Guide · Open source
How to use Python: clone the algorithms collection and read the code
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
TheAlgorithms/Python is a community-maintained collection of algorithms implemented in Python, covering topics such as sorting and searching. It is written for learning, so the code is meant to be read and studied rather than installed as a tool. This guide shows you how to get a copy, find an algorithm, and use the code well.
The Algorithms - PythonTheAlgorithms/Python · ★ 226k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Install Python. Make sure Python is installed on your computer, since it is the only listed prerequisite.
- 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/TheAlgorithms/Python in a terminal to download the collection.
- 3Open the directory. Open DIRECTORY.md to browse the list of algorithms by topic.
- 4Read an algorithm file. Open the Python file for a chosen algorithm and read how it is written.
- 5Run small test inputs. Try the code on simple inputs you can verify by hand to see how it works.
- 6Read the contribution guide. If you plan to contribute, read CONTRIBUTING.md before making changes.
What you need before you start
The only prerequisite listed in the project is Python itself. The project is licensed under MIT and the source is hosted on GitHub.
- Python installed on your computer
- Git, so you can clone the repository
- Basic familiarity with reading Python code
Clone the repository
The install method for this project is clone-and-build. Run the following command in a terminal to download a full copy of the collection to your machine.
git clone https://github.com/TheAlgorithms/PythonFind the algorithm you want to study
The project keeps a directory file that lists the algorithms, which makes navigation easier than browsing folders at random. Open DIRECTORY.md in the cloned folder, or use the online directory linked from the project README, and pick a topic such as sorting or searching.
- Open DIRECTORY.md in the repository root
- Choose an algorithm by topic
- Open the Python file for that algorithm and read it
Read and run the example code
Each algorithm is a readable Python file. Read the code first, then try running it on small inputs to see how it behaves. Keep in mind that the README states these implementations are for learning and may be less efficient than the Python standard library, so do not treat them as the fastest option for real work.
If you want to ask questions or get help while reading, the project lists a Discord community linked from the README.
- Read the code before running it
- Test with small, easy inputs you can check by hand
- Compare the result with the Python standard library equivalent, if one exists
Contribute if you want to practice
The project invites contributions. Read the Contribution Guidelines (CONTRIBUTING.md) before you submit anything. Contributing is a good way to practise writing and reviewing code in an open project.
- Read CONTRIBUTING.md first
- Pick an algorithm or fix that interests you
- Follow the project's review process
What people use it for
- Students studying how sorting and searching algorithms work step by step
- Teachers pulling reference implementations to show in class
- Developers checking a readable Python version of a specific algorithm
- Contributors practising code writing and review in an open project
Frequently asked questions
How do I install TheAlgorithms Python?
There is no installer. You clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/TheAlgorithms/Python, then read or run the files locally. Python is the only prerequisite listed.
Is TheAlgorithms Python free to use?
The project is released under the MIT licence, as stated in the project information. Check the licence file in the repository for the full terms.
What do I need to run it?
The project lists Python as the prerequisite. Beyond that, the source does not specify other requirements, so check the repository for any details you need.
Can I use these algorithms in a production system?
The README says the implementations are for learning and may be less efficient than the Python standard library. For production code that needs speed or proven reliability, use the standard library or a tested library instead.
How does it compare with the Python standard library?
The standard library is the better choice for fast, battle-tested code. This collection is better for reading and studying how an algorithm is written step by step.
Are there versions for other languages?
Yes. Comparable projects include The Algorithms - Java and TheAlgorithms/Javascript, which cover similar material in other languages.
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Our verdict
Use TheAlgorithms/Python if you are a student, teacher or developer who wants readable Python examples of algorithms to study. Pick the Python standard library or a tested library instead if you need fast, production-ready code, since this collection is for learning and is not packaged as a tool.
Install options & downloads