Description

On October 24, 2024, the IEEE Communication Society (ComSoc) chapter of the University of Jaffna successfully hosted a PREXtreme Workshop and Mini-Hackathon designed to empower students with competitive programming skills. This event provided participants with a rare opportunity to engage with both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in a single evening. The event began with a workshop conducted by Mr. Thimira Hirushan from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm. His session, titled "Tips & Tricks for Competitive Programming," focused on strategies essential for excelling in competitive coding. Mr. Hirushan covered various techniques, from efficient code optimization to identifying patterns in coding problems, enhancing students’ understanding of common approaches used in hackathons and coding competitions. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, he provided participants with insights into topics such as dynamic programming, time complexity management, and common pitfalls to avoid during timed contests. Following the workshop, participants were divided into 10 teams for a Mini-Hackathon , which commenced at 8:15 pm and continued until 9:45 pm. The hackathon featured 10 curated questions that challenged the participants to apply the skills learned in the workshop. This segment allowed teams to practice teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, creating an exciting, competitive atmosphere. The questions varied in difficulty, requiring participants to use a range of programming skills and techniques to succeed. With a time-bound environment and real-time problem-solving experience, the Mini-Hackathon encouraged students to approach challenges creatively while optimizing their solutions under pressure. Many participants found the experience both rewarding and intense, appreciating the opportunity to enhance their competitive programming skills in a supportive, community-oriented environment. The event was well-received, fostering enthusiasm for future competitions and building a strong foundation in programming among students. It aligned with IEEE ComSoc’s mission to advance students' technical abilities and prepared them for upcoming programming contests. The chapter looks forward to organizing more such events to continue building a vibrant programming community within the university.