programming problem solving competitions

The Most Popular Coding Challenge Websites

If you want to improve your analytical skills, there's no better way to do that than solving problems.

If you are a programmer, then this is something you should do for yourself. Programmers need to deal with all sorts of problems almost every day.

Most importantly, solving problems in an efficient manner can make you much more productive. And solving challenging problems helps us do that.

You can watch this complete video on YouTube as well if you like 🎥

Why Should You Develop Your Problem-Solving Skills?

These days, technology is developing rapidly, and we are seeing some amazing changes and improvements almost every day.

Whenever we talk about technology, a buzzword appears in our mind – and that is coding or programming. Now, coding/programming isn't just about solving different kinds of problems using different programming languages, but it's a large part of what you'll do as a developer.

The fields of Web development, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, App Development, and many others require strong problem-solving skills.

There are many popular websites that help you do that by providing various types of problems where you need to apply your analytical and mathematical skills to solve each problem using programming languages.

I am going to provide you with a list of coding challenge websites that will help you become more advanced day by day.

Keep in mind that these websites are useful for everybody, whether you are new to coding challenges or you are a professional programmer and so on.

• Project Euler
• GeeksforGeeks
• Online Judge
• HackerEarth
• Code Jam - Google's Coding Competitions

Best Coding Challenge Websites

1. beecrowd (formerly uri).

beecrowd is perfect for those who have just started solving coding challenges and are looking for a beginner-friendly website. It used to be named URI , so there is a chance that you are already familiar with this site as URI.

If you want to solve problems in a specific category, then you're in luck as this website also offers that.

Here is an image of a Strings problem set. You can also filter the problems by the ID (#), name (NAME), Subject (SUBJECT), solved (SOLVED), and so on. Beginners like these features very much.

On this website, you can also take part in different programming contests, and check your global ranking, country-wide ranking, and university-wide ranking.

Also, you can check your progress, how many days have passed after signing up, how many problems you have solved, how many points you have got, and more.

You will also get a nice profile page that looks beautiful as well. 😊 I used to practice solving problems on this website when I was just starting out my CP (Competitive Programming) journey. Not to mention, I got the 3rd position among 1250 students back then at my university. 🎉

You can also check out my beecrowd profile here .

2. HackerRank

HackerRank is one of the most popular coding practice websites out there. This is a nice platform for everyone, especially beginners.

The website looks nice and polished, and the users who come here the first time don't struggle when navigating throughout the website, so that is definitely a positive thing here.

HackerRank offers different portals for companies and developers. If you are learning to solve problems, then you will choose the For Developers section.

If you want to learn any specific topics or programming languages, then this website is the perfect place to get started in that. You can prepare yourself by topics. You can also take their certification exam and stand out from the crowd. I have already passed their Python (Basic) certification exam.

You can also choose preparation kits from there, and prepare yourself before your interview if you want. Moreover, you can take part in programming contests.

Here, you will also get a nice personal profile page. You can check out my profile from HackerRank here .

3. Codeforces

Codeforces is one of the most used and well-known coding challenge and practice websites in the world, and it is sponsored by Telegram. Especially if you know about CP (Competitive Programming), then there is a high chance you have heard a lot about this website.

Although the website might look a little bit different to newcomers, you won't need much time to get used to it. You can train yourself by solving problems of different categories, difficulty levels, and so on.

Competitive programmers have ranks based on their successful results in programming contests. If you have heard about the RED coder / PURPLE coder, etc, then it is definitely from Codeforces.

You can get the idea of the ranking system on Codeforces from the image above. For more details, you can check out this blog entry .

Codeforces arranges contests regularly each week, and they are categorized into div 1, div 2, div 3 and div 4. They also arrange global round and educational round contests. You can get the timeline of the contests directly from here .

Codeforces also provides a nice user profile on their website. You can check mine here as well.

4. LeetCode

If you are familiar with the FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) buzzword, then you should definitely know about this website! If you want to practice for your coding interview for the big giant tech companies like FAANG, then they all do leetcoding .

You might think that I have made a typo in the above paragraph. No, I didn't. LeetCode has become this popular among people who target FAANG and those who are working on their problem solving skills. Taking part in contests on LeetCode has become common, and people call it leetcoding!

Here, you can solve a lot of problems, and filter the problems by the lists, difficulty levels, status, and tags.

You can also choose problems regarding Arrays, Strings, Hash Tables, Dynamic Programming, and many other categories.

As I mentioned above, you can also take part in programming contests. The only thing that makes LeetCode different is that it is based on Algorithm practice. Yeah, LeetCode is not like any other coding website, because it focuses on algorithm practice alone.

You do not need to provide the full code for solving a problem here, you just need to crack the solution by providing a valid algorithm using any popular language that can solve the problem.

You also get to see how your code performs among others, how much space and time it takes, and so on.

Most importantly, LeetCode has an amazing discussion group where people talk about their problems, solutions, how to improve their algorithms, how to improve the efficiency of their code, and so on. This is one of the most powerful features of LeetCode.

One sad part about LeetCode is that you will not get every feature for free! Yeah, it's true. You have to pay for it monthly or yearly to unlock all its features. There are a lot of problems you will find locked on the website. You can not unlock them if you do not purchase the premium plan.

If you are just starting your algorithm journey on LeetCode, then actually you don't need to worry about their premium plans as the free version will be more than enough for you.

Later, if you want to become more serious, then paying for their premium subscription will be a big deal actually as you'll get a ton more features. This is very much helpful, and includes things like top interview questions, top FAANG questions, video explanations, and more.

You also get a nice profile page on LeetCode. You can check out mine here .

I was pretty confused before writing this section, as Kaggle is not a typical website for coding practice. This website is basically for Data Science, and it's one of the most popular websites out there for this.

Kaggle is an online community platform for data scientists and machine learning enthusiasts.

It is a popular crowd-sourced platform to attract, nurture, train, and challenge Data Science and Machine Learning enthusiasts from all around the world to come together and solve numerous Data Science, Predictive Analytics, and Machine Learning problems.

So if you are interested in Data Science, then you should check this website. Here you can check others' notebooks, submit your notebook, join in the contests, improve datasets, and so on.

Kaggle allows users to collaborate with other users, find and publish datasets, use GPU integrated notebooks, and compete with other data scientists to solve data science challenges.

Also, if you are interested in data science, but don't know where to start, then don't worry! Kaggle has got you covered. You can check their learning section where they have many free courses which will teach you a lot of stuff from the beginning.

✨ BONUS: If you want to learn more then I'd suggest that you complete the data science playlist from freeCodeCamp's YouTube channel.

Kaggle also provides rankings and a nice user profile. You can check out my profile here .

6. CodeChef

CodeChef is another popular Indian website like HackerRank where you can solve a lot of problems, take part in contests, and so on.

You can filter the problems based on different categories and solve them using any of the most popular programming languages.

They also have a learning section on their website where you can learn how to solve problems in a systematic way. This is super helpful, especially for beginners.

In their learning section, you can choose self-learning, mentored learning, and doubt support. Some of them are free of charge, but in some courses, you have to pay before you can start them.

This website also provides user ranking including the global ranking and country-wide ranking. They also provide a user profile on their website. You can check out mine here although I am not active on most of the websites right now. 😅

AtCoder is a programming contest website based in Japan. Makoto Soejima (rng_58) who is one of the former admins and problem writers from Topcoder is a founding member of AtCoder.

