Google Code Jam 2008

Hi,

For you who like competitions, this is another big event in computer science world. Different from Google Summer of Code, which envolves the implementation of a new OpenSource project,  Google Code Jam is a challenge to programmers interested in solving algorithm problems, using less time as possible.

Subscriptions to Google Code Jam finish in July 17th and the final round will occur in November 14th, at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View. If you’re in doubt in participating, maybe this information will help you take a decision: Google Code Jam awards involves U$80.000,00.

Some Google’s words:

“Do you enjoy solving tough problems and grappling with technical challenges? Then enter Google Code Jam!

Google Code Jam is a coding competition in which professional and student programmers are asked to solve complex algorithmic challenges in a limited amount of time. The contest is all-inclusive: Google Code Jam lets you program in the coding language and development environment of your choice.

Google Code Jam begins in July and August where you will compete in online rounds against contestants from around the world. The Top 500 participants will advance to onsite competitions at a local Google office to compete against those in their region (Asia Pacific; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and the Americas). The Top 100 will participate in the final round at the Google Headquarters in Mountain View, California on Friday, November 14.

Don’t be left out! Make sure to register between June 17 and July 17, and show your coding creativity in Google Code Jam.“

The good new for this year is the possibility of writing the answer in you preffered programming language. A tool with this purpose was created for google’s developers (using their 20% of work time for personal ideas) and winners of last versions of this competition. Another motivation, isn’t it?

More information here.

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Fernando

Imagine Cup 2008

“The Imagine Cup is one way Microsoft is encouraging young people to apply their imagination, their passion and their creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference in the world – today. Now in its sixth year, the Imagine Cup has grown to be a truly global competition focused on finding solutions to real world issues.”

The Imagine Cup’s deadeline is comming and for those who wants to apply to the competition you have just 8 days for thar. So, what are you doing here already?

The competition is divided in 9 categories and the most famous are:

• Software Desing which ask for students to create real world, dynamic and powerful software solutions using Microsoft tools and technology
• Embedded Development which challenges students to go beyond the desktop, challenge your creativity, and to build a complete hardware and software solution using Windows CE and the hardware provided
• Game Development which will represent the first time a game development category has been available during the Imagine Cup. This year’s challenge will be the ultimate test of a student’s creative and technical skills as they create a game that is not only entertaining but has a social message about creating a sustainable environment

This year, the Theme is the Environment. So, Microsoft is calling on young programmers, artists and technologists around the world to “imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment.”

If you enjoy big challenges, this is the one. And the prize amount is really encouraging. More information in http://imaginecup.com/Default.aspx. I’m already there

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Fernando