- The design of algorithms
- The implementation of algorithms
The design of algorithms consists of problem solving and mathematical thinking. This demands skills for analyzing problems and solving them creatively. An algorithm must be both correct and efficient and the core of the problem is often about inventing an efficient algorithm.
Theoretical knowledge of algorithms is an important prerequisite to design algorithms. Typically, a solution to a problem is a combination of well-known techniques and new insights.
The implementation of algorithms requires good programming skills. The solution must be tested using a set of test cases. The implementation must be correct to pass all the test cases.
Coding style must be straightforward and concise. The coding interview programs are short - usually less than 50 lines of code.
Books
Programming Challenges: The Programming Contest Training Manual
Competitive Programming 3: The New Lower Bound of Programming Contests
S. S. Skiena: The Algorithm Design Manual
J. Kleinberg and É. Tardos: Algorithm Design
T. H. Cormen, C. E. Leiserson, R. L. Rivest and C. Stein: Introduction to Algorithms
