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3.4 KiB
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84 lines
No EOL
3.4 KiB
Markdown
---
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id: lang
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title: Languages
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author: Nathan Wang, Benjamin Qi
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description: What languages you can use for programming contests and what you're expected to know before continuing.
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---
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## Choosing a Language
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The most popular languages that USACO supports are [C++11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%2B%2B), [Java](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_(programming_language)), and [Python 3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_(programming_language)). In general, we recommend the following:
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- If you already know one of these languages, just use it.
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- If you know multiple languages, we recommend you pick C++ over Java, and Java over Python.
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- For Bronze, any language will do.
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- For Silver, Gold, and Platinum, Python is not recommended.
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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!
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### Language References
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All of these are provided at the IOI aside from the additional C++ reference.
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- [C++](https://en.cppreference.com/w/)
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- [Additional C++ Reference](http://www.cplusplus.com/)
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- [Java](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/api/overview-summary.html)
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- [Python3](https://docs.python.org/3/reference/)
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## Expected Knowledge
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The remainder of this guide assumes that you know the basics of how to code in one of the languages listed above, including the following topics:
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- Variables
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- Data types
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- Reading Input
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- Writing Output
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- Loops
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- If / Else
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- Logical operators
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- Functions
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- Basic Recursion (a function calling itself)
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- Arrays
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- Multidimensional Arrays
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In particular, contestants using Java should be familiar with roughly the first half of AP Computer Science A.
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- If you do not meet these prerequisites, see the links below to get started.
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- Familiarity with [competition math](https://github.com/bqi343/USACO/blob/master/Resources/Competition%20Math.md) (ex. AIME qualification) is helpful but not required.
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## Resources for Learning How to Code
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### C++
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Use one of these resources (or find your own) to learn C++.
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<resources>
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<resource source="Sololearn" title="C++" url="https://www.sololearn.com/Play/CPlusPlus" starred>also courses for Java, Python</resource>
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<resource source="PAPS" title="2 - Programming in C++" starred></resource>
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</resources>
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If you use Sololearn, we recommend you finish everything up to (but not including) "More on Classes." You don't have to complete the full course.
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<info-block title="Pro Tip">
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You do not need to learn pointers (for now). Knowledge of structs and classes is useful but not required.
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</info-block>
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## Resources for Getting Started
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<optional-content>
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Let us know what works (or doesn't) for you.
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<resources embedded title="Getting Started">
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<resource source="CodeSignal" title="CodeSignal" url="https://codesignal.com/">can practice basics with "Arcade," "Interview Practice"</resource>
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<resource source="Philippines OI" title="Prepare" url="https://noi.ph/prepare/">lots of links!</resource>
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<resource source="IOI" title="Getting Started" url="https://ioinformatics.org/page/getting-started/14">not so up to date</resource>
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<resource source="Quora" title="Joshua Pan - Schedule for Beginners" url="https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-good-schedule-to-follow-for-becoming-better-at-competitive-programming-for-beginners">generally good, although CSES (see resources) is definitely a better place to start than USACO Training or Codechef</resource>
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</resources>
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</optional-content> |