How can I avoid integer overflow in competitive programming?
Integer overflow happens when calculations exceed the maximum value a data type can hold. Use larger data types or modular arithmetic.
Integer overflow is a common problem in competitive programming, especially when dealing with large numbers. Overflow occurs when a calculation exceeds the maximum value a data type can hold, causing unpredictable behavior or wrong answers. In C++, the maximum value for an int is 2^31-1, and for a long long it’s 2^63-1. If you anticipate large values, switch to using long long or equivalent larger data types. In some problems, using modular arithmetic can help avoid overflow by taking results modulo a large prime number (often 10^9 + 7). This is particularly common in combinatorial problems. Being mindful of data types and overflow risks ensures the accuracy of your solutions.
