Competitive programming or DSA | what to choose for Placements

TL;DR

Pulkit discusses his experience in competitive programming, including platforms, rankings, and the benefits of practicing CP.

Transcript

Can you list the companies that you cracked for full time internship? Dude, don't make me do this. So, one benefit of doing CP is that it's fun. Those who enjoy it, they continue themselves. In fact, in a company like Google, is CP useful in its interviews. Targeted practice should be done for that particular company, which is what I did. What do y... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 Competitive programming (CP) involves coding platforms like Codeforces and Codechef that host contests with DSA-based questions.
• 😜 Pulkit achieved high ratings on Codechef (2416) and Codeforces (2240) and gained ranks in various competitions.
• 👋 CP can be enjoyable and satisfying, providing a kick when achieving good rankings and ratings.
• 🐝 CP helps in interview preparation by honing problem-solving skills and gaining recognition from companies.
• ❓ The choice of programming language in CP is subjective, with popular options including C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript.
• 👀 Time spent on a single CP question before looking at the solution or hint can vary, but around 20-30 minutes is suggested.
• ⁉️ Solving quality CP questions consistently is more important than the quantity of questions solved.

Questions & Answers

Q: How many questions should one solve in competitive programming?

The number of questions you solve in CP varies, but consistency and targeted practice are key. Solving more advanced questions can increase your odds in interviews, but it's important to focus on quality over quantity.

Q: Which programming language should be chosen for CP?

The choice of programming language in CP is subjective, as it's more about problem-solving skills than the language itself. Popular languages like C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript are commonly used.

Q: How much time should be spent on a single question in CP before looking at the solution or hint?

It is advisable to spend around 20-25 minutes to half an hour on a question before considering looking at the solution or hint. However, the key is to continue learning and analyzing the solution after leaving it.

Q: Is CP necessary for cracking interviews and getting placements?

While CP is not necessary, it can be beneficial in increasing your odds of getting into a company. It helps in interview preparation, improving problem-solving skills, and gaining recognition through ratings and rankings.

Key Insights:

• Competitive programming (CP) involves coding platforms like Codeforces and Codechef that host contests with DSA-based questions.
• Pulkit achieved high ratings on Codechef (2416) and Codeforces (2240) and gained ranks in various competitions.
• CP can be enjoyable and satisfying, providing a kick when achieving good rankings and ratings.
• CP helps in interview preparation by honing problem-solving skills and gaining recognition from companies.
• The choice of programming language in CP is subjective, with popular options including C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript.
• Time spent on a single CP question before looking at the solution or hint can vary, but around 20-30 minutes is suggested.
• Solving quality CP questions consistently is more important than the quantity of questions solved.
• CP is not necessary but beneficial, as it increases the chances of cracking interviews and securing placements in companies.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Pulkit shares his experience on coding platforms Codeforces and Codechef, achieving high ratings and ranks in various contests.

• He mentions cracking internships for companies like Amazon, Google, and Goldman Sachs, as well as teaching coding in different organizations.

• Pulkit explains the motivation behind practicing CP, emphasizing the importance of DSA in interviews and the enjoyment and satisfaction that comes with solving CP problems.