4 ms·

It provides a great way to explore different areas of math and cs.

• rf15 9y ago
  Which is why I enjoy the questions, but not the competitive mindset surrounding it. It's like casual cycling vs racing.
  • jasode 9y ago
    >It's like casual cycling vs racing. If you're offering up that analogy yourself, I guess I don't understand why you're asking, "what's the point of competitive programming?" The point of "competitive _anything_" is The Competition itself. What's the point of competition running?!? Shouldn't running be a utilitarian function of escaping an angry lion in the African savanna? Therefore, what's the point of Usain Bolt competing in sprints?!? It's the competition. Same reasons for competitions in spelling (spelling bees), cooking (Iron Chef), etc. Humans just like to compete. You don't have to enjoy those competitions to understand why other people participate in them.
    • rf15 9y ago
      Good conclusion. Yeah, I don't think I understand competition as a whole, and this is just another facet of this.