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Programming competition

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  • W wizofaus

    I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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    Dexterus
    wrote on last edited by
    #18

    http://ace.delos.com/usacogate[^] A huge training set that you have to complete in order, monthly competitions or something. Done about half the training set while in highschool but due to spending a lot of time drinking/partying I didn't get through it all. Then there's any ACM problem sets (still have a few hundred of those tasks). Normally you want reasonably low runtimes, low enough that complexity makes the difference and not the compiler. It's always fun but never enough time.

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    • W wizofaus

      I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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      Luke Dyer
      wrote on last edited by
      #19

      A website called http://projecteuler.net/[^] does something similar, the problems are mainly theoretical and maths based. The problems start off easy, but believe me, they get very hard. It's updated quite regularly, probably a new problem every couple of weeks.

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      • J Jonas Hammarberg

        Not on topic but not that far away either... For stretching your mind; "Find The Bug - A book of incorrect answers" by Adam Barr,ISBN 0-321-22391-8 Not that hard problems but you never ceases to be amazed by the number of wrong ways a piece can be coded. rgds /Jonas

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        BadKarma
        wrote on last edited by
        #20

        Take a look at this site http://www.gimpel.com/[^]. Its kind of an online version. With every month a new Bug to crack

        codito ergo sum

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        • W wizofaus

          I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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          Mostafa Siraj
          wrote on last edited by
          #21

          TopCoder.com is the best description of your requirements.

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          • B BadKarma

            Take a look at this site http://www.gimpel.com/[^]. Its kind of an online version. With every month a new Bug to crack

            codito ergo sum

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            Jonas Hammarberg
            wrote on last edited by
            #22

            I considered their "Bug of the Month" in DJJ and CUJ as the high point of the month... On my former company we run a contest with two prizes, one on solving the bug, one on giving a clear and consise explanation that was understood by _all_ the programmers... Solving the bug was most of the time easy but sometimes explaining why really took some thought (there are hings one just doesn't do in C/C++, eg. we that know about the DO's and DONT's)... rgds /Jonas [proud owner of a legimate personal license of PC-Lint]

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            • W wizofaus

              I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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              Simon P Stevens
              wrote on last edited by
              #23

              There's also Google code jam The 2008 site[^] is just a place holder at the moment. There was a beta run the other week, the questions and scores are here: http://code.google.com/codejam/[^]

              Simon

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              • W wizofaus

                I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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                eFotografo
                wrote on last edited by
                #24

                Not exactly a competition site, 'though they do have monthly (or so) random draws giving away commercial software (and I was the lucky winner of UltraEdit 12 a few months back :-)) there is: http://www.donationcoder.com[^] ("for software connoisseurs" as they put it on their homepage :-D) The software they offer is "donationware". Free to use, but needs to be re-registered every few months, however a perpetual license for everything may be obtained if *any* donation is given. They also have a forum where people may request small tools or app(let)s to do some specific task. One (or more) of the many programmers regularly reading may then take up the challenge and produce a solution within a matter of days (or even hours!) subsequently making the tool available for anyone that wants it! For the latest newsletter (to get an idea of what the site is all about), follow this link: http://www.donationcoder.com/Forums/bb/index.php?topic=12788.0[^] John

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                • S Simon P Stevens

                  There's also Google code jam The 2008 site[^] is just a place holder at the moment. There was a beta run the other week, the questions and scores are here: http://code.google.com/codejam/[^]

                  Simon

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                  wizofaus
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #25

                  I like the sort of problems I saw there - but not so keen on the timing requirements (not because I'm not a fast coder, but I don't often have 2 hours I can be sure I can solidly dedicate to such a task). The other sites mentioned by various posters didn't seem to quite fit the bill, though maybe I need to look more at topcoder.com.