On this website, you can take part in different programming contests. They held regular programming contests on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, you can solve problems from previously held programming contests.

I have seen a lot of people regularly participate in the programming contests and solve problems previously used in the contests regularly by solving problems on AtCoder. I also tried that for a while to check the efficiency, and truth to be told, it was really effective.

Here you can also check the global ranking. Here you will also get your own profile page where you and others can see your global ranking and so on.

8. Topcoder

Topcoder (formerly TopCoder) is a crowdsourcing company with an open global community of designers, developers, data scientists, and competitive programmers. Topcoder pays community members for their work on the projects and sells community services to corporate, mid-size, and small-business clients.

Here you can earn, learn, and do a lot more in their MVP program. For earning, you can participate in five different tracks, become a copilot, become a reviewer, and also get a freelance contract gig through Topcoder Gig Work .

Personally, I feel this website is a little bit overwhelming for beginners. You can get more details in the YouTube videos I have made for you.

9. Coderbyte

Coderbyte has a huge collection of problems that you can solve. They also offer a challenging library, starter courses, interview kits, career resources and so on.

To get all the features, you need to buy a subscription plan from them. I personally liked their interview kit a lot.

Here you will also get a personal profile page.

10. Project Euler

Project Euler is a series of challenging mathematical/computer programming problems that will require more than just mathematical insights to solve.

Project Euler is a great website for solving mathematical challenging problems. But solving a problem on this website requires more than just simple mathematical knowledge.

If you want to solve mathematical problems in a more analytical way, then this website will come in handy.

11. Codewars

Codewars is a coding challenge website for people of all programming levels. It claims to have a community of over 3 million developers.

One of the biggest benefits of this website is that it is highly focused on algorithms like LeetCode. Moreover, if your goal is to get very good at writing clean and efficient programs, then this website can be a great asset to you.

In Codewars, you will see Kata and Kyu a lot.

Kyu (or Kyū) indicates the number of degrees away from master level (Dan). This is why they count downward. Once you reach master level, we count upward. Black belts in martial arts are Dan level.

On Codewars, kata are code challenges focused on improving skill and technique. Some train programming fundamentals, while others focus on complex problem solving. Others are puzzles meant to test your creative problem solving, while others are based on real world coding scenarios.

If you want to know more about how the ranking system works on Codewars, then simply check their docs here .

On Codewars you will also get a nice profile page like mine . Keep in mind that I haven't solved that much on this website; therefore my profile page would seem empty. 😅

Additionally, I find their leaderboard page quite amusing.

SPOJ is a website that contains huge problems for solving. It claims to have 315,000 registered users and over 20,000 problems.

According to GFG,

You can start solving problems with maximum submission and follow or check the submission of good coders here. Once you solved around 50-70 problems and build some confidence, you can participate in different contests.

Their problem set is also quite amusing.

You will also get a nice user profile page here which you can use to showcase your problem solve skills.

13. CodinGame

In CodinGame, you can improve your coding skills with fun exercises in more than 25 programming languages.

It is a good website for intermediate and advanced software engineers to have fun while continuing to keep their skills sharp. Also, the challenges are gamified and the multiplayer access means that users can challenge friends and coworkers.

14. GeeksforGeeks (Popularly known as GFG)

You might wonder why I am including GFG in this article as it only provides algorithms, tutorials, and so on.

Well, that's not all they offer. Yes, GFG is pretty popular for its tutorials, algorithms, and so on, but they also provide a nice problem-solving platform here .

You can also filter the problems as you see fit for yourself.

You will also get your profile page where you can show your progress in problem solving on the GFG website.

Competitive programmers participate in programming contests and solve many problems on this website. This website is kind of special to the Bangladeshi people as the Bangladeshi universities arrange many programming contests through it.

You can solve problems in different categories on this website, and they also offer you a nice profile page. They also provide rankings based on your performance in the programming contests.

If you are a complete beginner in problem solving, then this website can help you a lot in starting your problem solving journey.

16. LightOJ

In LightOJ, you can solve a lot of categorized problems. It is highly based on solving algorithmic problems. Their problems are categorized as below:

• LightOJ Volumes
• Advanced Search Techniques
• Data Structures
• Divide And Conquer
• Dynamic Programming
• Fast Fourier Transform
• Flow/Matching
• Game Theory
• Graph Theory
• Parsing/Grammar
• Recursion/Branch and Bound

They also provide you with a nice profile page where you can see your activities. It might seem odd, but sometimes I find this website better than LeetCode in some cases. Moreover, everything you do on this website is completely free of cost!

17. Exercism

You can develop your programming fluency in 57 different programming languages with their unique blend of learning, practice and mentoring.

Exercism is completely free of cost, and it's built by people like us. You can also contribute or donate to them to support their amazing service for free.

They also provide a very nice user profile page which also shows everything you have done on their website, starting from publishing to maintaining.

On their tracks page, you will get a list of 57 different programming languages where you can start your practice.

Solving problems on their website seems super fun to me. I really liked the way they manage their website.

18. Online Judge (Commonly known as UVa)

This is one of the oldest websites out there for solving programming-related problems. I still find it to be a very hard website for beginners. The UI and navigation of the website are also very old.

All of the questions come with a PDF here. You need to download the PDF file of the problem if you want to solve problems as they do not offer a direct preview of the questions.

They have a lot of problemsets on their website . I still find a lot of users using this website nowadays. Therefore, I mentioned it here.

19. HackerEarth

HackerEarth is an Indian software company headquartered in San Francisco, US, that provides enterprise software that helps organisations with their technical hiring needs. HackerEarth is used by organizations for technical skill assessment and remote video interviewing.

You can practice your problem solving skills from their practice page. Also, you can participate in programming challenges and hackathons from their challenges page.

Their interview prep section is quite amazing. You can take part in the mock assessments for the Adobe Coding Test, Facebook Coding Test, and Amazon Coding Test.

They also provide a nice user profile for everyone.

20. Code Jam - Google's Coding Competitions

Google Code Jam is an international programming competition hosted and administered by Google. The competition began in 2003. The competition consists of a set of algorithmic problems which must be solved in a fixed amount of time.

If you are interested in taking part in the Code Jam contests, then their archive section is full of amazing resources for you where you can get the earlier questions and practice them.

They also offer a lot of prize money in their contests. An example can be:

Out of thousands of participants, only the top 25 will head to the World Finals to compete for the title of World Champion and cash prizes of up to $15,000. And there will be plenty of other prizes to go around — the top 1,000 competitors will win an exclusive Code Jam 2022 t-shirt.

21. ICPC - International Collegiate Programming Contest

ICPC is one of the most prestigious programming contests in the world.

The International Collegiate Programming Contest, known as the ICPC, is an annual multi-tiered competitive programming competition among the universities of the world.

Who is eligible for ICPC?

ACM/ICPC is a team-based competition with certain requirements to the participants: only post-secondary students and first-year post-graduate students no older than 24 are eligible; each team consists of three members. One can participate in the finals no more than twice and in the regionals no more than five times.

Personal Opinion

If you are a complete beginner, then start with beecrowd . If you want to start problem solving along with learning a specific programming language, then start with HackerRank .

After solving almost 50+ problems on beecrowd or HackerRank, start solving problems on Codeforces . The first time, you won't be able to do that well in the programming contests on Codeforces, and that is completely okay – it is natural. You just need to try regularly. The questions might seem pretty hard to you, but it'll become easier day by day after solving problems continuously.

