Step 1:

Choose a Programming Language. C++, Python, and Java are the most popular.

C++ is often recommended as it's fast and efficient.

To start, you can use HackerRank to practice coding, solve some of the easy and medium problems. Or check out the USACO General

Step 2:

Build Problem-Solving Skills and Math Basics. After gaining a general idea of how to code, you can start solving easy and medium-level problems on Hackerrank or check out the USACO Bronze (USACO Bronze).

You can also try solving introductory problems on CSES and Codeforces.

Note: If you find that you can comfortably solve problems on the current page, move to the next page.

Step 3:

At this stage, you can start learning basic algorithms and data structures.

You can check out USACO Silver guide

CSES Sorting and Searching, Dynamic Programming, Graph Algorithms, Range Queries, and Tree Algorithms.

Keep solving Codeforces problems as well starting from page 10.

Step 4:

Explore More Technical Algorithms. After mastering the basics, you can start digging deeper into more sophisticated algorithms.

Solve more problems from each subsection on CSES, including String Algorithms, Advanced Techniques, and additional problems.

You can start with USACO Gold

Continue solving harder problems on Codeforces. We recommended solving problems with rating 1900-2300.

Step 5:

Sharpen Your Skills. At this point you should have a good grasp of competitive programming essentials.

You can start looking at USACO Platinum and Advanced.

Continue solving all the CSES problems.

Solve harder Codeforces problems. We recommend solving problems with rating 2400-3000.

Also, check out the Olympiad of Informatics competitions

Additional Resources: