Fatal Mistakes in Learning Competitive Programming

Summary

In this video, Shan highlights common mistakes made by people learning competitive programming. These include solving random problems without focusing on quality, overemphasizing algorithms instead of developing problem-solving skills, obsessing over ratings, isolating oneself from others, and looking for shortcuts to success. Shan emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, participating in contests, and using resources like Codeforces' 'list' feature to identify quality problems. He also shares personal experiences and advice on staying motivated and engaged in the learning process, stressing that there are no easy hacks—success requires effort and persistence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid solving random problems; focus on finding quality problems using features like Codeforces' 'list' to identify valuable problems solved by top programmers.
• 😀 Competitive programming is about practice, not memorization of algorithms. Focus on solving problems instead of learning algorithms by rote.
• 😀 Don’t obsess over ratings. Concentrate on the effort you put in, and your rating will naturally improve over time.
• 😀 Engage with others who are learning competitive programming. Interacting with peers can keep the process fun and motivating.
• 😀 Find a balance when solving problems. Don't overthink or underthink; take a measured approach and refer to solutions only when necessary.
• 😀 Avoid looking for shortcuts or hacks to improve your rating. Success requires sustained effort and consistent practice.
• 😀 Don’t isolate yourself. Competing and learning with others helps accelerate your progress and makes the process more enjoyable.
• 😀 Ratings are a byproduct of your efforts, not the main goal. Focus on improving your skills, and the ratings will follow.
• 😀 Participate in as many contests as possible. They provide valuable learning experiences and are essential for improving your skills.
• 😀 Competitive programming is not about memorizing algorithms, but about honing your problem-solving abilities through consistent practice and learning.

Q & A

What is the first common mistake people make in competitive programming, according to Shan?

The first common mistake people make is solving random problems without a strategy. While it may work initially, as one progresses, it’s important to find good problems by using features like the 'list' in Codeforces to identify well-chosen problems that are solved by top programmers.

How does the 'list' feature on Codeforces help in selecting problems?

The 'list' feature on Codeforces allows users to create a list of top competitive programmers, including rivals or admired people. It shows how many of these people have solved each problem. Problems solved by many from this list are likely to be high-quality and beneficial to solve.

Why is it not enough to just memorize algorithms for competitive programming?

Memorizing algorithms is not enough because competitive programming is more about developing the skill to solve problems rather than knowing a collection of algorithms. It's the ability to apply basic algorithms to solve real problems that matters, not just knowing what algorithms exist.

What does Shan recommend as a beginner approach to competitive programming?

Shan recommends starting by solving around 100-200 easy problems, without focusing too much on learning complex algorithms. The goal is to build problem-solving skills and familiarize oneself with basic concepts before diving into more advanced topics.

What mistake do many competitive programmers make regarding their ratings?

Many programmers become overly obsessed with their ratings, often stressing over small changes or losses in their scores. Shan advises focusing on the effort and input you put into training rather than obsessing over ratings, as ratings will naturally reflect your progress over time.

Why is it important to participate in Codeforces contests, even as a beginner?

Shan emphasizes that participating in contests, even with a low rating, is crucial for gaining experience, improving skills, and preparing for future competitions. Contest participation helps you learn from mistakes, refine problem-solving skills, and is valuable for securing jobs or excelling in Olympiads like IUI or ICPC.

How can isolating yourself from others hinder your progress in competitive programming?

Isolating oneself from others can make the learning process dull and demotivating. Engaging with fellow learners or joining communities can provide motivation, diverse perspectives, and make the experience more enjoyable, thus improving your progress in competitive programming.

What is the balance between thinking too much or too little on a problem?

The key is to spend enough time thinking about a problem to explore all possible solutions without overthinking or giving up too quickly. Shan advises reading the first few lines of the editorial if you're stuck, but only using it as a stepping stone to further thinking, rather than immediately jumping to the full solution.

What does Shan mean by 'looking for hacks' in competitive programming?

Looking for hacks refers to trying shortcuts or easy ways to quickly reach high levels, such as becoming a Grandmaster. Shan stresses that there are no shortcuts in competitive programming; success comes from consistent effort and practice over time, not from seeking quick fixes.

How long did Shan train to become an international Grandmaster, and what was his approach?

Shan trained for over 2 to 3 years to achieve the title of International Grandmaster. His approach involved solving a large number of problems regularly and consistently putting in the time and effort necessary to improve his skills, rather than relying on shortcuts or hacks.