◾️ Why Track Uses Standard Input / Output
Track’s algorithm challenges expect programs to read from standard input and write to standard output.
Background
When challenges require reading input from a file path or from command-line arguments, applicants face extra, non-essential coding steps:
Command-line arguments
Values arrive as a
String[] argv, forcing applicants to cast data types, loop through the array, and store each value in variables.File paths
Applicants must implement file-handling logic to open the file and parse its contents.
By standardizing on stdin / stdout across all supported languages, Track eliminates these side tasks, reducing learning overhead and allowing applicants to focus on core implementation skills.
※ For a small number of challenges where stdin / stdout is not appropriate, input may still be provided via file path or command-line arguments.