In competitive programming, brute-force solutions are often the first step toward solving a problem, as they offer a straightforward, albeit inefficient, approach. A brute-force approach tests every possible solution, which is useful when the solution space is limited or when accuracy is more important than efficiency. Brute-force methods allow programmers to understand the problem structure and gain insight into potential patterns, making it easier to devise optimized solutions. For example, in problems that involve finding all possible pairs or subsets, a brute-force solution systematically explores each combination, ensuring correctness. While these solutions are rarely efficient, they serve as a benchmark against which optimized solutions can be measured. By initially solving with brute-force, programmers confirm the logic is correct before moving to more complex, optimized algorithms. Consequently, brute-force solutions are a stepping stone in competitive programming that aids both problem comprehension and solution refinement.