Understanding the Error
In the HackerRank coding environment, a Terminated Due to Timeout message means your code didn't execute and return an output within the preset time limit, resulting in an error.
For coding questions, the test cases set by the test setter compare your code's output with the expected result. If your code isn't efficient or optimal or has issues like infinite loops, index overflow, or input overload, it will be aborted with a timeout error.
Note: The timeout error occurs if any test case fails to execute and return an output within the set time limit.
Time Limits in the HackerRank Coding Environment
HackerRank coding environment supports 53 different programming languages, each with a definite memory limit and a specific time limit for code execution. Please refer to the HackerRank Environment page for more details specific to the language you choose and, accordingly, optimize your code. You can also access the Environment page from the test page.
Note: The code execution time limit varies by programming language. For instance, Python has a longer time limit of 10 seconds than C language, which is 2 seconds.
Example:
Consider a C program that uses loops to perform a recursive check on a set of values, where each value serves as input to the test cases. In the illustration below, a sample C program is designed to read ten integers and return their sum.
This program might return a "Terminated due to timeout" status due to input overload caused by inefficient logic. By optimizing the logic to check the index value more efficiently, the input can be processed faster, allowing the test cases to return output within the time limit.
When you change the logic in your code to check the index value more efficiently, your input is faster to all the test cases, and the output is returned within the time limit. See the illustration below:
Best practices for optimal coding:
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Practices |
Examples |
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Avoid unnecessary code iterations. |
Avoid using multiple nested loops when comparing large datasets. |
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Ensure faster input and output handling |
In Java, use the BufferReader class instead of Scanner. In Python, use stdin.readline() and stdout.write() instead of input and print. |
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Pass input values in the expected format |
Ensure data input is provided in the correct format (e.g., dd/mm/yy or mm/dd/yyyy). |
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Address edge cases |
Ensure your code can handle edge cases, such as floating-point values in a C program designed to sum integers. |
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Use optimized algorithms |
Favor binary search over sequential search when searching for elements in an array. |
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Include timestamps |
Use language-specific timestamp functions to identify and optimize slow-running sections of your code. |