Ultimate Guide to Computer Science and Competitive Programming with the best resources on the Internet.
Is Computer Science & Engineering a good choice for average students? How much math do you need for Computer Science & Engineering and what Kind of Math is Required? How should I start as a complete newbie to a problem solver?
Welcome to the ultimate guide to computer science and competitive programming! Within this blog, you will find an abundance of valuable resources to help you excel in these exciting fields. From the best online tutorials and courses to the most useful tools and platforms, I have carefully curated a selection of the finest resources available on the internet right now. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned pro seeking to sharpen your skills, this guide has something for everyone. So, let us embark on this journey together and discover the limitless potential of computer science and competitive programming.
Are you an average student wondering if computer science and engineering (CSE) is the right field for you? If so, you are not alone. Many people are drawn to the exciting world of Computer Science & Engineering but are unsure if they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
To answer the question, CSE can be a great choice for average students who are willing to put in the effort and dedication to learn. While a strong foundation in math is essential for success in this field, it is not necessarily as daunting as it may seem. The math required for Computer Science & Engineering typically includes topics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, and it can be learned through a combination of self-study and structured courses.
If you are a complete newbie to problem-solving, the best way to start is by taking small steps and building on your knowledge gradually. Begin by learning the fundamentals of computer science and programming, and then progress to more advanced topics as you gain confidence and proficiency. It is also a good idea to practice solving problems and challenges on your own and to seek out guidance and support from experienced problem-solvers.
In short, Computer Science & Engineering can be a highly rewarding field for average students who are willing to invest in their education and development. So, if you are curious and motivated, don’t hesitate to explore the exciting world of computer science and engineering.
Are you prepared to uncover the secrets of this topic with me? Let's dive in, shall we?
Computer science is a fascinating field.
Unlike science, which investigates the natural world, or political science, which analyzes the institutions we’ve been using for thousands of years, computer science is newer, more nuanced, and often much more challenging to absorb.
Computer science can be intimidating, but you can do it. Becoming a proficient computer scientist does, however, require an intermediate or advanced understanding of a couple of subjects, including math.
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to note that not all computer scientists use math every day. In fact, some never use it at all. But math is still useful for two reasons: first, many computer scientists do use math every day, making the subject nothing less than a requirement for certain jobs; second, math can help you develop the underlying logic that working in computer science requires.
Why Does Computer Science Require So Much Math?
Computer science is a unique field. Some of its more difficult components take years to learn, while simpler languages can take one month or less if you study vigorously. For the more difficult computer science professions, you must have an understanding of discrete mathematics, calculus, and more. And because math is a subject that slowly builds on itself, you’ll have to take several math courses before getting into the more advanced classes.
More accessible programming languages are not so demanding. And these simpler languages can also lead to jobs that are just as well-paying and fruitful as the most challenging professions. Still, some people enjoy the challenge, and they prefer the work that only the more challenging jobs provide.
What Kind of Math is Required for Computer Science?
Okay, so how much math do you need to know? If you want to obtain a computer science degree, it depends on your program. Most degrees require some understanding of calculus — many programs require students to reach Calculus III. Typically, computer science degree programs offer abstract algebra, discrete mathematics, graph theory, and other math courses alongside its computer science courses. The math courses play a critical role in helping students understand programming languages, data structures, differential equations, and more.
Calculus is often used in computer graphics, scientific computing, and computer security. If you want to work in these professions, you should have a fair understanding of calculus, whether through teaching yourself or learning through your university.
Discrete mathematics, linear algebra, number theory, and graph theory are the math courses most relevant to the computer science profession. Different corners of the profession, from machine learning to software engineering, use these types of mathematics. Without these math classes, you may struggle to manage data structures, databases, and algorithms.
This case is perhaps most true with discrete mathematics and linear algebra. From software engineering to front-end programming to computer security, discrete math and linear algebra provide the background information that computer scientists must know to do their jobs well. Without these math skills, integrating into the computer science world would be much more challenging.
Any reputable computer science degree program will teach discrete math, differential equations, calculus, and linear algebra. If you’re learning computer science on your own, though, you can find these math courses on the internet. A lot of these courses are free, too.
We want to make one thing clear: You can teach yourself HTML, Python, Java, and other languages without having extensive math skills. If you’re terribly scared of math and this post has discouraged you thus far, know that you can get a job with basic math skills as long as you’re strong in the subjects required for your position.
But if you’re looking at the computer science field in general, we’d be lying if we said that math wasn’t required. Imagine if cryptographers and software engineers didn’t know any math. If that were the case, our software would be helplessly disorganized and our defense department would never solve a code.
No matter where you stand on math, know that there’s a computer science job for you. Work hard, do your research, and always supplement what you’re doing with freelance work or internships. While computer science is an expansive field, it is quite competitive. Thus, your chances of getting a job will be much higher if you have a resume decorated with certificates, accomplishments, and experience.
Is it worth choosing Computer Science over other subjects?
Well, I think CSE is a great choice, but CSE is hard. There isn’t much scope to learn things by heart. If you love math then CSE will be extremely enjoyable! If problem-solving, algorithms interest you then go for CSE.
How I Would Learn To Code (If I Could Start Over)
Road Map-
0. Elevate Language Proficiency with IELTS Mastery.
1. Hone Typing Skills to Precision.
2. Master the Art of Research (Harness the Power of Google, Quora, and YouTube).
3. Craft Two Distinct Schedules: One for Self-Study, One for University.
4. Engage with Vibrant Communities (Quora, Discord, GitHub, Reddit, Medium, Dev Community, LinkedIn, Hashnode, YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Twitter).