You can participate in AtCoder the day you start solving problems on Codeforces. You can also try CodeChef , but I find Codeforces is enough in this case.

This will prepare you for the ICPC and Code Jam . Don't forget to solve the earlier questions on Code Jam.

If you want to gain expertise in Data Science, then simply go for Kaggle .

If you want to gain expertise in Algorithms, then LeetCode , and LightOJ are your only places. GeeksforGeeoks will also help you in this aspect.

For LeetCode, get some help from Nick White . His LeetCode Solution playlist has 189 videos as of today, and you will learn a lot from him, trust me!

Another good resource is Neetcode where you can get curated problems and their solutions from LeetCode. The official YouTube channel of Neetcode is also a great channel.

Additional Websites

You might find the websites below useful too!

⭐ StopStalk

This website retrieves your friends' recent submissions from various competitive websites (Such as Codeforces, SPOJ, HackerRank, Timus, and so on) and shows all of them in one place. You can check my StopStalk profile from here .

⭐ CodersRank

This is a platform made to help developers in job-seeking and professional growth. Here, your CodersRank profile serves as a proven track record of your coding knowledge.

You have to connect your private and public repositories here from GitHub to generate your true CodersRank profile. You can also check my CodersRank profile from here .

Thanks for reading the entire article. If it helps you then you can also check out other articles of mine at freeCodeCamp .

If you want to get in touch with me, then you can do so using Twitter , LinkedIn , and GitHub .

You can also SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel (Code With FahimFBA) if you want to learn various kinds of programming languages with a lot of practical examples regularly.

If you want to check out my highlights, then you can do so at my Polywork timeline .

You can also visit my website to learn more about me and what I'm working on.

Thanks a bunch!

Read more posts .

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Top 15 Websites for Coding Competitions and Challenges

Coding competitions help to brush up programming skills, encouraging developers to write cleaner and more efficient code. Find out about top websites for coding competitions and challenges!

Coding Competitions : Coding competitions cater to various roles, from data science and software development to mathematical modeling and computational chemistry. While many are annual events, a few provide continuous participation opportunities, allowing individuals to join anytime. The inclusivity of these coding competitions extends to using programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, C# .NET, and others.

Engaging in competitive coding programming contests provides aspiring students and young and talented programmers with a chance to assess their capabilities and benchmark themselves against a global community of programmers. 

Therefore, even amid the challenges of numerous assignments, participants can find motivation to compete. For those facing time constraints, exploring paper writing services for assignment delegation is an option while concurrently immersing themselves in the rewarding experience of competitive programming .

Notably, several leading multinational software and internet companies, including Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and IBM, acknowledge and endorse these competitive programming contests, further emphasizing their significance in skill development and recognition. In this article, we have compiled a list of some widely recognized coding competitions that serve as excellent platforms for enhancing programming skills across various technical domains. 

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Also read:  Top Most Popular Online Coding Platform 2024, Weekly Coding Competition, Practice

Table of Contents

Free Coding Competitions Websites

Here are some of the best free coding competitions websites :

1) ACM-ICPC International Collegiate Programming Competitions

The ACM-ICPC is a prestigious algorithmic programming contest tailored for college students. Participants in teams of three representing their universities solve real-world problems that demand collaboration, creativity, and innovation.  This global contest fosters the ability to perform under pressure, making it one of the top websites for coding challenges in 2024.

2) Google Kick Start

Google Kick Start is a global online coding competition featuring three-hour rounds of algorithmic challenges crafted by Google engineers. Participants can engage in one or all online rounds throughout the year, gaining insights into the technical skills required for a career at Google. 

Google Kick Start allows participants to develop and showcase their programming abilities, earning its place among the popular websites for coding challenges in 2024.

3) GeeksForGeeks

GeeksForGeeks conducts a variety of programming contests, including job-a-thons for freshers seeking employment opportunities in numerous companies. The practice portal features monthly, weekly, and daily challenges, allowing individuals to enhance their coding skills. 

Special coding competitions exclusively designed for students offer exciting rewards and access to free courses for the top 100 performers. GeeksForGeeks stands out as one of the best websites for coding challenges in 2024.

4) Google Code Jam

Google Code Jam is a prestigious global coding competition where programmers compete against each other and the clock to demonstrate their coding prowess.  This thrilling competition offers participants the chance to earn the coveted Google Code Jam title and a cash prize of $15,000. With its unique format, Google Code Jam secures its position among the best websites for coding challenges in 2024.

5) HackerEarth

HackerEarth, an Indian software company based in San Francisco, specializes in enterprise software for technical hiring needs. 

It provides challenges for technical skill assessment and remote video interviewing. The challenges cover various categories, making HackerEarth one of the best websites for coding challenges in 2024.

6) Google Hash Code

Google Hash Code is a team programming competition managed by Google for students and professionals worldwide. Teams select their members and programming language, and Google assigns an engineering problem to solve. 

The contest starts with a Qualification Round, allowing teams to compete virtually. Top teams advance to the virtual World Finals, making Google Hash Code one of the top websites for coding challenges in 2024.

7) ICFP Programming Competitions

The ICFP Programming Competitions, held annually since 1998, challenge enthusiasts in a three-day open programming competition. With no entry fee, participants from around the globe form teams and have 72 hours to complete and submit their entries online. 

The competition aims to showcase the programming languages and tools admired by participants, making it a popular choice for coding competitions near me in 2024.

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Coding Competitions for College Students

Here are the best websites that provide coding competitions for students :

1) TopCoder:

TopCoder stands as one of the pioneering platforms for online competitive programming. The platform offers a range of algorithmic challenges that participants can complete individually using their online code editor. 

The popular Single Round Matches occur multiple times per month, where participants compete against each other at specific times to solve challenges quickly and achieve the highest scores. 

TopCoder boasts top-ranked users who are proficient competitive programmers, with the highest-ranked user, Petr Mitrichev, maintaining a blog titled “Algorithms Weekly,” where he shares insights on coding competitions , algorithms, math, and more.

2) Coderbyte:

Coderbyte provides a collection of over 200 coding challenges that users can solve online using one of the ten available programming languages. The challenges range from easy tasks, such as finding the largest word in a string, to more challenging problems, like printing the maximum cardinality matching of a graph. 

In addition to challenges, Coderbyte offers algorithm tutorials, introductory videos, and interview preparation courses. Unlike some other platforms, Coderbyte allows users to view solutions provided by others for any challenge, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

3) Project Euler:

Project Euler specializes in challenges related to computer science and mathematics. Participants solve problems that often require creating small programs to decipher solutions based on clever mathematical formulas or equations. 

Examples include finding the sum of digits of all numbers preceding every number in a series. While users cannot directly code on the website, they write solutions on their computers and submit them to the Project Euler platform.

4) HackerRank:

HackerRank caters to diverse domains, offering challenges in Algorithms, Mathematics, Functional Programming, AI, and more. Participants can solve challenges directly online, and the platform provides discussion forums and leaderboards for each challenge. 

Most challenges include editorials that offer additional insights into the problem and guide participants on approaching and solving it. HackerRank introduces a gamified aspect by restricting access to other users’ solutions until the participant successfully solves the problem, encouraging independent problem-solving and learning.

5) LeetCode:

LeetCode, a widely used Online Judge, offers a list of over 190 challenges designed to aid in technical job interview preparation. Participants can solve challenges online using any of the nine supported programming languages.  While viewing other users’ solutions is restricted, the platform provides statistics for individual solutions, such as code execution speed compared to other users. LeetCode extends its offerings with a Mock Interview section for job interview preparation, coding contests, and a dedicated articles section to enhance understanding of specific problems.

