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Student Guide For Coding Interface

Student Guide For Coding Interface

This document explains how students should write code on HackerRank and the ACSL (RaiseExamScore) portal. It clarifies method naming, input/output handling, and the different coding styles available to students.

HackerRank (Method-Based Coding)

On HackerRank, problems follow a strict method-only model.

  • Method Name: Already provided in the editor template (e.g., findNumber)
  • How to get Input: Input is passed through method parameters
  • How to give the Answer: Use the return statement
  • Student Responsibility: Implement logic only inside the given method
static int findNumber(int[] arr, int k) {
    // Write your logic here
    return 0;
}

ACSL Portal (RaiseExamScore) – Flexible Coding Styles

On https://acsl.raiseexamscores.com/, students can choose between two coding styles by switching tabs in the editor.

ACSL – Java Tab (Full Program Style)

The Java tab allows students to write a complete Java program.

  • Method Name: Students write the main method themselves
  • How to get Input: Read input manually using Scanner
  • How to give the Answer: Use System.out.println()
  • Use Case: Full-program and advanced challenges

Example View (ACSL Java Tab)

ACSL Java full program editor 
import java.util.*;

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in);
        int n = sc.nextInt();
        System.out.println(n);
    }
}

ACSL – Java_method Tab (Method-Only Style)

The Java_method tab is designed to match the exact same coding style as HackerRank.

  • Method Name: Predefined in the template
  • How to get Input: Provided via method parameters
  • How to give the Answer: Use the return statement
  • Use Case: Practice HackerRank-style problems

Example View (ACSL Java_method Tab)

ACSL Java_method coding editor 
class Result {
    public static int findNumber(int[] arr, int k) {
        // Write your logic here
        return 0;
    }
}

Quick Comparison: HackerRank vs ACSL Portal

  • HackerRank: Method-only, method name predefined, return the answer
  • ACSL Java Tab: Full program, Scanner for input, println for output
  • ACSL Java_method Tab: Method-only, identical to HackerRank style

Important Reminders for Students

  • Do not add a Scanner on HackerRank
  • Do not use System.out.println() for the final answer on HackerRank
  • Always use the return statement on HackerRank
  • Check the tabs in the ACSL portal and switch to Java_method to practice HackerRank-style problems

Following these guidelines will ensure your solutions run correctly across both platforms.