5. Stay Abreast of the Latest Trends (Dive into Blogs and Newsletters).
6. Harness the Potential of AI (Remember, AI is a tool, not a replacement).
7. Embrace Prompt Engineering.
8. Set Clear Goals (Define Your Aspirations).
9. Embark on the Coding Odyssey (From C to Python, Delve into Documentation).
10. Step into the World of Competitive Programming (Think ACM ICPC, GSoC, HashCode, and Hackathons).
11. Master Git and GitHub.
12. Uncover the Elegance of Vim.
13. Navigate the World of UNIX (Linux).
14. Become a Contributor to Open Source Projects.
15. The Future is Yours to Shape (Choose Your Path Wisely)
We’ve got a very large number of people who are in the Computer Science field, and many of them consider themselves a PROGRAMMER but what is a PROGRAMMER?
What is it like being a PROGRAMMER?
Well, Being a Programmer means constantly coding, learning, reading, planning, mapping out a new creation, and thinking about how to solve a current problem or writing solutions.
While there may be many self-proclaimed programmers out there, only a select few possess the skills and drive necessary to excel at competitive problem-solving. These elite individuals, who participate in prestigious contests like ACM ICPC and GSoC, are a testament to the importance of competitive programming in the field of computer science. Not only does it hone one’s technical abilities, but it also fosters a passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible. But not everyone is talkin’ about the importance of Competitive Programming.
Many of us are interested in Competitive Programming, passionate about coding, and love to solve coding challenges but don’t know where to begin and how to start.
If you thrive on challenges and want to test the limits of your coding and problem-solving abilities, then competitive programming is the perfect arena for you. From every corner of the world, talented programmers come together on CP platforms to compete and prove their mettle. It’s an exciting and rewarding pursuit that can take your skills to new heights.
This article guides you through each step required to start a competitive programming journey. You will get an in-depth insight into every aspect of competitive programming.
What is Competitive Programming?
Competitive programming is the art of finding the most efficient and elegant solutions to complex problems. It’s a mental game that requires quick thinking, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of algorithms and constraints. In this blog, we’ll explore every aspect of this fascinating field, delving into the nuances and strategies that top competitors use to excel. From the basics to the most advanced techniques, we’ll leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of competitive programming mastery.
Competitive Programming for a Bright Career:
If you’re passionate about competitive programming, then you’ll be thrilled to learn about the many opportunities that await you. By excelling on reputed CP platforms, you can catch the attention of top tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs, and land a job as a Software Development Engineer or technical analyst. In other words, as a competitive programmer, you’ll never have to worry about job security or lack of opportunities in your field.
How to prepare for Competitive Programming?
The first and most important step in kick-starting your journey in competitive programming is choosing the right programming language. C++, Python, and Java are considered to be the most popular languages for CP. But in my opinion, C++ is the best language for competitive programming. The reason behind this is:
- C++ is faster than Python and Java. The same code in C++ could work fine whereas in Python and Java, it could give TLE.
- C++ is very popular for competitive programming and so it has a large programming community that can help you learn and grow.
- The Standard Template Library (STL) of C++ has various predefined classes that can make your work easy and efficient.
You should be thorough with all the popular algorithms like different sorting algorithms, Greedy algorithms, the Dijkstra algorithm, and so on. Most of them are indirectly associated with many questions where the optimized solution needs such algorithms to be added.
Space and time complexity play a major role in competitive programming. You can be asked in your interviews to explain the time and space complexity of your code. The better the complexity of the code, the more optimized your code is.
Data Structures are the heart of competitive programming. One must be proficient in DSA to step up in competitive programming. Data structures like Array, Linked List, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs, and Heap are the key to the success of a competitive programmer.
After brushing up on all the basics and familiarizing yourself with the DSA fundamentals, it’s time to start practicing. Practice is the only golden rule that can make you succeed in the journey to learning competitive programming.
There are numerous platforms where you can find a good variety of competitive programming questions. You can start with websites like Code chef, Hacker Rank, LeetCode, and Codeforces. Many tech giants consider the ranking of a candidate on these sites during the hiring process.
Contests are a great way to test your competitive programming skills. You get to compete with the CP enthusiasts like you and even with some experienced programmers throughout the globe.
Participating regularly in such challenges and contests boosts your confidence and provides you the opportunity to get noticed by various tech giants who directly hire top rankers from such contests.
The following points highlight the most crucial tips that can help you throughout your competitive programming journey.
- Make notes whenever you learn any new concept of DSA. They will be with you in your journey from starting CP to preparing for the interviews.
- Before submitting your solution, do a dry run with some sample input cases. If there are any errors in the program, then they will be identified during the dry run.
- Practice regularly and try to participate in as many contests as you can. This develops a habit of solving a variety of questions in less time.
- When you practice any new question, try to find the most optimized solution. This helps a lot in interviews, where you are asked about different approaches ranging from the naïve approach to the most optimized one.
Here’s some useful link-
Is it enough to get into Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Meta?
Yes, it is more than enough.
How did you come to this understanding? Are you part of their enigmatic group?
No, I’m not even a Graduate.
If you ever find yourself feeling lost or unsure, take a look at my previous post on the path to becoming a true programmer. Let it guide you towards a clearer understanding and greater clarity.
Bottom Line
If you have a love for coding challenges and a desire to improve your skills, then competitive programming is the perfect pursuit for you. It takes patience, dedication, and a lot of practice, but the rewards are well worth it. In addition to enhancing your resume, competitive programming sharpens your decision-making abilities, teamwork skills, and ability to generate effective solutions in a short amount of time. It’s the perfect bridge to help you land your dream job at a top company.
Wishing you the best of luck on your exciting new journey!