6) CodeChef:

CodeChef, headquartered in India, is a competitive programming website offering many challenges. Participants can write code directly in the online editor and access challenges categorized based on their skill levels. The platform boasts a vibrant community of coders who actively contribute to forums, create tutorials, and engage in CodeChef’s coding competitions.

7) Codewars:

Codewars presents a comprehensive collection of coding challenges curated and edited by its community. Challenges can be solved online in their editor, supporting several programming languages.  Each challenge includes a discussion forum, allowing users to share insights, and user solutions are viewable. Codewars fosters a collaborative environment where coders can learn from each other’s approaches.

8) Exercism:

Exercism is a coding platform featuring over 3100 challenges across 52 programming languages. Users select a language they want to master and tackle coding challenges directly on their machines, utilizing Exercism’s command-line interface, available for download on GitHub. 

Notably, unlike other platforms, Exercism pairs users with mentors who review answers online and provide guidance for improvement. Completion and approval of solutions unlock more challenges for users.

Also read:  How To Prepare For The Coding Competitions?

Benefits of Practicing Coding Competitions and Challenges

Practicing coding competitions and challenges offers many benefits that contribute to individuals’ overall growth and skill development in the programming field. Here are some key advantages:

• Skill Enhancement: Regular participation in coding competitions helps participants enhance their programming skills. Exposure to diverse problem-solving scenarios and challenges sharpens coding abilities and fosters creativity in developing efficient solutions.
• Critical Thinking: Coding challenges often require participants to think critically and devise innovative solutions. This enhances their ability to analyze problems, break them into manageable components, and formulate effective strategies.
• Competitive Edge: Success in coding competitions provides a competitive edge in the job market. Many tech companies value candidates with a strong track record in competitive programming, considering it a testament to their problem-solving abilities.
• Algorithmic Proficiency: Coding competitions often involve algorithmic problem-solving. Engaging in such challenges improves participants’ understanding and proficiency in designing algorithms to tackle various computational problems.
• Learning New Technologies: Coding competitions frequently introduce participants to new technologies, programming languages, and frameworks. This exposure broadens their skill set and keeps them updated on the latest advancements in the field.
• Interview Preparation: Coding competitions often stimulate technical discussions. Regular participation helps participants hone their interview skills, become familiar with common problem-solving patterns, and gain confidence when facing technical interviews for job opportunities.
• Time Management: Competing in coding contests requires efficient time management. Participants learn to allocate time wisely across different problems, prioritize tasks, and optimize their coding speed without compromising accuracy.
• Personal Growth: Overcoming challenges in coding competitions contributes to personal growth. It instills a sense of achievement, boosts confidence, and nurtures a resilient mindset to tackle complex problems in real-world scenarios.

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Also read:  Top Coding Competitions For Students in 2024, Coding Competition for Kids

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What are coding competitions?

Coding competitions are events where individuals showcase their programming skills by solving a set of algorithmic and computational problems within a specified time frame. Participants use programming languages to craft efficient solutions, competing against others for accuracy and speed.

Where can I find coding competitions to participate in?

Numerous online platforms host coding competitions regularly. Some popular platforms include Codeforces, LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeChef, and AtCoder. These platforms offer a variety of contests catering to different skill levels and interests.

How do coding competitions work?

Coding competitions typically involve solving algorithmic problems within a predefined time limit. Participants submit their solutions, which are then evaluated for correctness and efficiency. Contestants earn points based on the accuracy and speed of their solutions.

Can I participate as part of a team?

Some coding competitions allow team participation, while others are individual contests. Contests like ACM ICPC encourage team collaboration, fostering teamwork and cooperation in problem-solving.

How can I prepare for coding competitions?

Preparation involves practicing coding problems regularly, understanding fundamental algorithms and data structures, and participating in mock contests. Online coding platforms often provide resources and practice problems to help participants prepare.

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Internet Problem Solving Contest

Welcome to ipsc.

Internet Problem Solving Contest pushes the boundary of what is possible in programming competitions. The problem set has a wide mix of problems that includes both challenging algorithmic problems and various unusual kinds of problems which will test your outside the box thinking. Every year, thousands of contestants gather to compare their skills, learn something new, and have fun. Will you join us too?

IPSC 2018 is over

IPSC 2018 took place from 6 October 2018, 15:00 UTC to 6 October 2018, 20:00 UTC .

Congratulations to the winners , and thanks to everyone who participated! We hope you had fun, and we're looking forward to seeing you again next year.

If you missed the contest, or if you already want to prepare for the next one, don't worry! IPSC 2018 is available as a virtual contest in the Training Area , together with all past IPSC contests since it began in 1999.

What makes IPSC different?

The IPSC rules might not be what you're used to:

But the secret sauce is in the problem set. Most of the problems are algorithmic in nature, but IPSC is particularly known for its unusual and fun problems. Here are some of our favorites:

If these problems sound interesting, try solving them in the Training Area , browse through the Archive for other problems like them, and join us for the next IPSC!

Postcard Quest

We still don't have enough postcards from all over the world. Therefore the annual special task remains: You are encouraged to send us a nice postcard. If the postcard arrives before IPSC 2018 begins, your team will be awarded -60 penalty minutes. (Don't forget to write the name of your team on the back of the postcard.)

Our address: KSP, KZVI FMFI UK, Mlynska dolina, 842 48 Bratislava, Slovakia.

• Spring 2024
• ICPC Contests
• Spring 2023

Training Resources

We use a rating to indicate the target audience of each resource. One means it is suited for people with little to no experience in competitive programming, two mean it is suited for people with some experience in competitive programming, and three mean it is suited for people experienced in competitive programming. Some links have multiple ratings when they are suited to different levels.

Learning to Program

You can use most languages for competitive programming (like Java, C++, Python, even OCaml!), but the most popular language is C++ . Here we include some resources for people that want to learn C++.

Chapters 2 of the Principles of Algorithmic Problem Solving , by Johan Sannemo: this book (also mentioned below) is a really good introduction book to competitive programming. Chapter 2 is all about C++ and guides you from the very basics of programming in C++ to more advanced topics. It’s great for people that have never used C or C++ at all, especially if you want to learn some tricks for competitive programming.

The cplusplus.com C++ tutorial : this is a fairly comprehensive collection of short articles that go through all the important features of C++. Great for people that have never used C or C++ at all. This resource is better than the previous one if you think you want to use C++ outside of competitive programming, since it teaches it in a more generic way.

Learn C++ in Y minutes : this is a really quick reference of the main features of C++. It doesn’t have a lot of explanation, so it is better suited for people that know a bit of C or C++.

We also include some tips and tricks on how to optimize your language for competitive programming with things like macros and fast IO. For C++ users we highly recommend learning about the STL (Standard Library). This is a really powerful library that contains many data structures and algorithms that are really useful in competitive programming.

USACO Guide article on Input & Output : choose your favorite language and learn about how to read input and print output.

USACO Guide article on Fast Input & Output : the typical methods for handling input/output are great, but they are actually really slow. In competitive programming we often need to read or write a lot of data, so it is important to know how to process data really fast. This article teaches you how to read/write data quickly in either Java or C++.

