Phase 1: Learn Python Basics (Days 1–30)

Week 1: Python Fundamentals (Days 1–7)

 Goals: Understand the basics of Python syntax, data types, and control structures.
 Topics:
o Python setup
o Variables, input/output
o Data types: int, float, string, list, tuple, set, dictionary
o If-else statements
o Loops (for, while)
 Resources:
o Python Official Docs
o W3Schools Python
o FreeCodeCamp’s Python Tutorial on YouTube

Week 2: Functions and Basic Modules (Days 8–14)

 Goals: Learn to write reusable and modular code.

 Topics:
o Functions (arguments, return values)
o Recursion
o Lambda functions
o Common modules (math, random)
 Resources:
o GeeksforGeeks Python Functions
o Real Python on Functions

Week 3: Advanced Python Concepts (Days 15–21)

 Goals: Explore Python’s advanced capabilities.

 Topics:
o List comprehensions
o File handling
o Exception handling
o Classes and objects (basic OOP)
 Resources:
o Programiz Python OOP
o Corey Schafer’s YouTube OOP Tutorial

Week 4: Algorithms & Python Libraries for CP (Days 22–30)

 Goals: Prepare Python tools for CP.

 Topics:
o Sorting, searching, and basic math algorithms
o Libraries: itertools, collections, functools
  Resources:
o Kaggle Python CP Tips
o Python Cheat Sheet for CP

Phase 2: Practice & Data Structures (Days 31–60)

Week 5: Arrays and Strings (Days 31–37)

 Goals: Solve CP problems on arrays and strings.

 Practice Platforms:
o LeetCode Easy Problems
o HackerRank Arrays

Week 6: Recursion & Backtracking (Days 38–44)

 Goals: Build recursion skills.

 Practice Problems:
o Subset generation, permutation, and N-Queens problem.
 Resources:
o Backtracking GFG
o Codeforces Practice

Week 7: Graphs and Trees (Days 45–51)

 Goals: Solve problems on graph traversal and tree operations.

 Topics:
o BFS, DFS
o Binary Trees and BSTs
 Resources:
o CP Algorithms
o NeetCode’s YouTube Graphs Playlist

Week 8: Dynamic Programming & Mock Contests (Days 52–60)

 Goals: Tackle dynamic programming (DP) and take CP mock contests.

 Topics:
o Fibonacci variations, Knapsack problem
o Practice past Codeforces contests
 Resources:
o AtCoder Beginner Contests
o GFG DP Problems
Additional Resources

1. Problem-Solving Practice:
o CodeChef
o TopCoder
2. Cheat Sheets:
o Python CP Cheatsheet
o Big-O Complexity Chart
3. Books:
o "Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner" by Michael Dawson.
o "Introduction to Algorithms" by Cormen (for algorithms).

By following this plan and utilizing the resources, you'll be well-equipped for Python in
competitive programming. Let me know if you want a breakdown of any specific topic! 😊

4o

You said:

should i learn every lesson of python from w3schools?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

You don’t need to go through every single lesson on W3Schools to get started with Python for
competitive programming (CP). Focus on the essentials and skip parts that are less relevant to
CP. Here's a guide to prioritize the lessons:

1. Essential Topics to Cover

These are crucial for CP:

 Python Basics: Introduction, Variables, Data Types, Input/Output.

 Control Flow: If-Else, Loops (For, While).
 Data Structures:
o Lists, Tuples, Sets, Dictionaries.
o List Comprehensions.
 Functions: Definition, Parameters, Return Values, Lambda Functions.
 String Manipulation: Basic operations, Slicing, String Methods.
 Exception Handling: Try-Except (basic only).
 Built-in Functions: max(), min(), sorted(), sum(), etc.
2. Skip or Skim These Topics

These are less critical for CP unless needed for specific problems:

 Advanced OOP (focus only on basics if time allows).

 Decorators (useful but advanced for CP beginners).
 File Handling (not frequently required in CP).
 GUI Programming (Tkinter or similar tools).
 Database Connections.

