sr.icaro's blog

how to create programming problems?
By sr.icaro, 15 years ago, In English
hi!
I would like you to give me some tips, suggestions on how to create programming problems.

principles, steps, techniques, the content...
good ways to create good problems, puzzles.
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15 years ago, hide # |
 
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Use polygon. As I know, problems for Codeforces contests are created here. It is a professional way to prepare problems with validators, test generators, checkers, etc.
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  • 15 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    Looks like TS is asking not only about preparing problem for contest (tests, samples, etc.), but also about finding interesting ideas for problems. This part is also interesting for me:)
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    • 15 years ago, hide # ^ |
       
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      Well, I've answered the trivial part of the question :) What can I say about inventing ideas for problems? In fact I have some experience in this. A problem usually consists of a legend and a formal statement. I can divide all problems into two classes depending on what of this two things was the first.

      To invent a problem from a legend just look around yourself. For example, you see traffic on streets and you can invent a problem about buses, trams, traffic lights, etc. Usually such problems are organically connected with their legends. People sometimes find ideas for problems in their work. A small subtask may be removed from the context and then be developed to a problem for a contest.

      To start with a formal statement it's better to read something giving ideas: book and articles in computer science, math problems for school olympiads, problems of old contests. This way is useful when you need to prepare many problems for a contest and don't have enough ideas. If you don't know what to start with, read Cormen book. It contains many exercises which make you think on different abstract objects and their properties. Never take a problem you have found somewhere ''as is'', think on it creatively. Try to make it more complicated or just think about something that isn't required in the problem. This way has an additional difficulty, afterwards you have to invent a proper legend for the problem.
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  • 15 years ago, hide # ^ |
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    I'm uploading a task on polygon, but when I go to "Tests" it says I haven't any generator (I uploaded it in source files). It's like it should have a name I must use on "script" section, but I cannot assign a name to that file. I looked at the "help" but it seems to bypass my problem. Has anyone already used this platform?

    EDIT: I'm generating tests on pc and then uploading to server... :| Now the most important thing: it is possible to link my task to other people and let them solve it without creating a "contest" ?
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    • 15 years ago, hide # ^ |
       
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      1. If you have problems with generators, you can download testlib here. It contains sample generators. Save your generator, for example, as "g.cpp", upload it in the source files and then write "g 5 > 3" to generate test number 3 using your generator with parameter 5.

      2. In the "manage access" you can add users to give them "READ" or "WRITE" permission.


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  • 15 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    Wow! I thought polygon is closed for everybody. Just only for the internal use.
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    • 15 years ago, hide # ^ |
       
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      In fact, it's the opposite. For example, about half of the teams preparing contests for Petrozavodsk Summer Training Camp use Polygon.
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  • 14 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    I'm trying to set a taks on Polygon, but I found two issues: first, "Help" link doesn't work anymore!.
    The other problem is that I want to make my task public (is it possible?) or at least, I want to make it available to a group of users. "Manage access" doesn't do exactly what I want, in fact, if I set READ access to someone, he will be able to see everything "behind the scenes" (including the model solution) but he wont be able to commit changes. I just want he to be able to send programs and receive AC/WA/TL/ML.
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6 years ago, hide # |
 
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How can I set questions for codeforces contest? What are prerequisites?

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    6 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    You can create mashups as I know for groups with any rating. But for the problems that are showcased in regular contests you need to be at least 1600 rating. You also need to contact someone from coordinators of the contest as they would be the one to decide to take up the problem for the contest or not. You can go register yourself on polygon and then follow the blog Tutorial You can also add collaborators and they would also be able to edit and comment on your problem.

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    6 years ago, hide # ^ |
     
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    Damn don't necropost on 9yr old blogs, they are outdated and unlikely to be any help. If you truly need help make a new blog

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      6 years ago, hide # ^ |
       
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      If you make a new blog then people will say why didn't you google before?

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3 years ago, hide # |
 
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I I want to write a problem on the site, how can I do that?

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