Chapters 3 of the Principles of Algorithmic Problem Solving , by Johan Sannemo: this book (also mentioned above and below) is a really good introduction book to competitive programming. Chapter 3 talks about the STL and goes over most of the tools that are useful in competitive programming.

Article on C++ tips and tricks : a codeforces article highlighting a lot of practical tricks to use in C++. This article is a bit more advanced and is better suited for people with some experience with C++.

Learning Algorithms

There are a ton of resources on algorithms for competitive programming. Here we highlight a sample of the best resources, some of which are targeted at beginners and some for more advanced coders. Note that to become good at competitive programming you really need to practice by solving new problems and participating in contests, so do look at the next section on where to practice to complement your readings.

We will first look at some general resources.

/ Competitive Programmer’s Handbook by Antti Laaksonen: this is an amazing book that covers pretty much all the fundamental topics in competitive programming starting from sorting and time complexity all the way to advanced data structures and geometry. It is great for people with no experience or with some experience in competitive programming. NOTE: there is a paid version of the book with extra content that is available for free from Princeton IP addresses.

/ / The USACO guide : this is a collection of curated, high-quality competitive programming resources. It is intended for high school students participating in the olympiads, but it’s great for everyone since it covers almost anything you can think of that could show up on a competitive programming contest.

An Introduction to the USA Computer Olympiad Java and C++ : this is a short book written to introduce people into competitive programming in either Java or C++. It is intended for high school students that want to start participating in the olympiad contests, but it is also really helpful for college students that want to get started in competitive programming. It is intended for people with no experience or that are just getting started.

/ Algorithms for Competitive Programming website : a collection of articles on a lot of topics in competitive programming. One very nice feature of these articles is that they are often very detailed and show a lot of variants and applications of the algorithm or data structure they are talking about. It is a more advanced resource only recommended to intermediate to advanced people.

We will now list some resources that are topic specific. These will all be advanced topics and we recommend you get experienced with the fundamentals of competitive programming (using some of the above resources) before looking at these:

(Topic: Geometry) Handbook of geometry for competitive programmers by Victor Lecomte: an introduction to all the geometry needed for competitive programming. Note that this doesn’t really include computational geometry, it is more about the geometry primitives that can be used in computational geometry (which you can find a lot of on here ).

(Topic: Dynamic Programming) Collection of resources on Dynamic Programming Optimizations: summary of techniques , Knuth’s Optimization , Convex Hull Trick , Divide and Conquer Optimization , another summary .

Practicing Problems and Contests

There are several websites available to practice competitive programming. Some are problem repositories, where you can find and submit solutions to a collection of problems. Some are contest websites that host regular contests of different levels. Usually the latter also have a large repository of problems you can solve outside of contests. Both play important roles because to get better at competitive programming you need to solve lots of different kinds of problems, but also practice in actual contests (or simulations of contests), much like our weekly sessions .

Here is a list of problem repositories.

CSES Problem Set : this is a collection of over 300 problems of different categories that are take you through all the fundamentals of competitive programming. It is highly recommended to beginners.

/ / Kattis Problem Archive : a collection of problems of all difficulties, mostly taken from ICPC contests.

Here is a list of contest websites:

/ / Codeforces : this is the website we use for our weekly sessions. It has really high quality problems and contests and lots of other resources including articles on different topics and a discussion board.

/ AtCoder : another really high quality website with tons of great problems.

ACM Student Chapter of Princeton , Inc

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Top 10 Prestigious Programming Contests and Coding Competitions

Posted by M. Saqib | Updated Apr 15, 2024 | Blog |

I’ve put together a list of some of the most popular programming contests and coding competitions in this article.You can level up your programming skills for many technical roles in these contests and competitions. These range from popular data science to software development and mathematical modelling to computational chemistry. Most of them are annual programming competitions , but a few are continuous and anyone can participate at any time. These coding competitions are open so participants can use C, C++, Java, Python, C# .NET or any other programming languages in these contests.

These competitive programming contests offer young and talented students and programmers the opportunity to measure their capabilities and compare themselves to other programmers worldwide. So, don’t lose courage due to tons of assignments to complete. You can also delegate them to a  paper writing service  while pushing your luck at the programming contests. By competing in these programming contests give you a deep satisfaction of being a fluent programmer.

List of Coding Competitions

1) the acm-icpc international collegiate programming contest, 2) topcoder, 3) google’s coding competitions, 4) the icfp programming contest, 5) bme international 24-hours programming contest, 6) the international obfuscated c code contest, 7) internet problem solving contest, 8) microsoft imagine cup, 9) hewlett packard enterprise (hpe) codewars, 10) openchallenge, 11) other programming contests.

These days several multinational software and internet companies, such as Microsoft, Google, Facebook and IBM recognize and support these competitive programming contests.

The ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest ( ICPC ) traces its roots to a competition held at Texas A&M in 1970. It was hosted by the Alpha Chapter of the UPE Computer Science Honor Society. The contest fosters creativity, teamwork, and innovation in building new software programs, and enables students to test their ability to perform under pressure. Quite simply, it is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious programming contest in the world.

TopCoder is fast becoming the major league for programming competitions. TopCoder brings members together once a week to compete online (Single Round Match) and twice a year both online and on location (Tournaments). The Topcoder Open ( TCO ) is their annual programming and design contest. The top ranked users on TopCoder are very good competitive programmers and regularly compete in programming competitions. The TopCoder community takes on challenges from world’s leading brands such as IMB, Google and eBay.

Google Code Jam is an annual programming competition in which participants are asked to solve complex algorithmic challenges in a limited amount of time. Programmers can use the programming language of their choice. This contest starts online and programmers can practice by trying out problems from past years.

Google Hash Code is coding challenge for teams of students and professionals around the world. Top teams will then be invited to a Google office for the Final Round.

Google Kick Start is a global online coding competition, consisting of three-hour rounds of a variety of algorithmic challenges designed by Google engineers. These competitions are held throughout the year and participants may get a chance to be invited to interview at Google.

Some of the past competitions are EuroPython and Code Jam to I/O.

The International Conference on Functional Programming ICFP Programming Contest holds every year, a few months before the conference. This is a fun and challenging three day open programming competition.

There is no entry fee or need to pre-register. Participants may work from any location. Participants may form teams and the teams may have any number of members.

The Challenge 24 is a 24-hour international programming contest. The most important thing in this contest is that the participants can use their own computers. This gives them the possibility to work in their usual environment that fits them the best.

In addition, there are no restrictions on operating systems, development tools or programming platforms. Only the 30 best teams gets an invitation to Budapest, Hungary, where the ‘real’ BME Challenge 24 takes place. Electrical Engineering Students’ Hungarian Association organizes this contest.

The International Obfuscated C Code Contest has been running for over 25 years now in 2020. Normally participants enroll and compete in the contest via email or online submission. All you have to do is write the most obscure or obfuscated ANSI C program in fewer than 4096 characters length according to the rules.

All entries must compile with GCC compiler and run under at least one flavor of UNIX. (e.g. Linux or Solaris).

The Internet Problem Solving Contest ( IPSC ) is an online contest for teams consisting of up to three people. IPSC publishes several problem and coding challenges at the beginning of the competition. Some of them are unusual kinds of problems that will test your out of the box thinking.

For example, find three numbers such that x=y  and  y=z , but  x≠z .

To solve a problem you will have to compute correct output data for the given input data sets. Usually this means that you will write a program that solves the problem, but you may produce the output by hand or in any other way.

