need.

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Our verdict

javascript-algorithms suits students, interview candidates and developers who want readable JavaScript reference code for core data structures and algorithms. It is not a good choice if you need a library to import into a production app or a single guided course with a fixed learning path.

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