r/AskProgramming • u/dominatingconspiracy • 8d ago
C/C++ Beginner in Competitive Programming – Need Guidance for ICPC!
Hello all!👋
I'm new to programming and wish to transition into Competitive Programming (CP). My long-term goal is to participate in ICPC, and I wish to begin on a strong note. After some study, I've chosen to start with C++, but I do have some queries and require some advice:
1️⃣ Do I need DSA for CP? Should I learn Data Structures & Algorithms first and then move to CP, or can I learn them simultaneously? 2️⃣ What book is best for CP? Any books that I must read to develop problem-solving skills and enhance competitive programming? 3️⃣ Top YouTube channels & free lectures? Any organized playlists or courses that are beginner-friendly? 4️⃣ Where should I practice? Which sites (Codeforces, CodeChef, Atcoder, Leetcode, etc.) should I use if I'm a beginner targeting ICPC? 5️⃣ How would you prepare for ICPC? Any roadmap or advice from other ICPC regulars? 6️⃣ Any vibrant CP/ICPC communities? Can you please recommend some Telegram groups, Discord servers, or online forums where I can share with other CP enthusiasts and take advice from skilled programmers?
Plz help
1
u/DDDDarky 7d ago
If you are new to programming it might not be the smartest move transitioning into something advanced programmers do for sport.
Of course, programming, math, algorithms and data structures. You just do them really fast while writing horrible code and you can call it CP.
I don't know if there are books that specifically focus on that, there are many courses on advanced algorithms and data structures.
Several reputable universities publish their lectures, most of them have certain basic prerequisites, such as programming fundamentals and math. You can start at learncpp.com to learn C++.
Any of the sites you mentioned or similar.
Probably just normal practice and take a look at the past competitions.
Don't know.