Microsoft Imagine Cup has been around for two decades now. This program invites participants to take on real-world problems submitted by IGOs, NGOs and non-profits that you can then take on as part of Imagine Cup project. Then put ideas into action as you create solutions that have potential to change the world.

The winner of the imagine cup receives cash prizes, Azure Grant, and a mentoring session with Microsoft CEO. The 2022 Imagine Cup is going to complete the 20 years of this contest and students can bring ideas to life in Earth, Education, Health, and Lifestyle categories.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Codewars is for high school students and takes place every year since 1999. The event successfully combines several quality ingredients, such as the high-tech environment, a wide range of programming challenges , large amounts of good “programmer” food (pizza and caffeine). Large number of computers, monitors, software, and accessories are also gifted to the participants. Supported programming languages for 2022 event include C, C++, Java and Python 3+.

Openchallenge is a catalyst for materializing creativity and for channeling open source potential into tackling real world problems. Openchallenge is and tries to be as free as possible from any bonds to any specific interest group.

All the entries submitted to OpenChallenge are published under open source principles and licenses.

There are many other programming contests such as CodeChef , HackerRank , LeetCode , Codeforces , Project Euler , American Computer Science League ( ACSL ) and Facebook Hacker Cup to name a few. These competitions help students and programmers to gain knowledge of algorithms , computer programming, and problem solving techniques and help prepare for technical job interviews .

Further, Codeforces hosts a number of competitive programming competitions. It is a social network dedicated to programming contests and hosting programming contests for the past 14 years. Similarly, Japan based coding contest website AtCoder host three competitions i.e. Beginners, Regular and Grand Contest. Exercism is another coding challenge website that offers 3000+ challenges spanning 60 different programming languages.

Facebook CTF (Capture The Flag) is a cybersecurity competition organized by Facebook being held since 2011. CTF games (Jeopardy, Attack-Defence and mixed) also touch other aspects of information security domain such as cryptography, steganography, binary analysis, reverse engineering, mobile security and others.

Similarly, Kaggle Competitions hosts data science and machine learning competitions . The prize money in these competitions range between USD 500 to USD 150,000.

Watch the following video on Programming Challenges for further details.

Disclaimer: The author is not affiliated with any of the websites mentioned above.

About The Author

Saqib is Master-level Senior Software Engineer with over 14 years of experience in designing and developing large-scale software and web applications. He has more than eight years experience of leading software development teams. Saqib provides consultancy to develop software systems and web services for Fortune 500 companies. He has hands-on experience in C/C++ Java, JavaScript, PHP and .NET Technologies. Saqib owns and write contents on mycplus.com since 2004.

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US Open Contest

Our final contest of the 2023-2024 season, the US Open, has recently ended. Results are available here .

The USACO coaches are deliberating now on who to invite as finalists to our 2024 summer training camp; decisions on this should be out soon.

2023-2024 Competition Schedule Released

We are looking forward to a competition season in 2023-2024 with four contests, much like in previous years. At the end of the season, teams will be chosen to represent the USA at the International Olympiad in Informatics in Egypt and the European Girls Olympiad in Informatics in the Netherlands.

Two important notes regarding changes / clarifications in contest structure and rules for this season, in the interest of ensuring academic integrity:

• We have added text to our contest rules clarifying that generative AI is prohibited during our contests, and that USA students are not allowed to use VPNs to obscure their IP addresses.
• For USA students participating in a platinum contest, you will earn a certified score if you start the contest between 12:00 noon and 12:15 eastern time (ET) on the Saturday of the larger Friday-Monday contest timeframe. Certified scores carry more weight during finalist selection. This special timing currently only affects platinum contests, not other divisions. That is, platinum problems become available only at noon ET on the Saturday of the contest window; all other divisions can be launched earlier, on the Friday morning of the Friday-Monday contest timeframe. Students who wish to receive full consideration for selection as a finalist to attend our training camp should try to receive certified scores on all of the platinum contests. Realizing that schedules are sometimes hard to coordinate, students with three instead of four certified scores will still receive full consideration. Students who have fewer than three certified scores due to promotion from gold to platinum mid-season may also be considered for finalist status (in this case, the more certified scores, the better).

Outstanding Results at 2023 IOI and EGOI

2022-2023 Finalists Announced

The USACO is pleased to announce its finalists for the 2022-2023 season, all invited to participate in our training camp in late May / early June to compete for selection for the USA teams attending the International Olympiad in Informatics and the European Girls Olympiad in Informatics.

Our Mission

• Hundreds of hours of free on-line training resources that students can use to improve their programming and computational problem-solving skills.
• On-line programming contests (roughly six per year) for students at all levels.
• An intensive summer training camp , to which the top students in the USA are invited to further improve their skills and learn advanced material.
• The opportunity for the top four students in the USA to represent their country at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) , the most prestigious international algorithmic programming competition at the high-school level.

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2023-2024 schedule, our sponsors.

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• Data Structures
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• Binary Tree
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• Divide & Conquer
• Mathematical
• Backtracking
• Branch and Bound
• Pattern Searching
• Competitive Programming - A Complete Guide

Competitive Programming (CP) Handbook with Complete Roadmap

Mathematics for competitive programming.

• Must do Math for Competitive Programming
• Pigeonhole Principle for CP | Identification, Approach & Problems
• Euler Totient for Competitive Programming
• Essential Maths for Competitive Programming Course By GeeksforGeeks

Number Theory for CP

• Binary Exponentiation for Competitive Programming
• GCD (Greatest Common Divisor) Practice Problems for Competitive Programming

Bit Manipulation for CP

• Bit Manipulation for Competitive Programming
• Bit Tricks for Competitive Programming
• Bitwise Hacks for Competitive Programming

Combinatorics for CP

• Inclusion Exclusion principle for Competitive Programming

Greedy for CP

• Binary Search on Answer Tutorial with Problems
• Ternary Search for Competitive Programming

Array based concepts for CP

• What are Online and Offline query-based questions in Competitive Programming
• Precomputation Techniques for Competitive Programming
• PreComputation Technique on Arrays
• Frequency Measuring Techniques for Competitive Programming

Dynamic Programming (DP) for CP

• DP on Trees for Competitive Programming
• Dynamic Programming in Game Theory for Competitive Programming

Game Theory for CP

• Interactive Problems in Competitive Programming
• Mastering Bracket Problems for Competitive Programming
• MEX (Minimum Excluded) in Competitive Programming

Graphs for CP

• BFS using STL for competitive coding

Advanced Data Structure

• Introduction to Heavy Light Decomposition
• Meet in the middle
• Policy based data structures in g++

Competitive Programming in Python

• Getting Started with Competitive Programming in Python
• Why is python best suited for Competitive Coding?
• Python in Competitive Programming
• Competitive Coding Setup for C++ and Python in VS Code using Python Script
• Python Input Methods for Competitive Programming
• Input/Output from external file in C/C++, Java and Python for Competitive Programming
• Fast I/O for Competitive Programming in Python
• Which Python Modules are useful for competitive programming?
• Python Tricks for Competitive Coding

Competitive Programming in C++

• Why C++ is best for Competitive Programming?
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Welcome to the Competitive Programming Handbook or CP Handbook by GeeksforGeeks! This Competitive Programming Handbook is a go-to resource for individuals aiming to enhance their problem-solving skills and excel in coding competitions. This CP handbook provides a comprehensive guide, covering fundamental concepts, advanced algorithms, and proven strategies to succeed in the field of competitive programming.