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                  • W wizofaus

                    Oh, I forgot mention, Code Project members should also be encouraged to submit tasks/problems too. As an example of the sort of task that might be suitable: a simple program that takes 3 or 4 web pages generated by the same server-side template/script, and that automatically "reverse engineers" the pages to work out what what the optimal template is. E.g. if the pages were 1.html This page is about apples.

                    Colour

                    Red

                    Size

                    Medium

                    2.html This page is about blueberries.

                    Colour

                    Blue/black

                    Size

                    Small

                    3.html This page is about coconuts.

                    Colour

                    Brown

                    Size

                    Large

                    Then then the optimal output template (in .aspx format) would be something like: This page is about <%=v1>

                    Colour

                    <%=v3%>

                    Size

                    <%=v4>

                    To pass the automated part of the test, the application would be compiled and run against at least 3 sets of files, (i.e., not the ones that are given as examples as part of the task definition), and the output tested to confirm it was at least sensible (e.g. matches the regular expression ^.{10,200}\s*$), or if the task itself was defined very strictly, then there's no reason why the output shouldn't be exactly as expected. Ideally, programmers should be able to submit their solution to be tested against the automated checker first, just to confirm their solution compiles and runs. Anyway, just an idea...

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                    Russell Jones
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #26

                    do you get prizes for the most "enterprisy" solution?

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                    • W wizofaus

                      I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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                      Broken Bokken
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #27

                      It would be kind of fun to have 2 categories for each programming task - The Right Way and The Wrong Way. You could do one or both, but both solutions must compile, run, and produce the expected result.

                      Broken Bokken You can't carry out a ninja-style assasination dressed as an astronaut. It's the luminous fabric; too visible. - Tripod http://www.brokenbokken.com

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                      • W wizofaus

                        I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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                        Palm Island
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #28

                        A great idea, I'd suggest to start with some common task with new technology, such as marshup.

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                        • W wizofaus

                          I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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                          joeBehymer
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #29

                          TopCoder.com does this.

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                          • C Chris Maunder

                            Send me a few quiz questions and I'll do it. I love the idea.

                            cheers, Chris Maunder

                            CodeProject.com : C++ MVP

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                            Scott 1
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #30

                            I like the idea of simple challenges. The fun part of these simple tasks is to solve the problem in a unique way. Other people's solutions are often instructive and informative. Participants could be acclaimed for their unique solutions. Least number of lines of code. Most elegant solution. Fastest performance. Easiest to understand and modify. Most innovative approach. Anytime a solution really stands out, for whatever reason, recognize that. Fun idea.

                            Scott H.

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                            • W wizofaus

                              I know Code Project has an article competition - but how about a programming competition, where every week (or month) a small programming task is set - something that would generally take no more than 1000 lines of code to do - and all Code Project members are encouraged to submit answers. Ideally, it would be language/platform neutral, or there could be separate competitions for different platforms. The judging could be partly automated (i.e. the code has to compile and produce the expected output), then all the solutions that work correctly could be judged by a panel, or even by other (non-participating) readers. No need for prizes unless some corporate sponsor feels it's worth it I guess. Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

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                              DrFrankenstein90
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #31

                              Does anyone know of an existing website that does this? (I found one, but it hadn't been updated since 2006).

                              There's Project Euler, which is not really a competition, let's say more like a challenge — it's like, math problems that require programming to be solved. (Some people do it with pen and paper, but it's not something I'd do... mostly because I'm not that much of a math guru, heh).

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                              • R Reelix

                                Sounds good :) What's the first challenge? *Cracks Knuckles* Re-Code Windows? ;P

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                                Jonathan C Dickinson
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #32

                                This is waaay OT, but have a look at ReactOS. The are re-coding Windows (too much trouble if you ask me - imagine all the patents...)

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                                • J Jonathan C Dickinson

                                  This is waaay OT, but have a look at ReactOS. The are re-coding Windows (too much trouble if you ask me - imagine all the patents...)

