Complete guide to using C++ for competitive programming
C++ is one of the oldest and most popular languages, and it is also popular in competitive programming because of its fast I/O process and libraries.
Competitive programming helps you develop problem-solving skills. You will improve your solution thinking and writing clean and short code skills.
Top MNCs and startups look for candidates with good problem-solving skills, regardless of whether you are from tier 1 or tier 3 college. If you are good at competitive programming, it will help you crack coding interviews.
This article explains why you should choose C++ for your competitive programming journey.
Before that, let’s understand what competitive programming is.
What is competitive programming?
Competitive programming is a code competition for solving a given problem using the best algorithm within the shortest time. Which adheres to time and space complexity.
Now let’s see why most developers choose c++ for competitive programming.
Why C++ over Java and Python?
When you compete in contests, time limits come into play. Every second can give the highest or the lowest ranks, so time plays an important role in competitive programming. That’s why c++ is most preferred. It processes the large input fast and gives output very fast.
Because C++ has its Standard Template library. Which has built-in functions and methods that already have the instructions.
We can import the library at the top of our C++ and start working, so we don’t have to code everything from scratch. We can import the libraries and start coding.
For working with math equations, we import
#include <math.h>
// OR
#include <cmath>Code language: C++ (cpp)But we can also import one standard library that contains other libraries’ information.
#include <std/c++>Code language: C++ (cpp)C++ is an object-oriented programming language.
C++ manages its memory very well. It has a garbage collection algorithm that removes unused data when the program gets compiled for execution.
It has the pointer concept, where you can modify the reference objects.
Who can participate in Competitive programming?
Even if you are a beginner, you can participate in competitive programming using platforms like CodeChef. Leetcode, code studio, and hacker rank.
To participate in competitive programming, you should have some intermediate knowledge of c++ and DSA.
Below I have created a table to understand which concepts you should learn if you prepare for competitive programming.
| Concept Name | Concept Category | Difficulty Level For Competitive Programming |
|---|---|---|
| 1D, 2D & 3D Arrays | C++ Intermediate | Medium |
| Sorting Algorithm ( Insertion, Selection & Bubble Sort ) | DSA | Medium |
| Working with Strings | C++ Basic to Intermediate | Easy |
| Pointers | C++ Advanced | Medium |
| Vectors | DSA | Medium |
| Bit Manipulation | C++ Intermediate | Medium |
| Recursion | C++ Advanced | Medium – Hard |
| Time and Space Complexity | DSA | Medium |
| Object Oriented Programming | C++ Advanced | Medium |
| Lists | DSA | Hard |
| Stacks | DSA | Hard |
| Queues | DSA | Hard |
| Graphs | DSA | Hard |
| Basic To Advanced Dynamic Programming | DSA | Hard |
| STL Containers | DSA | Medium |
| Big Integers | DSA | Medium |
| Greedy Algorithms | DSA | Hard |
| SQRT Decomposition | DSA | Hard |
| Shortest Path Algorithm | DSA | Medium |
| Geometric Algorithm | DSA | Hard |
| Number Theory | DSA | Medium |
| Lazy Propagation | DSA | Medium |
| Pigeonhole Principle | DSA | Hard |
The best way to practice competitive programming would be to solve the problems on the topic you have learned.
Suppose you have learned arrays, go to platforms like CodeChef, and leetcode filter the problems based on the concepts, then you can try to solve them.
It will help you build muscle memory and helps you retain what you have learned.
Resources to learn C++
I have curated a list of resources for learning C++.
| Resource Name | Resource Category | Resource Link | Author |
| Learn C++ in 1 hour | YouTube video | Video Link | Programming With Mosh |
| C++ Tutorial For Beginners | YouTube video | Video Link | Freecodecamp |
| C++ in 31 Hours | YouTube video | Video Link | Freecodecamp |
| Basic of C++ and DSA | Course | Course Link | Coding Ninjas |
| Learn C++ Programming, Beginners to Advanced | Course | Course Link | Abdul Bari |
| CPP Essentials | Course | Course Link | Coding Minutes |
| C++ Master Course | Course | Course Link | Coding blocks |
Resources to learn Competitive Programming:
I have curated a separate list of resources for learning Competitive Programming
| Resource Name | Resource Name | Resource Link | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learn Competitive Programming | Course | Course Link | Coding Ninjas |
| Competitive Programming Series | YouTube playlist | Playlist Link | Luv |
| Competitive Programming series | YouTube playlist | Playlist Link | Love Babbar |
| Complete DSA Course | YouTube Playlist | Playlist Link | Love Babbar |
| Competitive Programming beginners C++ challenges | Course | Course Link | Learn Coding Online |
| Competitive Programming | Course | Course Link | Coding Blocks |
| DSA Essentials | Course | Course Link | Coding Minutes |
| Competitive Programming Essentials, Master Algorithms | Course | Course Link | Coding Minutes |
Platforms to practice competitive programming
Below I have created a table where you can practice competitive programming using c++
| Platform name | Platform link |
|---|---|
| Codechef | Link to CodeChef |
| Leetcode | Link to leetocde |
| Codeforces | Link to codeforces |
| Hackerrank | Link to hackerank |
| Code Studio | Link to code studio |
| Hacker earth | Link to hacker earth |
| Exercism | Link to exercism |
Summary
I hope you have the idea of why you should choose c++ for competitive programming.
Make sure to master the fundamentals and try to solve the questions as many as possible, so you don’t forget the fundamentals.
Thanks for reading ?!
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