📋 How to Participate

Step 1: Sign Up

Create an account using LinkedIn OAuth. LinkedIn users can access all platform features including sponsor features.

Step 2: Complete Your Profile

Set up your profile with the following information:

Advent of Code Username: Required to track your progress! This must match your username on adventofcode.com exactly.
Git Repository URL: Required to track your solutions! Where you'll store your Advent of Code solutions.
Shipping Address: Required if you want to receive potential physical prizes and swag.

Step 3: Get Your Private Leaderboard Code

After signing up, you'll see the private leaderboard code on your dashboard. Use this code to join our private leaderboard on the official Advent of Code website.

Step 4: Join the Official Leaderboard

Go to adventofcode.com
Create an account or log in
Important: Note your username on Advent of Code (visible in top right)
Navigate to "Leaderboard" → "Private Leaderboard"
Click "Join Private Leaderboard"
Enter the private leaderboard code from your dashboard
Return to your profile and enter your AoC username to enable progress tracking

Step 5: Start Solving!

Beginning December 1st, new puzzles are released daily at midnight EST (5 AM UTC). Each day has two parts, with the second part unlocking after completing the first.

Solve puzzles using mainframe languages (COBOL, Assembler, REXX, PL/I, JCL, RPG, etc.)
Push your solutions to your git repo
Join daily chat discussions for each puzzle
Track your progress on our leaderboard

💡 Tips for Success

Set Your AoC Username: Make sure it matches exactly what appears on adventofcode.com
Use Mainframe Languages: Solutions must run on a mainframe - COBOL, Assembler, REXX, PL/I, etc.
Document Your Solutions: Add comments and explanations - they showcase your understanding
Start Early: Puzzles release at midnight EST, but you can solve them anytime
Read Carefully: Pay attention to example inputs and expected outputs
Use the Community: Don't hesitate to ask for help in the daily chat rooms
Keep Your Repo Updated: Regular commits show your progress and creativity
Try Different Languages: Challenge yourself with different mainframe languages!
Have Fun: Celebrate mainframe technology and enjoy the challenge!

🎯 This is Advent of Code for Mainframers!

📌 Language Requirement: Solutions must be written in languages that run on a mainframe! Think COBOL, Assembler, REXX, PL/I, JCL, RPG, CLIST, and more. This is what makes our community unique! 🎄

Prizes and swag will be awarded based on multiple criteria:

Mainframe Language Usage: Solutions must run on mainframe platforms
Code Quality & Style: Clean, well-documented, maintainable solutions
Creative Approaches: Innovative algorithms and problem-solving techniques
Language Variety: Exploring different mainframe languages throughout the challenge
Learning Journey: Showing progress and improvement throughout the event
Community Participation: Helping others, sharing insights, and engaging in discussions
Completion & Consistency: Regular participation and problem-solving dedication

💡 Remember: This isn't about speed - it's about celebrating mainframe technology! Whether you're a COBOL veteran or learning Assembler for the first time, we value creativity, passion, and the mainframe spirit. Take your time, experiment, and enjoy the journey!

Progress Tracking & Swag Eligibility

🚨 Important Requirements:

For Progress Tracking:

Set your Advent of Code Username in your profile (must match adventofcode.com exactly)
Join the private leaderboard with the code from your dashboard

For Swag Eligibility:

Have a valid git repository URL in your profile
Regularly commit your solutions to the repository
Provide complete shipping address information