Who Uses Python for Competitive Programming? | Generated by AI
Question: Which competitive programmers choose to use Python in Codeforces / algorithm problems?
Answer:
In Codeforces and most algorithm contest platforms, the large majority of serious/competitive programmers (especially high-rated ones) choose C++ as their main language.
Here is a realistic breakdown of who tends to use Python on Codeforces:
-
Beginners and newcomers to competitive programming
Very common choice — Python has simple syntax, no manual memory management, quick prototyping, built-in big integers, very convenient list/dict/set operations, easy input reading, etc. Many people start CP with Python because they already know it (from school, data science, scripting, LeetCode interviews…). -
People who mainly do interviews (FAANG-style, LeetCode, etc.)
They often keep using Python on Codeforces because it’s their daily working language. -
Participants who mostly solve Div. 3 / Div. 4 / Educational rounds / easier problems (rating roughly <1800–1900)
Python is perfectly fine here — time limits are usually generous enough, and code is shorter/faster to write. -
PyPy speed enthusiasts
A smaller group who deliberately use PyPy (especially PyPy 64-bit) and learn many speed tricks (fast input, list comprehensions over loops, avoiding slow operations, etc.). They can reach Expert ~ Master (≈1600–2100) quite comfortably and sometimes higher. -
People who hate boilerplate and want maximum readability
Some coders strongly prefer Python’s clean style even if they sometimes get TLE and have to optimize heavily or switch to C++ for the hardest problems.
Who almost never uses Python as main language (especially at high level):
- Most Candidate Master → International Grandmaster / Legendary Grandmaster (≈2100+)
Python users become very rare above ~2200–2300. Almost no consistent red/orange users (and definitely no top-100 reds) use Python as primary language. The tight time constraints, heavy constant-factor problems, and need for maximum speed make C++ strongly dominant.
Rough usage statistics (based on older & recent community posts / observations):
- Overall submissions: C++ ≈ 80–90%+, Python ≈ 5–12%
- Among rated ≥2400 (red+): C++ >94–97%, Python usually <3–5% (and most of those use C++ as main)
Bottom line — typical profiles who actively choose Python on Codeforces in 2025/2026:
- Newbie / Pupil / Specialist / Expert using it as first CP language
- 1400–1900 rated coder who likes Python more and accepts occasional TLEs
- PyPy power user who learned many optimization tricks and reaches ~2000–2200
- Someone who does CP casually / for fun / to stay sharp for interviews, not chasing top ranks
If your goal is to reach Candidate Master / Master / Grandmaster as fast as possible — most coaches and top performers will recommend learning C++.
References:
- https://codeforces.com/blog/entry/55177
- https://medium.com/student-technical-community-vit-vellore/c-java-or-python-which-language-is-better-for-competitive-coding-4f48063b1a73
- https://www.reddit.com/r/codeforces/comments/1eays9b/anyone_who_uses_python_for_cf/
- https://codeforces.com/blog/entry/103251
- https://codeforces.com/blog/entry/21851