Day 170 Of Doing Codeforces Everyday Until I Reach Expert

Introduction

Today marks the 170th day of my dedication to solving problems on Codeforces with the ultimate goal of becoming an expert. This journey has been both enlightening and challenging, especially after my participation in the ICBC (International Collegiate Programming Contest) this morning. Unfortunately, the experience did not go well.

Initially, I didn’t have high expectations for the contest as I was aware of my standing—being only in my second year of study and competing against many third-, fourth-, and fifth-year students. The scale of the competition was daunting, with around 300 teams participating, amounting to nearly 900 individuals vying for just 15 spots in the next round. Knowing this, I approached the contest without aiming for any accolades, just viewing it as a measure of where my current skills stand.

To my surprise, my performance was not as strong as I had anticipated—it forced me to confront the reality of my coding skills, leading me to question whether continuing with Codeforces was the right path for me. The problems in the competition were heavily reliant on algorithms, particularly those related to Python, a language I have yet to learn, as it’s scheduled for my fifth semester. I struggled with more complex algorithms, leaving me pondering if my training regime was adequate.

I realized that my focus had primarily been on immediate implementation and ad-hoc problems. While this serves a purpose, especially for more straightforward challenges, I found myself considering whether I should diversify my problem-solving approach. I think exploring other platforms, like CSES or LeetCode, might offer insights and a new perspective.

During the ICBC, I encountered various algorithmic challenges that highlighted gaps in my knowledge, especially concerning methods such as dynamic programming (DP), depth-first search (DFS), breadth-first search (BFS), and segment trees. Much of the knowledge I have acquired feels rudimentary, and I find myself in a bit of a crisis, questioning my commitment to competitive programming (CP).

Despite my setbacks, I see potential for a “Redemption Arc.” I believe it may be time to adjust my training strategy. I aim to tackle more substantial problems from Codeforces, particularly those in the range of difficulty from 1400 to 1600. I want to solve a series of problems methodically to increase my skill level and ultimately achieve my goal of reaching Specialist status.

As I explored one particular problem this evening, I engaged in deep analysis, attempting to derive a mathematical formula to derive correct answers for specific scenarios based on combinations of ones and zeros in binary arrays. My thought process led me through the intricacies of combinatorial mathematics, utilizing various factors to calculate possible subsequences.

However, my coding attempts soon led to timeouts or incorrect results, prompting additional analysis and debugging. I wrestled with issues such as modular arithmetic, which often confounded my logic, leading to moments of frustration.

Ultimately, while I did manage to extract and apply knowledge throughout this process, I must acknowledge the learning curve has been steep. Nonetheless, I am hopeful and excited to continue my journey in CP. I recognized the importance of persistence and am determined to recalibrate my approach moving forward.

The day has proven to be an intense mix of self-doubt, learning opportunities, and a renewed commitment to my journey in coding.

Keywords

• Codeforces
• ICBC
• Competitive programming
• Algorithms
• Python
• Dynamic programming
• DFS
• BFS
• Segment trees

FAQ

What is the purpose of participating in Codeforces contests?
The main purpose is to sharpen problem-solving and coding skills, allowing participants to approach complex algorithms with increased knowledge and confidence.

Why did you feel unprepared for the ICBC?
I felt unprepared due to a lack of familiarity with certain algorithms that were prevalent in the contest, as well as my limited experience with Python, which was required for various problems.

What are your future plans for improving in competitive programming?
I plan to diversify my problem-solving strategies, tackle a wider range of problem difficulties on platforms like Codeforces, CSES, and LeetCode, and focus on mastering more complex algorithms.

How did you feel after your performance in the contest?
I felt a mixture of disappointment and motivation; while my performance was not what I hoped, it highlighted areas for improvement and reinforced my commitment to continue learning and growing in competitive programming.