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Code Challenges

Our code challenge events invite students to solve problems we create and submit their answers for a chance to win a prize.

We host our challenges through a custom-built website:
👉 github.com/CarletonComputerScienceSociety/code-challenges

🧩 How It Works​

Each challenge is a short programming problem that can be solved in any language. Students don’t submit code to be executed — instead, they submit the correct final answer based on their own implementation.

This approach lets us:

  • Keep the system simple and secure (no need to run arbitrary code)
  • Make the platform accessible to students of all experience levels
  • Allow students to use whichever language or tools they're most comfortable with

Students who submit a correct answer are entered into a random draw to win prizes. This keeps the event friendly and encourages participation from all skill levels — not just the fastest coders.

🕛 Scheduling​

We've traditionally run a code challenge during week of awesome that lasts the duration of the week, but there is no reason we couldn't run additional code challenges throughout the year that also vary in duration.

🎉 History & Purpose​

We started running these events during the COVID-19 pandemic as an easy way for students to participate in something fun and engaging online. The format worked so well that we’ve continued running them even after returning to in-person events.