01
Chained execution
You write code, run it, and read the output. That output feeds the next stage. Four hops in, we ask for one thing: the final printed value.
tests: reasoning about your own program's state
Ascent · Competition syllabus
Know the language. Understand the machine.
Round 1 tests C++ proficiency, puzzles and debugging. Later rounds move from individual language fluency to team implementation and real toolchain work.
Syllabus · Round 1 · Proficiency, puzzles & debugging
The language.
Language core
- variables, objects & initialization · designated initializers · the most vexing parse
- keywords & identifiers
- literals & expressions
- datatypes, operators & control flow
- pointers, references & const
- the auto keyword
- enum / enum class
- C-style arrays & std::array internals
Objects & lifetime
- the stack & the heap
- storage durations & object lifetimes
- OOP: class/struct · member functions · access specifiers · special member functions
- function & operator overloading · overriding
- inheritance · dynamic polymorphism · the diamond problem · virtual
- static_cast · dynamic_cast · bit_cast
- move semantics · value categories · perfect forwarding · the rule of five
- unique_ptr & shared_ptr internals
Behavior & correctness
- UB · unspecified · implementation-defined · erroneous behavior
- error handling: std::exception · std::optional · std::expected
- floating-point precision and equality comparisons
- debugging fundamentals
Generics & compile time
- generic types · type & non-type template params · variadic packs
- project: implement a custom Matrix
- constexpr vs consteval
- lambdas
Syllabus · Round 1 · Continued
The library & the machine.
Containers & internals
- iterator categories
- hashing & hash functions · map / unordered_map · set / unordered_set
- std::string internals & SSO
- std::vector internals · vector::reserve
Memory & the machine
- struct layout · alignment · padding · alignof / alignas
- cache lines & false sharing *
- atomics *
- branch misprediction
Question formats · Round 1
02
Live graph match
A target curve is on screen. You code the equation; the plot re-renders as you type. Submit when it matches.
tests: translating shape into expression
Syllabus · Rounds 2 & 3 · Outline
Rounds 2 and 3
The outlines below cover Rounds 2 and 3. Detailed topic lists will be published when confirmed.
Round 2 · Group
Team implementation
Work as a team to implement solutions using core computer science concepts within a time limit.
- · format: teams
- · focus: implementation
- · scope: core CS fundamentals
Detailed topics will be announced.
Round 3 · Onsite
Language and tools
Demonstrate your C++ skills through live work with build systems, profilers and debuggers.
- · language mastery
- · build systems
- · profiling
- · debugging
Detailed topics will be announced.