Competitive Programming (CP) Handbook

Whether you’re a novice or an expert coder, this competitive programming handbook offers valuable insights and practical applications to sharpen your skills and navigate the challenges of coding competitions effectively.

Table of Content

• Chapter 1 | Number Theory
• Chapter 2 | Bit Manipulation
• Chapter 3 | Combinatorics
• Chapter 4 | Advance Mathematics
• Chapter 5 | Greedy Algorithms
• Chapter 6 | Searching Techniques
• Chapter 7 | Must know Data Structures
• Chapter 8 | Pre-Computation
• Chapter 9 | Graph Algorithms
• Chapter 10 | Tree Algorithms
• Chapter 11 | Dynamic Programming
• Chapter 12 | Range Queries
• Chapter 13 | String Algorithms
• Chapter 14 | Game Theory
• Chapter 15 | Advanced Topics

How to get started with Competitive Programming?

• Tips and Tricks for Competitive Programming Success
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Competitive Programming

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 1 | Number Theory

Number Theory is important for competitive programming because it provides essential mathematical tools to efficiently solve problems related to integers, primes, divisibility, and modular arithmetic . It enables programmers to optimize algorithms, handle mathematical operations with integers, and design efficient solutions for a wide range of computational problems.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Number Theory:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 2 | Bit Manipulation

Bit Manipulation is crucial in competitive programming because it allows for efficient handling of binary representations of numbers. It enables compact storage, faster operations, and advanced techniques, optimizing code for performance, and reducing time and space complexity.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Bit Manipulation:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 3 | Combinatorics

Combinatorics is crucial for competitive programming because it deals with counting and arranging elements, providing essential techniques for solving problems involving permutations, combinations, and counting principles . It enables efficient algorithm design and optimization , essential for solving complex problems within the time constraints of competitive programming.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Combinatorics:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 4 | Advance Mathematics

Advance Mathematics is the key to mastering competitive programming. Whether it’s using smart number tricks or strategic problem-solving techniques, these advanced concepts give you the tools to tackle challenges with precision.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Advance Mathematics:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 5 | Greedy Algorithms

Greedy algorithms are crucial in competitive programming because they provide efficient and often simple solutions by making locally optimal choices at each stage. Their intuitive nature allows for quick implementation, making them valuable for solving a wide range of optimization problems under time constraints.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Greedy Algorithms:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 6 | Searching Techniques

Searching is crucial in competitive programming because it allows efficient retrieval of information from a dataset. It enables quick identification of elements, reducing time complexity and improving overall algorithm performance. Efficient search algorithms are essential for solving problems within the time constraints of competitive programming competitions.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Searching Techniques:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 7 | Must know Data Structures

Data structures are essential for competitive programming because they enable efficient organization and manipulation of data, optimizing algorithms and solutions for speed and memory usage.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Data Structures:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 8 | Pre-Computation

Pre-computation is crucial in competitive programming for optimizing time complexity. It involves calculating and storing results in advance, allowing faster retrieval during program execution. This is very useful for solving complex problems efficiently within the time constraints of competitive programming competitions.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Pre-Computation:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 9 | Graph Algorithms

Graphs are important in competitive programming because they model relationships between entities. Algorithms on graphs, like Dijkstra’s and Kruskal’s , solve various problems efficiently, such as finding shortest paths, minimum spanning trees and a lot more important graph algorithms are there. They provide powerful tools for solving a wide range of problems efficiently.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Graph Algorithms:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 10 | Tree Algorithms

Trees are important in competitive programming because they provide efficient data structures for various algorithms and operations. Their hierarchical structure allows for quick and effective traversal, making them useful for tasks such as searching , sorting , and dynamic programming . Trees are fundamental in algorithmic problem-solving and enable optimized solutions for a wide range of programming challenges.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Tree Algorithms:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 11 | Dynamic Programming

Dynamic Programming is crucial in competitive programming because it optimizes solutions by breaking down problems into smaller overlapping subproblems . It stores the results of subproblems to avoid redundant computations, leading to more efficient algorithms and faster execution times.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Dynamic Programming:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 12 | Range Queries

Range Queries are important for competitive programming because they involve efficiently retrieving and manipulating elements within a specified range in a data structure. This is crucial for optimizing algorithms and achieving better time complexity, which is essential in competitive programming where efficiency is important.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Range Queries:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 13 | String Algorithms

String algorithms are crucial in competitive programming because they enable efficient manipulation and analysis of textual data. Rapidly processing and manipulating strings is often required in problem-solving scenarios, making a solid understanding of string algorithms essential for optimizing code and achieving competitive programming success.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to String Algorithms:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 14 | Game Theory

Game Theory is important in competitive programming because it provides a strategic framework for analyzing and solving problems involving strategic interactions and decision-making. It helps programmers to model and optimize scenarios where multiple participants make choices to achieve the best outcome, enhancing problem-solving skills in competitive environments.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Game Theory:

Competitive Programming Handbook || Chapter 15 | Advanced Topics

Advanced topics in competitive programming, such as advanced data structures, algorithms, and optimization techniques, are crucial because they enable programmers to solve complex problems efficiently within strict time and memory constraints, giving them a competitive edge in coding competitions.

Following is a list of important topics relevant to Advanced Topics:

Getting started with competitive programming involves a systematic approach to build your skills and tackle coding challenges efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you begin:

• Choose a programming language you’re comfortable with or interested in (e.g., Python, C++, Java).
• Understand the basics of syntax, data types, control structures, and functions.
• Focus on fundamental data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues) and algorithms (sorting, searching).
• Learn about time and space complexity analysis.
• Dive into more complex data structures (trees, graphs, hash tables) and algorithms (dynamic programming, greedy algorithms).
• Understand their applications and when to use them.
• Solve problems on online coding platforms such as GeeksforGeeks, Codeforces, HackerRank, or LeetCode.
• Start with easy problems and gradually move to medium and hard difficulty levels.
• Can also practice CSES Problem Set to help for learning algorithmic programming.
• Join online coding contests on platforms like Codeforces, AtCoder, or HackerRank.
• Set aside specific times for practice contests to simulate real competition conditions.
• After solving a problem, analyze your solution for efficiency and correctness.
• Explore different approaches and optimize your code.
• Review editorial solutions and other participants’ code after contests.
• Engage in online forums or communities to discuss different problem-solving approaches.
• Explore advanced topics like graph theory, number theory, and combinatorics.
• Understand specialized algorithms and techniques used in competitive programming.
• Practice solving problems within time limits.
• Develop a sense of when to switch approaches or move on to the next problem during a contest.
• Regular, consistent practice is key to improvement.
• Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Supplement your learning with books like “Competitive Programming” by Steven Halim and Felix Halim.
• Utilize online tutorials and courses available on platforms like GeeksforGeeks and Coursera.
• Join coding communities on platforms like Discord or online forums.
• Engage with fellow programmers, ask questions, and share your knowledge.

Remember, competitive programming is a journey that requires patience and persistence. Stay curious, keep practicing, and continuously seek to improve your problem-solving skills.

Tips and Tricks for Competitive Programming Success:

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is the key to improvement in competitive programming. Set aside dedicated time to solve problems and participate in coding contests.

2. Understand Fundamentals: Ensure a solid grasp of fundamental concepts in data structures and algorithms. Strong basics serve as a foundation for tackling more complex problems.

3. Analyze Mistakes: Learn from your mistakes. After solving a problem or participating in a contest, analyze your approach and identify areas for improvement.

