ecnerwala's blog

I'm ecnerwala. Ask Me Anything!
By ecnerwala, history, 4 years ago, In English

Hi everyone!

code_warrior recently asked "How is ecnerwala?" I'm here to answer that question and others you may have! I'll check this regularly for the next couple of days and try to respond when I get a chance. Ask me anything!

To code_warrior: I'm doing good. Quarantine is still ongoing, so I'm spending most of my time at home with my family, coding both for work and for fun. How about you?

EDIT: There have been a lot of repeat questions, and I've tried to answer each question at least once. I've given a bunch of general advice about practicing and training, and I don't think I can say too much about how you specifically should practice, so I might not answer all of those questions. In general, practice things that you see in contest that are medium or hard but not impossible for you.

UPDATE: Thank you guys for all your questions! I think I'm done answering questions for now, hope to compete with you guys more!

UPDATE 2: I finally followed through and posted a bunch of screencasts to my YouTube channel, check them out if you're interested! I'll look into a way to post the code/key-captures, and I hope to publish some with commentary soon!

  • Vote: I like it
  • +777
  • Vote: I do not like it

Comments Comments (441)
| Write comment?
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +60 Vote: I do not like it

How tall is ecnerwala?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +210 Vote: I do not like it

    I swear I'm pretty much 6ft (1.83m).

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it -232 Vote: I do not like it

      Everybody asks How is ecnerwala ?

      Nobody asks How is alawerence ...

      S E D
      L Y F

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it -30 Vote: I do not like it

        how to become lgm in 3 months?

        → Reply
        • »
          »
          »
          »
          »
          4 years ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it +14 Vote: I do not like it

          If someone could have achieved it in 3 months then it would not have been called "Legendary". P.S I am none to tell you(I am a fkin newbie) this but I think these people must be very passionate about CC.

          → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

        Because he doesn't mess up the spelling of his own handle

        → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -678 Vote: I do not like it

Do you know who is "BINOD"?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +43 Vote: I do not like it

What is your favourite editor??

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -13 Vote: I do not like it

Hey, the question hasn't been answered yet, so I'm asking it again.

How are you, Andrew?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +52 Vote: I do not like it

    I'm doing good, how about you?

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it -67 Vote: I do not like it

      Hello Sir, it's nice to be able to chat with you. Regarding the Code Jam Finals, I would like to know that don't u feel sad after losing to Tourist? Especially after working so hard for so many years? I ask this because I get disheartened too easily by failures. I also face a dilemma like how much time I should spend behind thinking about a problem..

      Next Question is, what should be my strategy to prepare as a team for ICPC?

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

        I would like to know from the community as to why this simple post has been downvoted so many times.Neither have I tried to insult anyone,nor am i asking anything irrelevant.Then why unncessarily are you downvoting me?

        I would really like to know the reason so that in future I keep certain things in kind before commenting here at Codeforces

        → Reply
        • »
          »
          »
          »
          »
          4 years ago, # ^ |
          ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +18 Vote: I do not like it

          Your first question is a rather sensitive, and a bit personal question.

          Well your second question can be answered with some searches on the internet. It's also a part of the strategy a team uses for the competitions. If you still want to ask such things, create a blog.

          "Ratism" has nothing to do here.

          → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

        I personally down-voted you for this line `

        See it

        `

        → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +66 Vote: I do not like it

My ex-wife sent me the bill for the dog tax. I say hey this is your dog. She says, well, it's a breakup dog. What should I do?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +17 Vote: I do not like it

what kind of "work" do you do?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +145 Vote: I do not like it

    I work at a startup called Impira in SF on database-like systems to extract and query information from assets (like scanned documents) using machine learning. I'm mostly working on the low-level data storage layer to store data and make it efficient to query.

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +17 Vote: I do not like it

      Why did you choose to work in a startup particularly? Given that you have excellent engineering background and exceptional programming skills .

