How to start Competitive Programming using Python:
1. Learn Python language
We should learn the basics of the Python language which contain syntax, datatypes, list, string, tuples, etc;
Python list and string manipulation:
Python3
# Creating a listnumbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]# Accessing list elementsprint(numbers[0]) # Output: 1# String concatenationname = "John"greeting = "Hello, " + name + "!"print(greeting) # Output: Hello, John! |
1 Hello, John!
2. Learn Data Structures and Algorithms
Learn data structures and algorithms like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, sorting, searching, and dynamic programming.
Implementing a simple linked list:
Python3
# Node class to represent a linked list nodeclass Node: def __init__(self, data): self.data = data self.next = None# Linked list class with basic operationsclass LinkedList: def __init__(self): self.head = None def append(self, data): new_node = Node(data) if not self.head: self.head = new_node else: current = self.head while current.next: current = current.next current.next = new_node def print_list(self): current = self.head while current: print(current.data, end=" -> ") current = current.next print("None")# Usage of linked listlinked_list = LinkedList()linked_list.append(1)linked_list.append(2)linked_list.append(3)linked_list.print_list() |
1 -> 2 -> 3 -> None
3. Use Python Libraries
Python libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, and Matplotlib are a few libraries for programming competitions.
Using NumPy for array manipulation:
Python
import numpy as np# Creating a NumPy arrayarr = np.array([1, 2, 3, 4, 5])# Sum of array elementsprint(np.sum(arr)) # Output: 15# Sorting the arraysorted_arr = np.sort(arr)print(sorted_arr) # Output: [1 2 3 4 5] |
4. Optimize code step by step
Optimize your code starting with a brute force approach, a better solution, and at last best solution.
Brute-force approach to find the maximum element in a list:
Python3
def find_max_element(arr): max_element = arr[0] for num in arr: if num > max_element: max_element = num return max_element |
5. Take part in contests
Once you feel comfortable solving problems, participate in competitions like w3wiki, Google Code Jam, HackerRank, or Codeforces.
Solving a simple problem on w3wiki:
Python3
def find_max_element_1(arr): # Solution 1: Using built-in max() function return max(arr)def find_max_element_2(arr): # Solution 2: Using a loop to find max element max_element = arr[0] for num in arr: if num > max_element: max_element = num return max_element |
6. Look for Better solutions
Review other people’s solutions after each problem or contest. Search for more elegant or effective solutions to these problems. You will increase your expertise by reading about and understanding the methods used by skilled programmers.
Comparing two solutions to find the maximum element in a list:
Python3
def find_max_element_1(arr): # Solution 1: Using built-in max() function return max(arr)def find_max_element_2(arr): # Solution 2: Using a loop to find max element max_element = arr[0] for num in arr: if num > max_element: max_element = num return max_element |
7. Practice Time Management
Practice time management skills because programming competitions have time restrictions. Set time constraints for each challenge and concentrate on enhancing your accuracy and speed.
Getting Started with Competitive Programming in Python
Python is a great option for programming in Competitive Programming. First off, its easy-to-understand and concise grammar enables quicker development and simpler debugging. The huge standard library of Python offers a wide range of modules and functions that can be used to effectively address programming difficulties. Python also offers dynamic typing, intelligent memory management, and high-level data structures, which speed up development and simplify coding.