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)

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)

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.