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +24 Vote: I do not like it

        Startups are usually where the most exciting work happens. They need to master the market in some new vertical and that takes hardcore programming/engineering skills. Though this may vary from startup to startup.

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

      Do you have enough time working in parallel while studying at MIT?

      → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +119 Vote: I do not like it

What's your next big goal?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +134 Vote: I do not like it

    One goal I have is to start streaming or screencasting more competitive programming content. I'll be posting some screencasts (probably AGC047 and CF R663 Div2) to YouTube shortly, and make sure to follow me at https://twitch.tv/ecnerwala to see when I go live!

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +21 Vote: I do not like it

What is your training routine to get better?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +45 Vote: I do not like it

    Recently, I haven't had much of a strict training routine; I mostly do programming problems when I feel like it (which admittedly is pretty often). I do try to upsolve most of the problems from all the contests I do, but even then I skip annoying/"uninteresting" problems.

    In high school, I did a lot of POI (Polish) problems.

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +23 Vote: I do not like it

      what did you do when you were stuck in some POI problem and tried enough (as there's no editorial) and what should the others do now ( considering the resources available today if any )?

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

        there are editorials in polish with reference solutions

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

          By no editorial I meant english editorial actually

          → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +7 Vote: I do not like it

What does "ecnerwala" mean? And how do you pronounce it?

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

    Well I can answer this : D it's the reverse of his last name

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +22 Vote: I do not like it

    It's the reverse of my middle name (my full name is Andrew Lawrence He). I pronounce it like "eck" (hard-k) — "nerwhal" (rhymes with narwhal) — "ah".

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

      Omg, I just realized that I was reading your handle as "echerwala" all this time.

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

        Omg, I just realized that I was reading his handle as "encerwala" all this time.

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

          anybody who read it like e-c-ner-wala ?

          → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

      /ɪkˈnɝːwələ/

      → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +14 Vote: I do not like it

How do you solve https://codeforces.net/contest/1375/problem/F?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +25 Vote: I do not like it

    I wish I knew.

    def p(x):print(x,flush=True);a[int(input())-1]+=x
a=[*map(int,input().split())];print('First');p(10**9);p(max(a)*3-sum(a));p(max(a)-min(a)>>1)
    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -25 Vote: I do not like it
Time for some cliche questions
→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +63 Vote: I do not like it

    I think most of improving is practicing implementing and building familiarity with concepts. It's hard to say what difficulty level problem. I think to practice implementing, try to implement something that complicated enough that you'll make bugs, and then try to build muscle memory or other techniques to avoid those bugs. To learn concepts, probably try to solve problems that take you between 20 minutes and a few hours to solve.

    Also, reaching purple may not be the right goal; you'll probably want to set a short-term goals that are more incremental.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 4   Vote: I like it -43 Vote: I do not like it

you are a legendary coder ....i think you get many offer from Google/Facebook or many big tech company's share some interesting idea about that ....

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +9 Vote: I do not like it

    I don't have too much to say about that; there are a lot of resources online if you want to learn about these things. I will say that competitive programming problems are pretty similar to the programming problems I've seen in interviews, so it's definitely a helpful bit of experience to have.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

Q1. can ecnerwala defeat tourist in google code jam finals ?

Q2. is ecnerwala belongs to china or any background history with china ?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +100 Vote: I do not like it
    1. Still unknown. I can beat him in Distributed CodeJam Finals though!
    2. My parents grew up in China, but I was born and raised in the US.
    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -9 Vote: I do not like it

where do you live Legendary Grandmaster?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

What do your cp practicing sessions look like? How do you work on problems (stuff like thinking for >30 mins, reading editorial afterwards, then implementing stuff)? Especially your practicing sessions at times when you were mostly active.