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                                  Reelix
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #33

                                  Is it possible to install the .NET Framework without, say... Windows? On THAT note... Here's a challenge: Create a C# application (And put it on a CD / DVD) that is recognized as a Boot Disk, and have it, on load, run a Windows-Form Hello-World Application! EG: Normal Ram Check, etc... *Press Any Key To Boot From CD* ....... (Press Enter) (Maybe some loading / installing / whatever) (Up pops a Windows Form) Hello World! Requirements: 1.) ALL code must be coded in C#. 2.) Must require only a Single CD / DVD. 3.) Must NOT require anything to run (At all - Clean Format) 4.) User must be able to click an "Exit" button on the Form, rebooting the computer. NB: 5.) Must NOT break an existing OS install. Besides that... No other rules! (Maybe stick the .NET Framework and a Launcher on the disk, and have it somehow load your app, with some default Mouse Drivers?) Good Luck :D - Reelix

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                                  • R Reelix

                                    Is it possible to install the .NET Framework without, say... Windows? On THAT note... Here's a challenge: Create a C# application (And put it on a CD / DVD) that is recognized as a Boot Disk, and have it, on load, run a Windows-Form Hello-World Application! EG: Normal Ram Check, etc... *Press Any Key To Boot From CD* ....... (Press Enter) (Maybe some loading / installing / whatever) (Up pops a Windows Form) Hello World! Requirements: 1.) ALL code must be coded in C#. 2.) Must require only a Single CD / DVD. 3.) Must NOT require anything to run (At all - Clean Format) 4.) User must be able to click an "Exit" button on the Form, rebooting the computer. NB: 5.) Must NOT break an existing OS install. Besides that... No other rules! (Maybe stick the .NET Framework and a Launcher on the disk, and have it somehow load your app, with some default Mouse Drivers?) Good Luck :D - Reelix

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                                    Jonathan C Dickinson
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #34

                                    Well there are three OSs using C# as the ONLY programming language (besides some NANT scripts). But they are all a few years away from a GUI capable system: so possible, yes; now, no. FYI: www.sharpos.org (The original) www.cosmos.org (Probably the most further along, have a unique technology where the MsCorlib can be used as-is). www.ensemble-os.org (I am working on this one, still working on the IL -> ML compiler) Exciting stuff I might add (SharpOS has a VGA bootscreen a while back which was bloody impressive). They are all IL-based OSes, but C# is the language of choice (mainly due to the unsafe constructs). I utterly recommend all three projects to any tinkerers. The teams are very focused and most are a bag of laughs.

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                                    • J Jonathan C Dickinson

                                      Well there are three OSs using C# as the ONLY programming language (besides some NANT scripts). But they are all a few years away from a GUI capable system: so possible, yes; now, no. FYI: www.sharpos.org (The original) www.cosmos.org (Probably the most further along, have a unique technology where the MsCorlib can be used as-is). www.ensemble-os.org (I am working on this one, still working on the IL -> ML compiler) Exciting stuff I might add (SharpOS has a VGA bootscreen a while back which was bloody impressive). They are all IL-based OSes, but C# is the language of choice (mainly due to the unsafe constructs). I utterly recommend all three projects to any tinkerers. The teams are very focused and most are a bag of laughs.

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                                      Reelix
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #35

                                      http://www.cosmos.org/[^] Are you SURE about that one... ? www.sharpos.org looks the best so far :) And besides... I was looking for a (Possible Relatively)simple Program - Not an entire OS :) - Reelix

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                                      • R Reelix

                                        http://www.cosmos.org/[^] Are you SURE about that one... ? www.sharpos.org looks the best so far :) And besides... I was looking for a (Possible Relatively)simple Program - Not an entire OS :) - Reelix

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                                        Jonathan C Dickinson
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #36

                                        Unfortunately is has to be an OS, because it runs outside of an OS, which in turn makes it an OS :). Sorry, the cosmos website is www.gocosmos.org

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