Gentlemen, Start Your Algorithms

A growing number of college computer programmers are stirring their competitive juices, and making a few bucks, by entering code-writing contests that ask teams to solve complex programming problems quickly. For many students, the competitions are serious business: A team of students at Oklahoma State University at Stillwater trained for two months before entering a regional event. When the squad won, it claimed a modest prize of $150—enough, at least, to pay for food and gas on their trip.