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +46 Vote: I do not like it

    Yeah that's pretty much right. I'll think for a while, especially if I feel like I'm still making progress. At some point, if I'm stuck or I no longer want to work on the problem (or at the end of the contest), I'll read the editorial or discuss the problem. I think it's important to go back and make sure you actually understand the structures of the solution and how they do and don't generalize. (How things don't generalize is a great way to understand what underlying structure is being relied upon.)

    Then I usually try to implement it unless it's particularly uninteresting and annoying.

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

Which things you like and dislike most in your professional life?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    I really like being able to learn things from coworkers with experience in different areas than me. One thing that's a lot harder than competitive programming is that the codebases are larger and have to support a lot more collaboration, via things like good design patterns and good testing.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -21 Vote: I do not like it

huge number of easy questions or few number of hard questions? Which is better for practice? And do you think solving math problems and normal puzzles help in any way?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    Probably a mix of many medium questions and some hard questions. I started off doing math olympiads, and I think they helped both understanding concepts and improving problem solving.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

how old are you, from when you started coding?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +37 Vote: I do not like it

Do you eat pineapple on pizza?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How to be a legend like you?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -34 Vote: I do not like it

I love you....Do you love me?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +70 Vote: I do not like it

Favorite moment in a programming contest?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +93 Vote: I do not like it

    My favorite moment was probably solving towns at IOI 2015 in the last 15 minutes of the contest. That problem is so nice, and clutching it out felt so great.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What is your favorite programming competition?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +52 Vote: I do not like it

Apart from Competitive Programming , what are your areas of interest(hobbies)?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

    Recently, I've just been playing some video games like Celeste and doing some puzzle hunts.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Likelihood of me featuring in a Lockout dual vs tourist?

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

Do you have girlfriend if not any ex ?

And whats your age btw ?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +68 Vote: I do not like it

Do you find software engineering to be interesting in general? Asking because the thinking involved is very different from algorithmic thinking.

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

    For sure. I actually really like the parts of competitive programming that are more like software engineering, like designing good interfaces and abstractions. I think that's one of the things that makes me pretty good at technical problems.

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

hi

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +28 Vote: I do not like it

How do you prepare your team for ACM ICPC?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    For ICPC 2019, we did several contest each week and spent a good amoout of our own time upsolving problems too.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +7 Vote: I do not like it

According to you what is your biggest achievement so far?

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

    It's probably winning Distributed Codejam, or 2nd place at ICPC.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Any lockout planned for the near future? Have you watched Errichto's recent lockout? If you hold a lockout in the near future could you incorprate the problem explaining like Errichto did in his lockout?

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

    I'll probably try to do some lockout soon, but no guarantees for now. I haven't actually watched Errichto's stream, but that does sound like a good idea; I'll check it out when I get some free time.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

You seem to be extremely proficient in C++. How long have you been using C++ and what are you favorite programming languages ?

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

    I've been using C++ since 2013. My favorite programming languages are probably C/C++, Go, Python, and maybe Rust (I haven't actually used Rust much though). I think Typescript is pretty cool, but I haven't used it much (also npm scares me).

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +35 Vote: I do not like it

Do u have girlfriend?

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

Can anyone become an LGM?

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

    This is a very good question... Why are there so many down votes?

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

      There are 30 slots, and 30000 ppl trying. I think most ppl know the answer.

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +31 Vote: I do not like it

        I think ratatouille said it best: "Not everyone can become a great artist... but a great artist can come from anywhere." -Anton Ego

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

          Not everyone can become a great artist...

          Doesn't that quote prove my point? The second part is true but doesn't detract from the first statement.

          → Reply
          • »
            »
            »
            »
            »
            »
            4 years ago, # ^ |
              Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

            Ya, I was agreeing with you.

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

Q1. What is your thought process when you are not able to do good in contest?

Q2. What is the best way to learn new topic and practice and from where?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

    1. I think you just have to keep pushing to do better; it's good to reflect a little on what changes you could make to do better in the future and then just move on to the next contest.

