The Cprogramming.com programming contests are C/C++ contests for all who want to participate. The topics are listed back on the main page, but they are mostly easy stuff. Any person with C or C++ programming experience can participate. Judging positions are also open every contest for those who like to critique the efforts of others.

First, the fifteen most popular topics of the contest forum are chosen and put onto a poll for the people to choose. The topic with the most points wins, and no topic can be repeated twice. Then a Sign-Up thread is posted in the forum, showing the details, time limit, and judging criteria. Not all contestants have to sign up, but it is appreciated. A person signs up simply by replying the the thread, stating that he/she wants to sign up.

Then the work begins. Once a oerson is finished, he/she can attach it to an e-mail and send it to the e-mail address listed in the Sign-Up Thread. (Very often the e-mail address will be: ygfperson@cprogramming.com.)

Once the deadline has passed, the Head Judge (me) gives the other judges the code for them to rate based on the criteria listed on the Sign-Up thread. Soon a new thread will be started, the Results thread, which shows who won, why, and all the source code involved. There is much cheering and rejoicing, and then the new contest begins.

To be a judge you must be somewhat proficient in C and C++. You may sign up to be a judge by stating that on the Sign-Up thread. You must rate each piece based on the criteria on a scale of 1 to 5, and you must include your opinion on each peace.

Create an Idea thread with the title of your idea in the title of the thread. All idea threads start with "IDEA: ". Chances are high that your idea will be included in the next poll.

Reply to that thread with some message of support for the idea. That topic will then rise back to the top. (note: Other cprogramming.com forums don't allow this kind of "topic refreshment", also known as bumping. The contest forum is the exception.)

There are two different types of Criteria: General and Special. General Criteria are almost always there: efficiency, elegance, and portability. These are rated at every contest.

Specialized Criteria are categories specific to the topic. The Alarm Clock Contest (#4) had 'alarmability' as a specialized criteria.

Reply to that idea thread or create a new one.

Just send in your entry as usual. Signing up is just a show of interest in that topic, as well as a way for others to know how many people are participating.

Post your problem on the contest forum.

Right here.

Try ebony. If that's too expensive, try oak.

All people are equal in the internals of your compiler.

Cprogramming.com has top-quality C and C++ help boards with a informative, helpful membership.

Check around the contest web pages. There should be a link on the bottom stating that the source code can be downloaded in a zip file.

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