The contest will be conducted on Compaq computers (Pentium II-350MHz processors) running Windows 2000 . Programming problems will be solved and tested using each team's choice of the C, C++ or Java languages. The Visual C++ 6.0, Code Warrior Pro 5 and JDK 1.3 programming environments will be used. Two networked HP laser printers will be available for producing hard copies of programming solutions.
The 60 minute practice session from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. will demonstrate basic techniques of the operating system and the compilers. However, it is expected that the participating teams will have some familiarity with their chosen environment.
Each team will be assigned an ID number and a computer. All of the computers to be used for the contest are located in Riley Hall Rooms 201 and 203 on the second floor. The work area for team members who are not currently working on the computer will be Room 204. The judging area will be Room 203.
Each team must complete an official on-site registration form upon their arrival at the contest. The registration desk will be located outside Riley Hall 201. Each member of the team will be given an information packet that updates contest rules for the competition. Registration will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Team advisors should be present at this time.
All teams will be given the same five problems to solve at the outset of the contest. The problems may be solved in any order. Each team will also be provided with a set of paper submission forms, and a Web-based interface for submitting problem solutions to the judges. Each solution must be submitted to the judges in the form of a single executable file (or .class file for Java programmers). It is the responsibility of the team members to know how to create such a file. When a team wishes to have a problem judged, a submission form must be completed giving the team name and problem number, and then one of the student volunteer Room Monitors (or "runners") must be summoned to take the submission form to the judging area while the solution itself is submitted via the Web. The runner will note the official submission time on the form upon receipt. Afterward, the runner will return with the submission form marked either "accept" or "reject," with a brief reason given in the latter case. The team will also receive an electronic response via the Web.
The input data which will be used to test all programs will be read from a text file. (Output will be to the screen.) The name of each input file will be specified clearly as part of the problem statement. It is the responsibility of the contest participants to be familiar with the mechanisms for reading from files in Visual C++, Code Warrior or the JDK.
As mentioned above, problem submissions must consist of a single executable file. Separate compilation is allowed, but the result must be one file, not several. Thus, C++ programmers are free to use separate files for classes if they do so carefully. In fact, copies of the AP C++ classes will be provided. Java programmers must use great care in implementing packages. The judges will not attempt to set the CLASSPATH in order to get any programs to run. Thus it will be advisable to use only the standard Java libraries.
If a problem or procedure is found to be vague or ambiguous, a team may request a clarification by filling out a request for clarification form and having a runner take it to a judge. All clarifications will be posted in the work room for all teams to see.
At half-hour intervals during the contest, the current standings will be posted in the work room. Contestants will also be able to check standings online at any time.
To reduce congestion in the contest room, the number of individuals who may be in Room 201 at a given time will be limited to two per team. Team advisors are asked not to visit the contest room after the competition commences. There will be refreshments for interested advisors during the contest.
An engraved plaque for the top two finishing teams will be presented to their respective high schools. Each member of the top five teams will be awarded a certificate noting his or her achievement. These will be mailed to the team sponsors shortly after the contest. Thanks to the generosity of Microsoft, top teams will also receive software prizes. All participants will receive contest T-shirts.
All contest participants and team advisors are invited to attend a pizza party immediately following the contest. Weather permitting, this event will take place on the veranda outside Riley Hall. The final standings will be announced at the party in a brief awards ceremony.