    2. Depends on the topic, probably just read about it and make sure to practice on problems.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +107 Vote: I do not like it

Do you like monkeys?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Did you practice on some other site before starting off with codeforces? Also if you don't know a particular concept where do you read stuff about it ?

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

    I started off mostly with Codeforces and USACO training (both the training pages and past USACO problems).

    To read about concepts, it depends on the concept; sometimes there are good resources on blogs like CF, other times you just have to read papers (which sucks). Asking peers for help is also good.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

How to I tackle the frustration in competitive programming .Thanks in advance.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +75 Vote: I do not like it

milk first or cereal first?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

which university in {USA / California} is best for {computer science/computer engineering} ?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +48 Vote: I do not like it

Did you have the opportunity to stay in academia, and if so what made you want to go into industry?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

    I really like building things, and there's a lot more opportunity to do that in industry.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

How soon after reading the problem would you recommend seeing the editorial ?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

    Probably after you've stopped making progress, and at least 10-20 mins.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +55 Vote: I do not like it

It was at this moment he knew, HE FUCKED UP!

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What did you study in Uni? Did you do any research?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +32 Vote: I do not like it

    I studied CS at MIT, I did a little research but not much.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

have you ever thought of giving up cp or took a long break?out of frustration or maybe your contest performance was disappointing to you at some point or for any other reason.

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

    I've taken a couple breaks (see ~2017), mostly because I lost interest or had other things to do.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +19 Vote: I do not like it

Who killed Kennedy?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +44 Vote: I do not like it

Few of my questions:

  1. Do you workout?
  2. Do you watch animes?
  3. Tea or coffee?
→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +18 Vote: I do not like it
    1. I don't really workout, though I keep saying I should :(
    2. Not really, I've watched parts of a couple but I wouldn't call myself a big anime person.
    3. Tea, but I can't really take the caffeine from either.
    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

Would you tell us your programming experience from beginner to advanced and how to improve ourself

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

What one thing you would like to achieve regarding competitive programming?

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

How do you manage time for both job and CP?

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

    I have enough time for both; I don't spend all that much time on CP.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -6 Vote: I do not like it

What is your industrial skill . I mean , what you are, a Teacher ,a webdev ,software engineer, ML/AI engineer, etc. ??

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

Where you see yourself after 5 years from now ?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What are you doing for entertainment (without coding ) like tv/movie/song ??

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

    I've started watching some more TV, mostly police procedurals like Person of Interest, White Collar, etc.

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

Why should we hire you for this job?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Do u love pizza??

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

Do u also struggled initially to solve Div2d,div2E??

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it -29 Vote: I do not like it

    LGMs dont struggle with div2 Ds

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

      read my question carefully,i have written "initially".

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it -53 Vote: I do not like it

        They dont struggle (ever).Its trivial for them from the beginning

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

    Yeah for sure, I mean there was a time when I didn't know BFS.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

Do you play any video games?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

    Some, I've been playing Celeste, some Super Smash Bros. Melee, and I've recently tried playing Dead Cells.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

How to Solve This https://cses.fi/problemset/task/1729

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

    Let's Say we currently have $$$i$$$ stones, then $$$\forall\; p_k \in P$$$, if $$$i-p$$$ was a losing state, then $$$i$$$ is a winning state.

    For Example if $$$i = 0$$$ then, $$$p$$$ is a winning state since $$$0$$$ is a losing state. Hence the following recurrence holds,

    Spoiler

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

What competitive programming site do you love the most? Is it codeforces or something else?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +14 Vote: I do not like it

With whom do you enjoy solving in a team more scott_wu or ksun48 if you were to choose only one ?

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

What does it take to get 5.0 GPA in BS Math and computer science at MIT ( because you scored 5.0 )

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

I feel like, I'm stuck in cp in one point, can you suggest me, how can i reach cf 1900+? or what should i follow?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -18 Vote: I do not like it

ecnerwala i used to use vectors but because of some serious tle problems i stopped. And it’s really hard to use arrays instead of them. How do you use vectors and handle tle cases?

