Kulesh – How to prepare for ZCO?

Keshav – Firstly, you need to know about some algorithms such as – quicksort, merge sort, etc. Then you should go for solving previous year ZCO papers.

Kulesh – Will it be sufficient?

Keshav – At ZCO level it would be enough for preparation.

Kulesh – From where I can learn algorithms?

Keshav – I have posted some videos on Commonlounge from various sources. They are very short videos but you might need to see it two or three times if you don’t understand. I have also embedded some links to long articles that you may also read if you don’t understand videos at all. Just go to - Beginner concepts and problems

Kulesh – That’s great! But I am just a beginner in C++. What things should I know for having a good attempt?

Keshav – You only need to know some basics of C++, Input/Output in files, Array (Very Important) and Functions only. There is no need to go very deep in C++.

Kulesh – I have heard about pointers but don’t know about it. Is it essential?

Keshav – No, It is not essential. It just points towards a place in an array or any memory place. It just indicates!

Kulesh – Is there any particular list of the algorithms that is needed to learn for ZCO?

Keshav - Yes, There are particularly five algorithms that you need to learn, that is –

• Sorting
• Graph on grid
• Greedy
• Binary Search
• Dynamic Programming

Graph on grid is just represented by a 2D array. You don’t need to go in deep in Graphs. Greedy is just logical. It doesn’t need any preparation. It comes with practice. It just says that if you take a right step now then it will eventually give the right result. In short, you should be greedy at every step.

Kulesh – That look pretty much difficult but I will try my best to learn them.

Keshav – You will get to know them if you see them, I hope as learning from videos seems pretty simple.

Kulesh – Yes, you are right but I have only a few days left for my ZCO. What strategy should I have?

Keshav – You should firstly learn all the algorithms and try to implement them in code. Then go for ZCO papers.

Kulesh – Okay. My last question – Which IDE should I use that will be best for ZCO prep?

Keshav – You should use the IDE that will be given to you in ZCO. That will be best for you as you should be familiar with that IDE also to code fast and efficiently.

Kulesh - Okay. That’s fine. I will follow your instructions for preparation.

Keshav – Best of Luck, Kulesh for your preparation and ZCO.

Kulesh – Thanks!