Programming Contests, Community, and Business

Attending the TopCoder Open, the final in-person rounds of an intense programming competition, in support of the TopCoder Cookbook, showed me possibilities that go way beyond programming or books into business models and community I came expecting to see a competition, but found a much more inclusive (and compelling) business model which builds and applies an international community of dedicated developers.

TopCoder runs programming contests designed to produce results for paying customers. The programming contests I joined as a kid were extremely abstract, put on by adults hoping to inspire us to learn. This approach turns competitive energy toward real problems, provided by companies who are even willing to pay for solutions. Competitors may not do well their first few times out, but as they learn the ropes, they can earn cash, not just understanding.

TopCoder rented a ballroom at the Mirage and flew its finalists there. They had two stages with a dozen booths each, and monitors in the middle that let you watch what competitors are doing. And yes, people studied those screens!

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