What is Competitive Programming?
Competitive programming is a mind sport where you'll be given some set of algorithmic challenges and a fairly short amount of time to submit code that produces an exact solution. In this way it's not dissimilar to math competitions, though they are a bit more expansive since you can do more with a computer
How to improve?
Unfortunately, there is no real shortcut. It is not a quick or easy process, the only way to get better is to practice. 'Practice' means solving problems, spending time working through problems and learning how to break down a problem to its core and logically think of the next steps. While it is still important to study theory, practicing problem solving skills should be your main focus.
It's also important to reflect on your time spent when you finish working on a problem.
- How did you arrive at the solution?
- What made you realize something would or wouldn't work?
- If something didn't work why did you not realize the idea didn'