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

    It happens rarely that you go into TLE issues with vector. Maybe you don't know how to use them properly.

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

      Actually it was rarely but in really serious cases. Once in code jam problem and once in a usaco problem. I was afraid of it happening in the contests so I stopped it. Also It has happened in one of tourist streams which made him the runner up instead of the winner...

      → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +9 Vote: I do not like it

    Don't use .push_back()if you know the size of the array or at least .reserve() some memory at first. Other differences are minor.

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    Yeah, vectors shouldn't have much problems unless you allocate/deallocate them frequently. I try to always reserve(sz) to avoid log(n) resizes, and also try to preallocate large vectors outside loops.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

My girlfriend left me. I called her. After an hour of argument, she agreed to come back only if I become an expert in a month. I am confused and sad. Bitch took my earphones too.

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +117 Vote: I do not like it

    Can you please share her details in dm if she doesnt mind? I know someone who can become expert in a month if mike increases frequency of div1s.

    Don't forget to take person's explicit consent before sharing his/her details.

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +57 Vote: I do not like it

      Do you mean fall to expert from purple+?

      → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

      Hum Indians jitna bhi tarraki karle, dil se hamesha harami rahenge XD

      → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -55 Vote: I do not like it

Why is ecnerwala?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

what the hell?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +19 Vote: I do not like it

Is coronavirus a hoax made up by flat earthers?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What are frogs?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +24 Vote: I do not like it

How hard did you work to maintain your perfect 5.0 GPA? Also, considering you didn't pursue academia, why did you go through so much effort to maintain a perfect GPA?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

    I didn't maintain a perfect GPA. I did well in classes because I chose classes that were interesting and I wanted to learn from.

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

      Wow, amazing! I envy such passion!

      I can't help but think of classes as a chore :(

      → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What brought CP to you?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

How transferrable is CP to real programming? Do you use a lot of skills that you learned in CP during work?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

    Yeah I think there's a decent amount transferred, particularly about writing clean/testable/bugfree code.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

When you were at the beginning stage of learning CP, how did you spend time for different topics (DP, graph, math...) and what were your ways to maximize the productivity in the decided time spent?

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

    I didn't really split my time by topic too much after learning the basics in each.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +170 Vote: I do not like it

What happened between 2016 and 2018?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +56 Vote: I do not like it

    Life

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +315 Vote: I do not like it

    2017, duh

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +14 Vote: I do not like it

    Yeah, I took a bit of a hiatus to do other things; CF rounds conflicted with classes, and there were other things I wanted to do.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

your favourite sport other than competitive programming

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

    I played a bit of Ultimate in college. I don't watch sports much, but if I had to choose, it would be basketball or hockey.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Your are a legendary grand-master. You spent a lot of time in cp. Do you think that you sould have been spent slightly less time in cp and do "something else" ? If so what is that "something else"?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    I do CP mostly as a hobby now, so I don't really regret spending too much time on it. If there are other things I want to do, I do those other things as well.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

are you a coffee person? or tea?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

Did you/do you do competitive math too? I vaguely recall seeing you in some of Evan Chen's streams.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

do you have an Android or IOS smartphone ? which OS do you have in your computer ?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +19 Vote: I do not like it

    I have an Android phone (LG G7) and I run linux.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What do you do when you get bore with problem-solving? How do you refresh your mind!

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

  • What was your usual routine at MIT?

  • How did you manage your time between competitive programming and college work?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

    My usual routine at MIT was pretty standard; go to classes, do homework, socialize, etc.

    I didn't really split my time between cp and college; see the break I took in 2017.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What is the point of doing cp professionally?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +32 Vote: I do not like it

    I don't do it professionally, it's mostly a hobby for me.