4. Explore Varieties of Problems: Challenge yourself with a diverse range of problems. Exposure to different types of challenges will broaden your problem-solving skills.

5. Time Management: Develop effective time management skills during contests. Prioritize problems based on difficulty and potential points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Competitive Programming:

1. what is competitive programming.

Competitive programming is a mental sport that involves solving well-defined algorithmic and computational problems within a specified time limit. Participants, known as competitive programmers, aim to write efficient and correct code to solve these problems and compete in online or onsite coding competitions.

2. Why should I participate in competitive programming?

Participating in competitive programming sharpens problem-solving skills, enhances algorithmic thinking, and prepares individuals for technical interviews. It also fosters healthy competition, offers opportunities for learning, and provides a platform to showcase coding skills to potential employers.

3. Do I need advanced knowledge to start competitive programming?

No, competitive programming welcomes participants of all skill levels. Beginners can start with simple problems and gradually progress to more complex challenges. The key is consistent practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

4. Which programming language is best for competitive programming?

Popular languages for competitive programming include C++, Python, and Java. The choice depends on personal preference, but C++ is widely favored for its speed and extensive standard template library (STL).

5. How can I improve my coding speed in competitive programming?

Improving coding speed involves regular practice, familiarizing yourself with common algorithms and data structures, and mastering keyboard shortcuts in your preferred integrated development environment (IDE). Additionally, participating in timed practice contests can enhance your speed under pressure.

6. How can I manage my time effectively during a coding competition?

Time management is crucial in competitive programming. Practice solving problems under time constraints, learn to recognize when to pivot to another problem, and avoid spending too much time on a single challenge. Develop a strategy to maximize your score within the given timeframe.

7. Are there resources to help me prepare for competitive programming?

Numerous online platforms offer practice problems and organize coding contests. Websites like Codeforces, HackerRank, and LeetCode provide a wealth of challenges suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, there are books, tutorials, and courses, such as the “Competitive Programming” book by Steven Halim and Felix Halim, to aid in your preparation.

8. How do I overcome challenges and setbacks in competitive programming?

Setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. Analyze your mistakes, read editorial solutions, and seek feedback from the community. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Consistency and perseverance are key to overcoming obstacles in competitive programming.

9. Can competitive programming help in securing a job in the tech industry?

Yes, many tech companies value competitive programming skills and incorporate coding challenges into their interview processes. Success in competitive programming can enhance your problem-solving abilities, which is highly sought after in the tech industry.

10. How do I find and connect with the competitive programming community?

Joining online coding communities on platforms like Discord, Reddit, or participating in coding forums associated with competitive programming websites allows you to connect with like-minded individuals. Engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing your experiences can foster a sense of community and provide valuable insights.

11. How important is optimization in competitive programming?

Optimization is crucial. Efficient algorithms and data structures are often the key to solving problems within time limits.

12. What should I do when I’m stuck on a problem?

Take a break if needed. Sometimes, stepping away and returning with a fresh perspective can lead to new insights. Don’t hesitate to seek help from online communities.

13. How do I prepare for coding interviews through competitive programming?

Treat coding contests as mock interviews. Practice problem-solving under time constraints, simulate interview conditions, and focus on explaining your thought process.

Competitive programming is an exciting journey that combines analytical thinking with coding skills. Remember, there’s no substitute for consistent practice and a willingness to learn. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and enjoy the process of becoming a proficient competitive programmer. Happy coding!

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• Competitive Programming

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

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35+ Competitive Coding Questions with Solutions | asked in Interviews

Aniruddha chaudhari.

• Updated: Apr 02, 2024

Here is the list of competitive coding questions answers. These latest coding challenges are asked in the product-based companies in recent times (2021-2022).

Almost all the product-based and high-paying companies (like Google, Facebook, Flipkart, Walmart, Amazon, Netflix, Oracle, etc. ) conduct competitive coding round on various platforms like HackerRank, HackerEarth. Hope you find this list useful for your practice and excelling job interviews.

I have personally solved each of the questions and explained them with the answers. I would recommend you to go through the question, try to solve it by yourself, and then check the solution.

You can use our online IDE to practice and run your code.

You can solve these competitive coding questions in any programming language of your choice like C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

These questions are sorted by the difficulty level . So take the first question, solve it and then move to the next one. If you are beginner, start from the first question.

Any query or difficulty? Write it in the comment.

Let’s begin…

Competitive Coding Questions with Solutions asked in Interview

• Count Common Factor [HackerEarth contest]
• Does it Divide [HackerEarth contest]
• Sum of Sub Arrays  [HackerEarth contest]
• Pair of Desired Sum [Adobe, Amazon]
• Remove Duplicate Char from String
• Sort String by Char Freq (Python)
• Sort String by Char Freq (Java)
• Split Array into Equal Sum Subarray [Morgan Stanley]
• Validate IP Address [Juniper]
• Validate PAN Card Number [Bright Money]
• Validate Sudoku [Protonn]
• Sort Circular Rotated Array [Byju’s]
• Minimum Arrow to Burst Bubbles [Petasense]
• Minimum Cost to Paint All Houses [Amazon]
• HourGlass with Largest Sum [HackerRank Test]
• Maximum Profit by Buying/Selling Stocks [Goldman Sachs]
• Hailstone Sequence [NVIDIA]
• Reverse String without affecting Special Characters [Oracle]
• Secure Conversation by Encryption/Decryption [Goldman Sachs]
• Special Elements in Matrix [Syntel Hackathon]
• Next Greater Number with Same Set of Digits [Microsoft]
• Smallest Subarray with Sum Greater than Given Number [Goldman Sachs]
• Group Anagrams  [Goldman Sachs]
• Find Duplicates in Array in O(n) [NVIDIA]
• Find Two Unique Numbers from Array in O(n) [NVIDIA]
• Number Patterns & Finding Smallest Number [Goldman Sachs, Google]
• First Unique Element in Stream [Flipkart]
• Minimum Cost of Merging Files [Amazon]
• Minimum Distance for Truck to Deliver Order [Amazon]
• Ordering Task from Given Dependencies [Ethos Life]
• Multilevel Parking System Design [Treebo Hotels]
• Minimum Coins Required [Byju’s]
• Maximum Sum Subarray [Microsoft]
• Maximum Average Sum of Two Subsequences
• Merge Overlapping Intervals [Byju’s]
• Longest Balanced Subarray [Bright Money]
• Longest Path in a Weighted Tree
• Generate Balanced Parentheses [OVH cloud]
• PostOrder Traversal Without Recursion [OVH cloud]

Improve Your Coding Skill

Being good at coding is not an overnight success.

If you want to improve your coding skill, watch this 3 minutes video . Based on my personal experience, I have shared 5 things you should follow to improve your coding skill.

Cwassignments.com is a leading online service provider offering coding assistance to students facing difficulties with their programming assignments. Our team of experts has years of experience in coding and is well-versed in multiple programming languages like Java, Python, C, C++, and more. We provide comprehensive coding solutions for our clients, from conceptualization to implementation. We also offer additional services like debugging and testing to ensure that the code is error-free and efficient. Our coding assistance is tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients, and we strive to provide the best quality of service at a reasonable price.

I am complete Python Nut, love Linux and vim as an editor. I hold a Master of Computer Science from NIT Trichy. I dabble in C/C++, Java too. I keep sharing my coding knowledge and my own experience on <b>CSEstack.org</b> portal.

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