Why W3Schools is Good

It’s beginner-friendly and provides concise, easy-to-follow explanations. But for some advanced
topics (like algorithms or dynamic programming), you’ll need resources like GeeksforGeeks or
CP-focused tutorials.

How to Use W3Schools Effectively

1. Focus on Hands-On Learning: Don’t just read; write code alongside the tutorials.
2. Practice Problems: After each section, solve small problems to reinforce your
understanding.
3. Move Quickly: If a topic seems easy, don’t linger; instead, save time for complex
concepts and CP practice.

Would you like me to list W3Schools lessons tailored to your CP goal? 😊

4o

You said:

yes, please
ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Here’s a tailored list of lessons from W3Schools that are most relevant to learning Python for
competitive programming (CP). Focus on these to streamline your learning:

1. Python Basics

Start with these for a strong foundation:

  Getting Started
 Syntax
 Variables
 Data Types
 Casting
 String Basics
 String Formatting

2. Control Structures

These are essential for logic building:

 If-Else Statements
 While Loops
 For Loops
 Break, Continue, and Pass

3. Data Structures

Master these to handle CP problems:

 Lists
 List Methods
 Tuples
 Sets
 Dictionaries

4. Functions and Modules

Learn modular and reusable coding:

 Functions
 Lambda Functions
 Math Module
 Iterators

5. Advanced Tools for CP

Grasp these for efficiency and solving complex problems:

 List Comprehension
 String Methods
 Python Built-In Functions
 Collections Module

6. Topics to Skim or Skip

 OOP Basics: Classes/Objects

(Read only if you have extra time.)
 File Handling: File Handling Basics
(Good to know but not crucial for CP.)

How to Use These Lessons

1. Read and Practice: Write code while reading examples.

2. Take Notes: Summarize key concepts for quick revision later.
3. Practice Problems: After completing a section, solve a few related problems on
HackerRank or LeetCode.

Would you like suggestions for specific practice problems after completing these topics? 😊

4o

You said:

yes with recourse

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Here’s a list of specific practice problems for each Python concept, along with resources where
you can solve them. These problems will reinforce your understanding and prepare you for
competitive programming.

1. Python Basics
Topics:

 Variables, Data Types, Input/Output, Conditions, Loops.

Problems:

1. Say "Hello, World!" With Python

2. Arithmetic Operators
3. Write a Function
4. Python If-Else
5. Loops

Resources:

 HackerRank Python Track

 Codewars Python Kata

2. Strings

Topics:

 String manipulation, slicing, methods.

Problems:

1. String Split and Join

2. Mutations
3. Find a String
4. String Validators
5. Text Alignment

Resources:

 Python String Exercises

 HackerRank Strings Problems

3. Data Structures (Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries, Sets)

Topics:

 List operations, tuple immutability, dictionary lookups, set operations.

Problems:

1. Lists
2. Tuples
3. Find the Runner-Up Score!
4. Sets Introduction
5. Symmetric Difference

Resources:

 GeeksforGeeks Python Lists

 CodeChef Data Structures

4. Functions and Recursion

Topics:

 Writing functions, recursion basics.

Problems:

1. Recursive Digit Sum

2. The Power Sum
3. Factorial (Recursion)

Resources:

 Recursion in Python by RealPython

 TopCoder Recursion Examples

5. Itertools and Collections

Topics:

 Permutations, combinations, counter.

Problems:

1. Itertools Combinations
2. DefaultDict Tutorial
3. Word Order
Resources:

 Python itertools Module

 Collections Module Guide

6. Sorting and Searching

Topics:

 Sorting techniques, binary search.

Problems:

1. Sorting: Bubble Sort

2. Closest Numbers

Resources:

 GeeksforGeeks Sorting
 Binary Search

7. Dynamic Programming (Advanced)

Topics:

 Fibonacci sequence, knapsack problem.

Problems:

1. Max Subarray Sum

2. 0/1 Knapsack

Resources:

 CP Algorithms DP
 GeeksforGeeks Dynamic Programming

General Practice Platforms

 LeetCode
  Codeforces
 AtCoder Beginner Contests
 InterviewBit

Let me know if you'd like additional challenges for any specific topic! 😊