I think CLRS is a pretty questionable book for someone who hasn’t programmed. I don’t think it’s great as a reference for writing algorithms, e.g. I think internet searching will often help you find better resources. And in terms of a straight read-through, it’s one of the more theoretical algorithms texts, and a large fraction of its exercises are proofs.
If the OP is interested in an algorithms book but has never done any programming or CS, I’d recommend The Algorithm Design Manual (which I’ve read much of and done a decent number of exercises) or Jeff Erickson’s free algorithms book (which I’ve read sections of and been impressed by).
Introduction to Algorithms (CLRS)
might be a good “What” book.[Edit: I’m no longer confident this fits into the “what” category.]I think CLRS is a pretty questionable book for someone who hasn’t programmed. I don’t think it’s great as a reference for writing algorithms, e.g. I think internet searching will often help you find better resources. And in terms of a straight read-through, it’s one of the more theoretical algorithms texts, and a large fraction of its exercises are proofs.
If the OP is interested in an algorithms book but has never done any programming or CS, I’d recommend The Algorithm Design Manual (which I’ve read much of and done a decent number of exercises) or Jeff Erickson’s free algorithms book (which I’ve read sections of and been impressed by).