Ever came across this message while writing your solution in your favourite language?

If you're Newbie to Competitive Coding (CP), you’ve probably heard of Python. It’s famous for being easy to learn, comprehend and execute. :)

But there’s also PyPy, which is just another version of Python that can make your program run faster. In this blog post, we will find out which one should YOU use!

I hope these quick-read QnA will help you get started!

Q1. What exactly is the DIFFERENCE between PyPy and Python?

Ans: Similar to Python, PyPy is just an alternative to Python that runs code faster using its Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler, while standard Python has CPython Interpreter, that interprets code line-by-line, which can be slower compared to compiling the whole code at once and then executing it.

Q2. Why PyPy is said to run FASTER than Python?

Ans: It is because PyPy learns which parts of your code which is being used the most and makes them quicker to run. It does this by changing those parts into a special code that the computer understands better, speeding up the overall program. Think of it like a smart delivery agent which remembers the fastest routes for regular deliveries, so when it needs to deliver packages again, it takes the shortcuts, saving time. This way, it speeds up the whole process!

Q3. What is the DIFFERENCE between Just-In-Time (JIT) Compiler and CPython Interpreter?

Ans: CPython interprets Python code line-by-line (It's called CPython because it's the original version of Python, made using the C programming language, think of it as the main version that runs Python code). While a JIT compiler converts it to machine code for faster execution, improving the performance in programs with much longer runtime.

Q4. Is PyPy ALWAYS FASTER than Python?

Ans: No, PyPy isn't always faster than standard Python. It usually performs better for long-running programs but may be slower for short programs. You should understand that it is such because PyPy improves the code as it runs so it is said to be faster for long-running programs. But for quick tasks, it can be slower because it takes some time to start up (for CP even a fraction of second is a LOT).

Q5. Should you SWITCH to PyPy if you're using Python?

Ans: As a beginner, you need not switch to PyPy right now. Just stick with standard Python and continue in your journey to master the basics first. Later, if you find your programs running slow, you can consider trying PyPy then.

And, most importantly don't forget to keep researching, practicing, and doing better every other day from our previous day! This way you can become what you dreamt for while registering at CodeForces!

GoodBye! Happy Learning!

Please Note: This post is indented ONLY for BEGINNERS and is written purely by rajatkumar1

This post is just my way to learn something new that I came across while exploring CP with CodeForces ;)