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slug: /intro/getting-started
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# Introduction to Competitive Programming

Author: Nathan Wang

## Choosing a Language

If you're in Bronze, **Don't worry about the language!** If you already know a language, just use it. You can always switch languages down the road.

In general, we recommend the following:

- For Bronze contestants, any of C++/Java/Python will do.
  - If you know multiple languages, we recommend you pick C++ over Java, and Java over Python.
- For Silver, Gold, and Platinum, we recommend C++/Java.
  - If you know multiple languages, we recommend you pick C++ over Java since C++ is faster.
  - It's not guaranteed that you can receive full points for every problem using Python (even for Silver).
    - Rewriting the C++ solution for [Wormsort](http://www.usaco.org/index.php?page=viewproblem2&cpid=992) in Python gets TLE on 2/10 cases. 
    - A similar solution in Java requires almost 3s (for a time limit of 4s)

Note: A majority of high level contestants use C++ and Java. Between those, C++ is more popular.

Keep in mind that it's easy to switch languages down the road! Don't get caught up on which language to choose. Just pick the one you feel most comfortable with!