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 Practice for Optimal Coding:
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Practices |
Examples |
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Avoid compulsive code iterations. |
Avoid using multiple nested loops in your code when you have a large data set to compare. |
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Ensure faster approaches to read input and write the output. |
In Java, when working with multiple threads, use the BufferReader class instead of Scanner. In Python, use the stdin.readline() and stdout.write() instead of input and print. |
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Ensure that the input values are passed in the expected format. |
If the expected input is a date value, ensure that the date value is passed in the expected format, such as dd/mm/yy or mm/dd/yyyy. |
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Ensure that your code addresses the logic to execute the edge cases. |
Your C code to read and add 10 numbers may fail when test cases include floating value input to produce the output. You must optimize your code to read integer or floating input values and produce the desired output. |
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Use efficient approaches such as algorithms and data structures. Avoid using brute force. |
When you are searching for elements in an array, avoid sequential search and use the binary search method. |
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Include timestamps in your code. |
You can use the language-specific time stamp functions to identify areas in your code that are taking longer to execute and optimize them accordingly. |