Practicing with time limits builds speed and helps you manage time pressure, which is crucial during actual contests where time constraints are strict.

Practicing with time limits is essential in competitive programming because it simulates real contest conditions, helping programmers develop speed and learn to manage time pressure effectively. Solving problems within a set timeframe encourages efficient coding and decision-making, preventing the common pitfall of spending too much time on a single problem. Time constraints push programmers to quickly assess which algorithms or data structures to use, often forcing a balance between speed and accuracy. This approach helps in making quick, strategic choices during actual contests. It also familiarizes participants with the stress of limited time, preparing them to stay calm and focused. Practicing with timed problems improves reaction time and builds a natural rhythm for handling multiple problems efficiently. With regular timed practice, programmers become more confident and composed, achieving a strong performance under contest conditions.