General
You don't have to complete all the modules in this section before moving on to Bronze.
Feel free to mark some as "skipped" and revisit them at a later time!
Modules Progress
Problems Progress
About This Guide
In this first chapter, you'll learn about how this guide is structured and how best to use this guide.
Getting Started
Start here if you're new to competitive programming.
Introduction to Competitive Programming
What is competitive programming? Let's take a look!
Updated: 3 days ago
Choosing a Language
What languages you can use for programming contests.
Updated: Last month
Resources: Learning to Code
Resources for learning how to code.
Running Code Online
Options for running your language of choice online.
Data Types
Overview of the basic data types needed for competitive programming.
Updated: Last month
Input & Output
Demonstrates how to read input and print output for USACO contests, including an example problem.
Updated: 3 days ago
Expected Knowledge
What you're expected to know before continuing onto the rest of USACO Bronze.
Updated: Last week
General
Useful for competitors of all levels.
How To Debug
General tips for identifying errors within your program.
How to Practice
How to practice and when to read editorials (analyses) according to various USACO competitors.
Updated: Last month
Contest Strategy
General ideas on how to strategize during a USACO contest.
Resources: Competitive Programming
Helpful links specifically for competitive programming.
Updated: Last month
Contests
Good contests to participate in as well as a few tools.
Updated: 2 weeks ago
Olympiads
Once you've reached Platinum, it may be helpful to practice with problems from other (inter)national Olympiads.
Language-Specific
Setup instructions and discussion of language-specific features.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Language
Reasons why choice of language matters significantly outside of USACO Bronze.
Updated: Last month
Running Code Locally
Options for running your language of choice locally.
Updated: 2 weeks ago
C++ With the Command Line
OS-specific instructions for installing and running C++ via the command line.
Updated: 3 days ago
Debugging (Language-Specific)
Identifying errors within your program and how to avoid them in the first place.
Updated: 3 days ago
Fast Input & Output
Speeding up I/O speeds can make a substantial difference in problems with large inputs.
Updated: 3 days ago
(Optional) C++ - Writing Generic Code
Writing code that can easily be reused or extended.
Updated: 3 days ago
(Optional) C++ - Lambda Expressions
Defining anonymous function objects.
Updated: 3 days ago
(Optional) C++ - Additional Notes About Data Structures
Issues that you should be aware of.
Updated: 3 days ago
USA
Information specific to USACO as well as USA camps and contests.