# Introduction to Linear Algebra by Gilbert Strang

11 Hacker News commenters recommended Introduction to Linear Algebra by Gilbert Strang and 5 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 4 of 13 months. It meets the Hacker Approved badge rule.

**Verdict:** Recommended as a clear, authoritative first introduction to linear algebra, especially for engineers. Critics say it focuses more on what than why and needs supplementing.

## Why people recommend it

- Respected, authoritative educator and author (2 comments): "he's one of the most famous and best-respected educators of linear algebra" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45803535)) "nothing as authoritative as Axler or Strang" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45802842))
- Good first introduction to linear algebra (2 comments): "His book is the best first introduction to linear algebra" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49328586)) "The one with Gilbert Strang was good for me" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49394682))

## What people warn about

- Hard for beginners (2 comments): "tried both and they are hard as a starter" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49331894)) "I found Strang impenetrable" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49327586))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler](https://hackerapproved.com/p/linear-algebra-done-right.md): 41 recommend
- [Linear Algebra by Friedberg, Insel and Spence](https://hackerapproved.com/p/linear-algebra.md): 8 recommend
- [Linear Algebra and Its Applications by David Lay](https://hackerapproved.com/p/linear-algebra-and-its-applications.md): 6 recommend
- [No Bullshit Guide to Linear Algebra by Ivan Savov](https://hackerapproved.com/p/no-bullshit-guide-to-linear-algebra.md): 5 recommend
- [Think Linear Algebra by Allen Downey](https://hackerapproved.com/p/think-linear-algebra.md): 5 recommend

## Where to get it

- [See price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733146652?tag=hackerapprove-20) (affiliate link)
- [Bookshop.org](https://bookshop.org/a/130825/9781733146654) (affiliate link)

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Introduction to Linear Algebra by Gilbert Strang", https://hackerapproved.com/p/introduction-to-linear-algebra/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).