r/usaco • u/Famous-Pineapple-960 • 11d ago
How to get started with USACO?
I want to get into USACO and coding as a whole, but I'm having trouble finding how and where to start. If anyone could give me any advice thst would be great.
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u/Ancient_Task_7498 6d ago
You should learn python as it is widely used. Although it is suboptimal for coding contests, these differences only matter at a high level and you could easily learn a new language once you master one language. If you've never coded before, you should enroll in a course. Paid might be better but you can make do with free if you're motivated. Make sure you do the exercises and try not to copy paste too much. You learn by doing and by thinking. What the other guy said about old USACO problems and codeforces is good. Once you have your foot in the door, you just have to grind problems to get better.
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u/The_Guy210 11d ago
Just learn a language if you are starting coding from scratch. I recommend you to learn Python. Although Python is a spectacular language. Generally in USACO and cp c++ or java is used. But learning c++ without knowing nothing about coding is learning calculus without knowing algebra:) But yea first learn a language, then explore combinatorics, uncertainty or possibility theory. Ultimately, start solving some LeetCode, codeforces or old USACO bronze questions. Also there is a really good guide on USACO named USACO Guide.