Does anyone else find using strings to interact with games instead of functions really awkward?

Does anyone else find using strings to interact with games instead of functions really awkward?

I do but oh, well… I can live with that. CodinGame is fun so I kind of have to.

Please elaborate what kind of functions do you mean, because the idea of using e.g. python or c++ functions to interact with java-based game engine seems more awkward to me.

I have no knowledge of how CG is built and what make sense in general when you build such a platform. I just know of a different site that uses function parameters as input. I happen to prefer that to input from stdin. You get a function prototype, implement the function (getting data as parameters), send out result as return value.
I find it awkward and a little annoying at times but I don’t consider it a problem. Especially since I have no idea if the other approach could possibly work here.

That is what I meant. I might have misunderstood OP.