booring's blog

How to become "Expert" at Codeforces

By booring, history, 2 weeks ago, In English

I'd like to offer some advice on knowing when to take breaks and how to approach problem-solving. When you hit a point of mental fatigue, it's crucial to pause and take breaks. These breaks can significantly aid your performance, ensuring that when you return to your tasks or contests, you'll be in a better state to excel. Additionally, instead of wasting time scouring for the perfect problem set or delving into advanced topics, it's beneficial to stick to a structured approach. For instance, I recommend following a specific ladder like C2OJ and focusing on solving problems within your (comfort zone, comfort zone+200) of that particular rating. Learn and master only those topics that consistently challenge you at that level.

Good Luck and High Rating

  • Vote: I like it
  • -13
  • Vote: I do not like it

»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Any kinds of queries are welcomed, so that I can provide a proper solution through blog or reply.

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    2 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    I am solving problems from codeforces problemset by sorting them by rating. Recently, 1400s were difficult but i was able to solve them a bit, but after switching to 1500s my confidence is on rock bottom. I am having guilt of watching editorials and mostly i get some observations but not able to make a proper solutions. Can you tell me how to approach a problem and what to do?

    → Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Should I solve mathematics too, along with practicing questions on Codeforces? I have seen many questions that require knowledge of mathematical concepts like permutation and combination, number theory, etc. Or should I solve more and more questions with a math topic tag? I generally spend more time solving mathematical questions on codeforces.

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    2 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    I have prepared for IIT so i never looked into maths again for CP. For number theory, I have never read something about that specifically and generally what I have noticed is that they are observation based questions. 

    So you can learn PNC if you dont have a mathematics background , but for number theory I dont fell any need.
    → Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

what other judges u practice there too ?

→ Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

any suggestions for me?

→ Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

I was so close to expert, but last contest I took too much pressure thinking about what if I lose rating instead of getting just 3 points and that cost me 30 points instead. I am not sure what to do, need some guidance on pressure management.

*what my PP(Profile Pic) says I try that but sometimes does not work, I just get too tensed.

→ Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Can Cp help you in your interviews? Why do interviewers ask about DSA type questions in interviews?

→ Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How are you climbing up the rating so fast? With just 41 questions you reached expert.

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    2 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    In general, there are a couple of reasons for such graphs.
    - Prior background in math/cs (generally through Olympiads or other competitions). Some folk have solid fundamentals and find it easier to pick up CP.
    - Practice on other platforms. Luogu/Timus/USACO/AtCoder are some of the platforms popular among top participants.
    A quick look at the OP's organization strongly hints at the first.

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      2 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

      or OP is just IQ

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        2 weeks ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +13 Vote: I do not like it

        As far as I know, studies show that IQ is not a fixed number and most standardized tests allow for a great deal of improvement simply through enough practice.
        I do agree that natural talent probably plays a role in learning/performance, but there are a plethora of other factors such as environment, education background, etc., as well, and the singular impact of the "natural talent" would really be hard to attribute and quantify.
        Personally, I've mostly observed effort being the largest factor — be it earlier on/in other subjects such as Math/Physics, or even at a later stage.

        → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      13 days ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

      Background in math definitely helps with cp — I find that sometimes I can apply topics I learned a while ago in competition math with cp and vice versa.

      But it's also the general skill of being able to approach a problem that you don't know how to do, and then being able to figure out how to solve it on your own, that competition math teaches very well.

      → Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

what is C2OJ?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    2 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    https://c2-ladders-juol.onrender.com/

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      2 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      Thanks! I am new, the page shows the questions for a particular ranking. So you mean I complete all questions in a rank to go to the next level?

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        13 days ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        No,whatever level you are solving , solve the first 50 questions atleast and if you still doubt that you are not comfortable with that level , solve more !! Thumb Rule- If you are able to solve 4-5 questions out of 6 tried , you are comfortable with that level

        → Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

the point of taking a break is indeed crucial

→ Reply
»
2 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How to practice bit manipulations ?Like I am really weak at those I don't know why

→ Reply
»
12 days ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

When you hit a point of mental fatigue, it's crucial to pause and take breaks.

Well said, When I was pupil I spent months trying nonstop to reach specialist and get into new topics, For the topics I tried to learn I didn't get most of it and for the rate it dropped to newbie, I took a little rest and I went from newbie to pupil in a matter of days.

→ Reply
»
12 days ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

https://c2-ladders-juol.onrender.com/ do you mean this ladder?

→ Reply