Programming competitions are events where individuals or teams solve algorithmic and coding challenges within a set time limit. Participants use their programming skills to develop efficient solutions to problems, often involving data structures, algorithms, and mathematical concepts. These competitions can vary in format, including online contests and on-site events. Many programming competitions are organized by institutions like ACM or Google, and they attract participants from around the world. Competitors are typically ranked based on the number of problems solved and the time taken to submit correct solutions. These events help improve coding skills and foster a sense of community among programmers.