Code Conventions

C++

C++

Templates in C++ can take advantange of more powerful features than the other contest languages, and they can be more customized to each competitor. For example, C++ macros can substitute short code with longer code. Some authors choose to use them or not to use them, and the choice to use them is yours as well.

If you're not familiar with any of the features used in the code below, check Writing Generic Code for more information.

#include <bits/stdc++.h> // see C++ Tips & Tricks
using namespace std;

using ll = long long;

using vi = vector<int>;
#define pb push_back
#define rsz resize
#define all(x) begin(x), end(x)
#define sz(x) (int)(x).size()

Java

Java

A normal Java template will contain a main method, helpful imports, and some form of I/O (for USACO, this would probably be File I/O)

import java.io.*; // Imports necessary classes to read and write files
import java.util.*; // Imports many useful data structures and algorithms libraries

public class Main { // Name your program whatever you like.
    // Note the class name must match the file name
    // (e.g. this file would be "Main.java")
    public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {
        // The code below reads from stdin and also uses a slow input method.
        // Read "General - Fast I/O" for other Java I/O techniques.
        Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in);

Python

Python

A python template is not really necessary; however, it is a good idea to have a main method to keep the structuring of your code clean, and it may be useful to add in easy file IO support.

import sys # Necessary for sys.stdin and sys.stdout

def main(file):
    sys.stdin = open(file + ".in", "r") # redirects standard input to file
    sys.stdout = open(file + ".out", "w") # redirects standard output to file
    # your code here

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main("") # calls main method