Preparing for informatics Olympiads requires focused study and targeted practice with well-chosen resources. With so many books, courses, and online resources available, finding the right materials can be challenging. This guide will break down the best types of resources for different levels of preparation, covering recommended books, online courses, and platforms to help high school students optimize their study plans.

1. Foundational Books for Building Core Knowledge

Books are essential for establishing a strong theoretical foundation in algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving strategies. Here are some highly recommended books for students preparing for Olympiads, organized by difficulty level:

  • Beginner Level:
    • “Introduction to Algorithms” by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein (CLRS): Often considered the “bible” of algorithms, this book explains a wide range of fundamental concepts, from sorting and searching to more advanced data structures. It’s well-suited for students who are new to formal algorithm study.
    • “Competitive Programming” by Steven Halim and Felix Halim: This book introduces common algorithms and data structures while focusing on competitive programming techniques. Each chapter includes exercises and examples from actual contests.
  • Intermediate Level:
    • “Algorithm Design” by Jon Kleinberg and Éva Tardos: This book dives into algorithm design techniques like divide and conquer, greedy algorithms, and dynamic programming. It’s ideal for students who want to strengthen their problem-solving and algorithm analysis skills.
    • “The Art of Computer Programming” by Donald Knuth: This classic series is challenging but rewarding, covering everything from basic algorithms to complex mathematical concepts. Advanced high school students can tackle it for a deeper understanding of theory.
  • Advanced Level:
    • “Combinatorial Optimization” by Bernhard Korte and Jens Vygen: For students aiming to compete at higher levels, this book covers advanced optimization techniques used in complex problem-solving.
    • “Graph Theory” by Reinhard Diestel: Graph theory is integral to many Olympiad problems, and this book provides a rigorous exploration of graphs and algorithms.

2. Online Courses for Structured Learning

Courses provide a guided, structured approach, often with interactive problem sets and community support. Here are some of the best courses for Olympiad preparation:

  • Beginner Level:
    • CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard University (EdX): A comprehensive introduction to computer science, CS50 covers fundamental programming concepts in multiple languages, which is useful for beginners.
    • Introduction to Programming and Algorithms on Coursera: Many universities offer introductory courses that focus on basic programming and algorithmic thinking. These courses help new learners grasp the essential topics in preparation for more advanced studies.
  • Intermediate Level:
    • Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization by UC San Diego and the National Research University Higher School of Economics (Coursera): This specialization dives deep into data structures, graph theory, and dynamic programming, covering a solid mix of practical and theoretical material.
    • Algorithms Specialization by Princeton University (Coursera): This specialization teaches core concepts and applications of algorithms in competitive programming and is useful for those preparing for Olympiads.
  • Advanced Level:
    • Competitive Programmer’s Handbook Course by Antti Laaksonen: Based on his popular Competitive Programmer’s Handbook, this course covers complex topics, from segment trees to computational geometry. It’s designed for students who already have a grasp on the basics.
    • Advanced Algorithms and Complexity (Coursera): Part of the Data Structures and Algorithms specialization by UC San Diego, this course explores advanced algorithms, useful for high-level competition preparation.

3. Online Platforms for Practice and Community Support

Practice platforms are essential for honing skills and applying theoretical knowledge. They often include problems from past Olympiads, discussions, and solutions.

  • Beginner Level:
    • LeetCode: LeetCode offers a large library of coding problems, categorized by difficulty. It’s great for beginners who want to work on coding skills and apply algorithms in a problem-focused setting.
    • CodeSignal: This platform provides a friendly environment with algorithm problems for beginners, along with skill assessments.
  • Intermediate Level:
    • Codeforces: Codeforces hosts frequent contests, allowing students to experience timed problem-solving under contest conditions. It’s also an excellent resource for discovering solutions and strategies from other competitive programmers.
    • AtCoder: Based in Japan, AtCoder is known for its well-structured contests and problems that focus on both speed and accuracy. It’s ideal for intermediate students.
  • Advanced Level:
    • TopCoder: One of the original competitive programming platforms, TopCoder is known for challenging problems and serious competition. Advanced users will find high-quality problems and community discussions to improve their skills.
    • Project Euler: Although different from traditional programming problems, Project Euler focuses on math-based algorithm challenges. It’s great for students who want to tackle deeper mathematical problem-solving.

4. Specialized Courses for Specific Topics

Some advanced topics, such as dynamic programming, computational geometry, and number theory, are commonly found in Olympiad problems. Here are a few specialized courses and resources:

  • Dynamic Programming:
    • DP Masterclass on CodeChef: A focused course on dynamic programming, covering concepts from the basics to advanced techniques. It’s especially useful for tackling complex, multi-step problems often seen in Olympiads.
  • Graph Theory:
    • Graph Algorithms by Princeton University (Coursera): A part of the algorithms specialization, this course is dedicated to graph theory fundamentals, exploring practical applications and complex concepts like shortest paths, flows, and connectivity.
  • Number Theory and Discrete Mathematics:
    • Introduction to Discrete Mathematics on Brilliant.org: Discrete mathematics is central to many Olympiad problems, and this course covers essentials, from combinatorics to modular arithmetic, in an interactive format.

5. Problem-Solving Practice with Olympiad-Specific Platforms

Specialized platforms focus on problems that are closely aligned with informatics Olympiad formats. These sites help competitors get accustomed to the types of problems they will encounter:

  • Olympiad in Informatics: This platform hosts collections of problems specifically from past Olympiads, allowing students to practice with real competition questions.
  • USACO Training Gateway: A resource for preparing for the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO), this site offers progressively challenging problems designed for high school Olympiad preparation.
  • Baltic Olympiad in Informatics (BOI) Problem Archive: An archive of past BOI problems, ideal for students preparing for regional or international Olympiads.

6. Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Resources

  • Assess Your Current Level: Select resources that match your current understanding. Starting with advanced materials too soon can be discouraging, while beginner resources might not be helpful if you’re already proficient.
  • Combine Theory with Practice: A balance of books, courses, and hands-on practice is essential. Too much theory without application won’t prepare you for timed contests, while practicing without understanding the theory may limit your ability to adapt.
  • Engage with Community Discussions: Many platforms have active communities where students share insights, solutions, and alternative approaches. Participating in these discussions is invaluable for deeper understanding and exposure to different problem-solving methods.

Choosing the right books, courses, and practice platforms is essential for effective Olympiad preparation. A well-rounded combination of foundational books, interactive courses, and rigorous practice will help high school competitors gain the skills and confidence needed for informatics Olympiads. With dedication and the right resources, mastering these concepts and strategies becomes achievable.

By Preparation for Olympiads