When comparing programming languages, especially for competitive programming (CP), there's a clear winner: C++. Its efficiency, control over memory, and extensive STL (Standard Template Library) make it the go-to choice for top-rated users. Algorithms run faster, and intricate operations can be executed with minimal overhead. That’s why most competitive programmers swear by it.

However, no matter how good C++ is for CP, there are moments when it feels cumbersome, and I just want to switch to Python for its simplicity and elegance. For example, list comprehensions in Python are an absolute delight. With just a single line of code, you can perform complex operations on lists—something that would require several lines of loops and conditions in C++. It’s not just about saving keystrokes; it’s the readability and expressiveness that Python offers, making coding feel less like a chore and more like a creative process.

As an example, I’ve attached two photos of the quicksort algorithm implemented in both languages: Python and C++. The difference is striking.

And I genuinely tried to write the C++ code in the simplest way possible, but even then, it remains much more verbose compared to Python.