abdulmusavir.juraev's blog

Can Python carry you high on Codeforces?
By abdulmusavir.juraev, history, 29 hours ago, translation, In English

Hi Codeforces!

Many people say that Python is too slow for competitive programming and that everyone should switch to C++. While C++ is undeniably faster, I believe Python is still an amazing language for problem-solving if used correctly.

Here are a few things I learned while solving problems in Python on Codeforces:

1. PyPy 3 is a lifesaver

Never submit in pure Python 3 if execution time matters. PyPy 3 JIT compiler makes loops significantly faster.

2. Avoid input() in big loops

Using sys.stdin.read().split() instead of standard input() reduced my I/O time significantly on large datasets.

3. Python's hidden superpowers

  • Built-in support for Big Integers (no need to worry about 64-bit overflow).
  • Extremely fast string manipulations and list comprehensions.
  • Easy-to-read syntax which lets you focus purely on the logic during contests.

Question for the community: What is your peak rating using Python/PyPy? Do you think it's worth switching to C++ after reaching Candidate Master, or can PyPy carry even higher?

Let’s discuss in the comments!

  • Vote: I like it
  • 0
  • Vote: I do not like it

»
29 hours ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Auto comment: topic has been translated by abdulmusavir.juraev (original revision, translated revision, compare)

→ Reply
»
28 hours ago, hide # |
← Rev. 2  
Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

ofc ill switch to cpp, it lets u understand what u r doing better and is faster

(and its only allowed language in inoi)

EDIT: there is a gm who only used python in his every contest, so it is definitely possible.

→ Reply
»
20 hours ago, hide # |
← Rev. 2  
Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

conqueror_of_tourist 3200+ max
pajenegod 2400+ max

both of them have most of their submits in pypy

→ Reply
»
20 hours ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

I’m 1800 which is in the top <4% of codeforces users and still use python for implementation light or easy problems, I’m quite well versed in it and it’s very clean and fast to write. I still use C++ for more “heavy duty” problems or specific features but Python definitely has its strengths.

→ Reply
»
20 hours ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Now in order to speed up in contests, I often use Pypy3 unless I encounter problems with tags like data structures, graphs and trees. In the old days I use only one progamming language, C++, now gradually turn to Python:)

→ Reply
»
8 hours ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

after you learn how to code in C++, you do not want to write code in python again.

→ Reply