I don't have any experience with LeetCode, but I highly doubt that Python is the reason you're missing the time limits. These sorts of challenges are usually designed to test algorithmic performance, not program optimization. Python is a fairly slow language, but for most problems an efficient solution in Python is going to do better than an inefficient program in C++. Answer from Kered13 on reddit.com
GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › competitive programming › getting-started-with-competitive-programming-in-python
Getting Started with Competitive Programming in Python - GeeksforGeeks
Python is a great option for programming in Competitive Programming. First off, its easy-to-understand and concise grammar enables quicker development and simpler debugging. The huge standard library of Python offers a wide range of modules ...
Published July 23, 2025
Codeforces
codeforces.com › blog › entry › 76310
Importance of Python in Competitive Programming - Codeforces
So here are some pro tips: 1. Use Python: Well obviously, you expected this since Python is the best suited language for competitive programming(Not the case that I don't know any other language).
Is Python actually bad for competitive programming?
I don't have any experience with LeetCode, but I highly doubt that Python is the reason you're missing the time limits. These sorts of challenges are usually designed to test algorithmic performance, not program optimization. Python is a fairly slow language, but for most problems an efficient solution in Python is going to do better than an inefficient program in C++. More on reddit.com
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March 3, 2020where should I start from if I were to use python as my competitive programming language
Competitive programming is often about direct memory control, Python has a huge disadvantage there. Also a lot of resources for competitive programming use C++ examples, this is a huge advantage for C++. Competitive programming is generally not what most are doing with programming which is improving workflows. Python is great for addressing workflows so a lot of people use it and find it more valuable than C++. (Especially since a lot of Python libraries call already existing pre-optimized code written in C++.) So you won't lose anything in the long run by starting with Python and moving to C++, but you'll almost definitely want to switch at some point. More on reddit.com
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June 24, 2024Is Python a correct choice of language for Competitive programming?
No because competitive programming often focuses on speed, and python is not a very fast language.
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August 19, 2015I'm starting competitive programming using python. What are the tips and tricks you use for competitive programming in python?
The best competitive programming trick in Python is honestly to avoid Python, or at least to know when to avoid Python. Competitive programming is usually about speed, and Python is generally not fast, especially without third party modules that you won't have access to. More on reddit.com
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July 1, 2019Videos
12:18
Competitive Programming with Python | Graph Traversal Using Adjacency ...
C++ Vs Java Vs Python | Competitive Programming ...
12:10
Best Programming Language for Competitive Programming | With Proof ...
10:23
Competitive Programming with Python | Graph Theory Overview - YouTube
Quora
quora.com › How-good-is-Python-for-competitive-programming
How good is Python for competitive programming? - Quora
Answer (1 of 19): I have been giving a lot of programming test in Python in the last few months instead of saying it's bad let me tell you the two main issue that I faced while writing code in python. 1. Python lacks a DS where you can insert and delete with O(logn) and do lower_bound() or upper...
Turing
turing.com › kb › why-is-python-best-suited-for-competitive-coding
Why experts advise learning Python for competitive coding?
This means that they handle type conversions internally and there is no need to stress over integers and long integers. You can write codes much faster and with added accuracy, thus nailing one of the many demands of competitive programming.
TutorialsPoint
tutorialspoint.com › what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-using-python-in-competitive-programming
What are the pros and cons of using Python in competitive programming?
This enhances range flexibility ... no need to be concerned about integers and long integers. You can write code much faster and more precisely, satisfying one of the key requirements of competitive programming....
Reddit
reddit.com › r/learnprogramming › is python actually bad for competitive programming?
r/learnprogramming on Reddit: Is Python actually bad for competitive programming?
March 3, 2020 -
I've been solving coding questions on various sites like LeetCode, codewars for over a month now. My code exceeds the time limit for a few problems but it's mostly because of the algorithms I choose.
Lately, I've been reading a lot about how C++ is the best language for most coding platforms and that most questions are framed keeping in mind that they'll probably be solved in C++.
It makes me think if I should start learning C++. I've become very comfortable with python and it's libraries.
Do you think it's wise to start learning a new language after being used to one?
Note: I only do competitive programming so that I can be fast at coding interviews, not as a sport.
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I don't have any experience with LeetCode, but I highly doubt that Python is the reason you're missing the time limits. These sorts of challenges are usually designed to test algorithmic performance, not program optimization. Python is a fairly slow language, but for most problems an efficient solution in Python is going to do better than an inefficient program in C++.
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If you are failing the tests in Python, you would fail them in C++ with equivalent code. Leetcode is a learning platform. They wouldn't allow you to use Python if the problem couldn't be solved with it.
GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › python › python-best-suited-competitive-coding
Why is python best suited for Competitive Coding? - GeeksforGeeks
October 4, 2021 - Competitive coding is one such platform that will test your mental ability and speed at the same time. Who should read this? Any programmer who still hasn't tried python for Competitive Coding MUST give this article a read.
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Lets Start Competitive Programming Using Python- First Problem Statement - YouTube
In this Video We will solve a problem how we can generate a binary stringsgithub: https://github.com/krishnaik06/Competitive-Programming/blob/master/Problem%...
