BASIC ROADMAP FOR COMPETITIVE PROGRAMMING
First know what is Competitive Programming
The following are the steps that anyone on the internet will suggest to you, be it a youtuber or any pro competitive programmer.
1.Pick a language
Select any one language like C/C++ or Java and don't waste much time in just selecting a language for CP. My choice is C++ because it has an awesome in-built library called Standard Template Library(STL) which is very helpful in CP.
2.Learn the basics
Learn all the basic syntaxes and solve simple programs like adding two numbers, reversing a number, factorial of a number, fibanocci series etc. Go ahead to next step only if your basics are strong else you will have to face the consequences of not knowing the syntaxes also.
3.Master DSA
DSA is the heart of Computer Science and you simply can't skip it in CP. Learn all the Data Structures and Algorithms from basic till advanced concepts and there is no escape from this.
I have a long series(similar to youtube
tutorial playlists) here in my blog site for Data Structures
and Algorithms which will contain short theory explanation and
implementation in C++.
Check the
DSA Series
4.Practice
Once you are done learning the basic syntaxes and DSA with your
preferred langauge, it's time to check your knowledge. Head over
to websites like HackerRank or HackerEarth and start practicing
by solving problems.
To improve your skills, head over to websites like codechef or
codeforces and start solving real world problems which are
actually involved in competitive programming.
5.Take part in contests
(Optional)
Take part in various contests held by online coding platforms like codechef or codeforces. Well, this is an optional choice because some of us are just interested in development(projects) part more than CP.
6.Never Give Up!
As a beginner you will face lots of hell, get freezed and start thinking that CP is not for me, I cant do this etc. Its a common problem with every person and you are not alone in this. So keep practicing everyday atleast 1hour which will surely improve your skills only if you are dedicated, hardworking and consistent.
Avoid these mistakes as a beginner
- Thinking that it's too late/early to get started with CP
- You keep learning concepts and never practice problems
- Focusing on rating and ranking on coding platforms
- Comparing yourself with others
- Not utilizing Google properly while facing bugs
- Sticking to only one coding platform
Online Coding Platforms
Choose any one among each
1.For Practicing: HackerRank, HackerEarth
2.For Placements: Leetcode, InterveiwBit
3.For improving skills and contests: Codechef, Codeforces
*1 & 2 is must!
That's it from this blog post. If you liked it then do share this blog with your friends or people who wanna get into programming world. Thank You!