Complete Beginner Competitive Programming Guideline

Competitive programming (CP) is a great way to improve your problem-solving skills and prepare for coding interviews. If you’re a beginner, follow this structured roadmap to get started in an organized manner.

Step 1: Learn a Programming Language

Before diving into competitive programming, pick a language and master its syntax. The most commonly used languages are:

• C++ (Preferred due to its Standard Template Library - STL)
• Python (Great for beginners but slower execution time)
• Java (Good balance of readability and speed)

Step 2: Learn Basic Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA)

Once you’re comfortable with a programming language, focus on learning essential DSA concepts:

Basic Data Structures:

• Arrays and Strings
• Linked Lists
• Stacks and Queues
• Hash Maps and Hash Sets

Basic Algorithms:

• Sorting (Bubble, Selection, Insertion, Merge, Quick Sort)
• Searching (Linear Search, Binary Search)
• Two-pointer Technique
• Recursion and Backtracking

Step 3: Learn Mathematics for CP

Mathematics plays a crucial role in CP. Learn:

• Number Theory (GCD, LCM, Modular Arithmetic)
• Combinatorics (Permutations, Combinations)
• Probability Basics
• Bit Manipulation (XOR, Bitwise Operators)
• Modular Exponentiation and Fermat’s Theorem

Step 4: Master Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms

Data Structures:

• Trees (Binary Tree, BST, Segment Tree, Fenwick Tree)
• Graphs (BFS, DFS, Dijkstra’s Algorithm, Floyd-Warshall)
• Heaps and Priority Queues
• Disjoint Set Union (DSU)

Algorithms:

• Dynamic Programming (Knapsack, LIS, LCS)
• Greedy Algorithms
• Sliding Window Technique
• Divide and Conquer (Merge Sort, Quick Sort, Fast Exponentiation)

Step 5: Participate in Contests and Solve Problems Regularly

Once you have the required knowledge, practice is key!

• Start with Beginner contests on Codeforces, AtCoder, and CodeChef
• Solve at least 3-5 problems daily from platforms like Codeforces, Leetcode, UVa Online Judge, and SPOJ

Step 6: Learn Advanced Algorithms

Once you reach an intermediate level, focus on advanced topics like Graph Algorithms, Segment Trees, Suffix Arrays, Game Theory, and Persistent Data Structures.

Step 7: Join CP Communities and Compete in Major Contests

Stay motivated by joining CP communities and participating in ICPC, Google Kick Start, Facebook Hacker Cup, Leetcode Weekly Contests, and more.

Step 8: Learn Debugging and Optimization Techniques

As you progress, debugging and optimizing your code become crucial skills. Learn debugging techniques, analyze time complexity, and optimize loops to avoid TLE errors.

Step 9: Develop a Strong Problem-Solving Strategy

• Read problems carefully and identify constraints
• Think of brute force solutions first, then optimize
• Check for edge cases and test with small inputs
• Write clean and modular code to avoid logical errors
• Analyze time complexity before submitting

Final Words

Competitive programming is a journey that requires dedication and practice. Stay consistent, solve problems daily, and learn from editorial solutions.

Happy Coding! 🚀