Published January 1, 2021
GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › python › python-in-competitive-programming
Python in Competitive Programming - GeeksforGeeks
November 27, 2020 - Unfortunately, not a lot of information exists out there on how to effectively use data structures and even the scoping rules of python which lead people to believe that python is subpar for competitive programming.
TutorialsPoint
tutorialspoint.com › python-tricks-for-competitive-coding
Python Tricks for Competitive Coding
Python is one of the preferred languages among coders for most of the competitive programming challenges. Most of the problems are easily computed in a reasonable time frame using python. For some of the complex problem, writing fast-enough python code is often a challenge.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/learnpython › where should i start from if i were to use python as my competitive programming language
r/learnpython on Reddit: where should I start from if I were to use python as my competitive programming language
June 24, 2024 -
hello everyone. fyi, I am in grade 9(half year through), and do have a bit of math olympiad background. another qn is: should I really consider c++ straightaway, due to the more probable TLE in python (especially since efficiency is very much required in competitive prog. ,) or should I take it slowly and acclimatise myself with python first? thank you so much!
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Competitive programming is often about direct memory control, Python has a huge disadvantage there. Also a lot of resources for competitive programming use C++ examples, this is a huge advantage for C++. Competitive programming is generally not what most are doing with programming which is improving workflows. Python is great for addressing workflows so a lot of people use it and find it more valuable than C++. (Especially since a lot of Python libraries call already existing pre-optimized code written in C++.) So you won't lose anything in the long run by starting with Python and moving to C++, but you'll almost definitely want to switch at some point.
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Yes, go C++ straight away if your focus is competitive programming. You still need to learn the basics and put in a lot (I mean a lot) of work.
Udemy
udemy.com › development › programming languages › python
Beginner's guide to Competitive programming using python | Udemy
This course is for complete beginners and covers some basic competitive problems using popular Python language. You will learn some basic concepts such as: ... Seive of Erathosthenes algorithm.
PW Skills
pwskills.com › blog › python › competitive programming in python: how to start, tips for improvement, pros, cons
Competitive Programming In Python: How To Start, Tips For Improvement, Pros, Cons
November 4, 2025 - Stay persistent, challenge yourself ... journey! Competitive Programming in Python is a mentally demanding sport that requires a combination of problem-solving skills, algorithmic thinking, and efficient coding....
Reddit
reddit.com › r/learnprogramming › is python a correct choice of language for competitive programming?
r/learnprogramming on Reddit: Is Python a correct choice of language for Competitive programming?
August 19, 2015 -
Hi All,
I have seen a Lot of post about competitive programming, and mostly they use C++, because of STL, Faster IO etc. So want to know if Python is good choice of language.
If I choose Python, What are some topics I should focus for competitive programming?
Reddit
reddit.com › r/learnpython › i'm starting competitive programming using python. what are the tips and tricks you use for competitive programming in python?
r/learnpython on Reddit: I'm starting competitive programming using python. What are the tips and tricks you use for competitive programming in python?
July 1, 2019 - The best competitive programming trick in Python is honestly to avoid Python, or at least to know when to avoid Python. Competitive programming is usually about speed, and Python is generally not fast, especially without third party modules ...
Amazon
amazon.com › Competitive-Programming-Python-Algorithms-Develop › dp › 1108716822
Competitive Programming in Python: 9781108716826: Computer Science Books @ Amazon.com
Learn all the algorithmic techniques and programming skills you need from two experienced coaches, problem setters, and jurors for coding competitions. The authors highlight the versatility of each algorithm by considering a variety of problems ...
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
🔴 Python tricks for Competitive Programming - YouTube
Check out TUF+:https://takeuforward.org/plus?source=youtubeFind DSA, LLD, OOPs, Core Subjects, 1000+ Premium Questions company wise, Aptitude, SQL, AI doubt ...
Published June 14, 2020
Codeforces
codeforces.com › blog › entry › 103251
CP with Python Essentials - Codeforces
jahin_ahnaf → Finally reached Pupil - keep going if you’re still stuck! ... It has been a common misconception amongst Competitive Programming(hereafter CP) beginners, that Python is a slower language than C++ and they must learn C++ for CP. Some of the rumours I've come across were Python submissions giving TLE but the same algorithm implemented in C++ cleared the test cases.
GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › python-tricks-competitive-coding
Python Tricks for Competitive Coding - GeeksforGeeks
March 16, 2024 - It is a valuable technique in competitive programming because it allows you to solve problems efficiently, often reducing time complexity and memory usag · 15+ min read Bit Tricks for Competitive Programming · In competitive programming or in general, some problems seem difficult but can be solved very easily with little concepts of bit magic.
CodeChef Discuss
discuss.codechef.com › help
Is Python good for Competitive Programming? - help - CodeChef Discuss
April 5, 2020 - Hello…Currently i doing coding with python…Recently i’m started learning DS & ALGO…is python good for that???..Many people suggested CPP…Give me some tips & ideas to do better coding with python…Thanks in Advance…