Google opens its doors to top coders

Techies adept at solving conundrums with programming skills are entering Google Code Jam, the company's 6th global search for the best computer coders.



Contestants will compete in several 2½-hour rounds hosted on the internet, where they will attack up to four difficult algorithmic problems during each round.



They get the choice of which programming language and tools to use to code up solutions in response, which will be tried against "fiendish test data," Google said.



But in a sign of the standard expected, "one wrong answer out of a hundred, and it's back to the drawing board," blogged Bartholomew Furrow, a tech lead for Code Jam.



He advised entrants to get "in shape" for the qualification round on September 2nd, by trying their wits and skills against the mind-bogglers from last year's contest .



After four elimination rounds, the 25 remaining coders will be flown to Google's HQ in California, to code it out with each other, and Google's finest, for victory.



First place will win a cash prize of $5,000, down from $10,000 two years ago, and the potential invitation to work at Google is no longer available, officially at least.



Asked about the withdrawal of the job offer, a Google spokesman said: "We definitely have hired talented engineers from Code Jam events. Some of them have even contributed to the development of the new Code Jam platform.



"However, recruiting new talent is really a great side benefit as the main goal is to support computer science."



Total reward money of $3,000 is offered to two runners-up, and cash prizes of $100 will be given to contestants finishing between fourth and 25th place.