A year ago I have started competitive programming with Python mostly because it was the language I knew best. My university major is AI, so Python was already my go-to. At first I struggled a lot with with TLEs and missing handy C++ STL features, and moments of doubt where I wondered if I should switch to C++ but I have decided to stick with python to see how hard is it to use python for CP. After a year I don’t regret sticking with Python. It’s been hard but rewarding and a great learning experience.

If your goal is only competitive programming and you are not ready to get TLE while the same C++ code get accepted then do C++ but if you want to learn more about python and get used to it , Python is absolutely doable and fun.

I will keep using Python for now. It has taught me a lot about writing efficient and optimized code. If I ever switch to C++ I’ll write a follow-up blog about it :)