Installing TopCoder Arena on Windows

TopCoder Arena is a Java application, which is used to participate in the Algorithm competitions held on TopCoder.

This blog describes in detail the process to install the same on your Windows machine and tries to provide solutions to some potential problems you may face during the installation. So, let’s begin the installation without any further ado.

Setting up the JRE/JDK

Skip to step 2 if you already have a working installation of Java Development Kit (JDK)/ Java Runtime Enviroment (JRE).

1. Download Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from here. If you are not familiar with the tar.gz format, download one of the executable installers (.exe). Run the installer to install JRE. This also installs the Java Web Start Software (JWS) as a part of JRE.
2. Open Control Panel > View by: Category > Programs > Java

View by: Category

Programs

Java

3. Navigate to the Security tab.

4. Add the following URLs to the Exception Site List :

http://topcoder.com
http://www.topcoder.com
http://arena.topcoder.com
https://topcoder.com
https://www.topcoder.com
https://arena.topcoder.com 

5. Click OK > OK to save the settings and close the Java Control Panel.

Installing the TopCoder Arena

1. Download TopCoder Arena from here and save it at a suitable location.
2. Run the downloaded file by double clicking it or by running the javaws <file_path> command in Command Prompt or Powershell. Update the Java version if prompted.
3. Run the file again. Wait for a few seconds, then select the checkbox “I accept the risk and want to run this application.” and click on Run.

4. TopCoder Arena is now up and running.

5. Login to the system with Connection: Direct.

6. Now you may navigate the different tabs to access and submit practice problems or participate in an active contest.

Optional:-

• View the plugins supported by TopCoder Arena here. I would personally recommend installing KawigiEdit.
• Head to this link to read more about how to use the TopCoder Arena.

You may also refer TopCoder’s FAQs to learn more about the TopCoder Arena.

You may respond to the post if you still face any issues in the installation.