Startkóðinn

Startkóðinn is a term used in Icelandic programming education to refer to a minimal, well-documented code template provided at the start of a programming task or competition. The template typically includes essential scaffolding such as input and output handling, function signatures, and a main routine, allowing participants to focus on the algorithmic component of the task. Startkóðinn is designed to standardize submissions and to provide a consistent interface for automatic judging.

Origin and usage: The concept parallels the English term starter code and is widely used in Icelandic schools, university courses, coding boot camps, and online judges. In practice, instructors adapt the template to the programming language used in the course, producing language-specific versions for C++, Java, Python, and other languages.

Structure: A typical Startkóðinn contains comments explaining the required behavior, sample inputs and outputs, and commonly used helper functions. It may also include guard clauses, error handling stubs, and instructions for running the tests locally.

Purpose and evaluation: Startkóðinn serves to reduce boilerplate effort and to ensure submissions are judged on correctness of the algorithm and efficiency rather than on basic I/O formatting. It helps new learners understand the expected structure of a program and the interaction with the judging system.

Variants and availability: Templates may be provided as downloadable files or as part of an online editor. Some platforms offer multiple starter templates to cover different problem types, such as single-case or multiple-test inputs.

See also: Starter code, template, competitive programming, educational templates.