Getting Started with Competitive Programming: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Getting into competitive programming (CP) can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can quickly become proficient. As someone advocating for early engagement in CP, I believe that starting as soon as possible can transform it from a sport into a personal passion. Let's guide a first-year student through the journey of becoming a competitive programmer.

Starting Your Journey with HackerRank

As a first-year student, you have ample time to develop strong foundations in competitive programming. HackerRank is an underrated yet powerful tool for beginners. While your seniors might advise you to move on to competitive programming after learning Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) from your college curriculum, it's beneficial to start with HackerRank for a few reasons:

It provides comprehensive practice opportunities through a wide range of problems. It helps you achieve proficiency in languages like C and Java, which are commonly used in competitive programming. By aiming for a Golden Star in Problem Solving, you can improve your coding skills in under 4 to 5 months, considering an average study period.

Transitioning to CodeChef

Once you have a solid foundation with HackerRank, it's time to step up your game with CodeChef. CodeChef organizes three types of monthly contests, each suited for different levels and time commitments:

1. Long Challenge

10 days long Around 7–8 problems to solve

2. Cook-Off

2.5 hours long Around 4–5 problems to solve

3. LunchTime

3 hours long Around 4–5 problems to solve, rarely any more

Participating in all three types of contests for the next semester will help you improve significantly by the end of the second semester. With consistent practice, you should aim for at least a 3 or 4-star coder. Take advantage of your summer vacation to explore Codeforces, another excellent platform for practicing competitive programming:

From CodeChef to Codeforces

Codeforces is an international platform that organizes short events that last 2 to 3 hours. You can further hone your skills here, as it offers a diverse range of problems that challenge your problem-solving abilities.

Building a Strong Foundation

By following the above path for a year, you can become one of the finest coders not just in your college but potentially in your city or region. Whether you're a first-year student or planning to continue your journey, feel free to reach out for more guidance or advice. You can ask for specific topics such as Greedy Algorithms, Trees, or any other coding concepts.

In conclusion, while there are other websites like SPOJ, UVa, and Topcoder, HackerRank, CodeChef, and Codeforces are the most suitable for beginners due to their structured approach and a wide range of problems to practice. As a fellow codder, I am always ready to help and motivate others. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

Hack some code AND win some stars!

Amandeep Sharma