    I think if people do go pro, it would mostly just like any other esport.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Wish me good luck for my first appearance of Div 1 contest.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How did you start competitive programming? Do you have any tips for beginners?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

You're just 22. Are you the youngest Legendary Grandmaster?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it
  1. What does ecnerwala mean?
  2. How many girlfrineds?
  3. Other hobbies except CP?
  4. If ecnerwala didn't choose to be a competitive programmer, what would he have done?
  5. Atcoder vs Codeforces?
  6. How to improve? I am practicing but my rating decreases.
→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

how did you think of the idea of putting your name in reverse? it looks so cool!

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What is your favorite show?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

    I really like the first few seasons of White Collar.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

It seems like you really love lambda expressions, any particular reason why?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +21 Vote: I do not like it

    I just hate globals. Also, you can define lambdas near where you use them so that the control flow is still obvious.

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

      Is the Y combinator+lambda as efficient as an explicit recursive function?

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

        I think it's essentially just as good, though I haven't done any benchmarking. The assembly does get inlined the way you want.

        → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

From Where do you learn new algorithms?

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

    Other people mostly, sometimes papers or blog posts.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What do you usually do when you are free ? Or you are always busy ? :D

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

Challenge: Solve your next contest problems in python only

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

    Naw, I don't want to deal with fast-Python-io and stuff.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +29 Vote: I do not like it

Why you don't have an avatar on Codeforces?

Also: if you could only solve problems from one of these platforms: Codeforces, Atcoder, or Topcoder, then which one would you choose and why?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +7 Vote: I do not like it

    Too lazy to set one, I guess I'm not photogenic enough.

    I'd probably choose CF, mostly for volume.

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

      Do you have a mirror then?

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +38 Vote: I do not like it

        ecnerwala proceeding to set a mirror as his avatar

        → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Are you ecnerwala?

...it's ask me anything after all.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

Is ecnerwala interested in starting a startup?

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

Are birds real?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Can you be my mentor for competitive programming?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How to be able to think CP questions in free time(like pooping or bathing). I don't have enough time for practicing. This semester's like hell. Not even a single hour to study. Sme tips on how to manage time for CP?

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

    It definitely sucks to be super busy, there's not really any CP-specific time-management tricks I have. You just have to prioritize and make sure you're efficient with your time.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How do you feel having to get up in the morning at 730 and giving a contest? Does it get you all set for the day?

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

    7:30 is pretty early, so it kinda sucks (could be worse though: AtCoder is at 5am). I don't know if it really sets me up for the rest of the day; it's a lot of mental energy to compete.

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

Have you thought of becoming one of the best when you were just starting?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Do you think knowing algorithmic theory is important for CP, i.e proof of correctness of some of the famous algorithms...etc. Also, where did you learn C++, you look really skilled with the language.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Do you have any advice on getting good at competitive programming quickly?

Also do you have any advice on what I should if I cannot solve a problem other than reading the editorial? (because just reading the solution feels kind of useless ad you don't really seem to be learning anything that you can apply on other problems)

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How 2 nutella?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What problem paradigm (e.g. graph, dp) are you strongest/weakest in?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +31 Vote: I do not like it

    I'm pretty strong in some mathier areas like counting or NT, as well as generally pretty good at implementation. I think I'm weakest at heuristics/constructions.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +17 Vote: I do not like it

As a Californian, is there any particular reason that you chose MIT over Stanford?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    In general, I think it's good to go somewhere further away for college, otherwise you're really always in the same little bubble. I like the culture at MIT a lot.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

ecnerwala have you ever participated in IMO?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +16 Vote: I do not like it

Are we in a simulation?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How did you choose to study CS at uni? Did you have any other interests in other subjects? If so, what made you choose CS?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    I had already done a lot of CS in high school, so I knew I was interested for sure. I also was interested in math or physics, but ultimately I liked CS too much.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -20 Vote: I do not like it

I was stuck in Round 664 Div2-C for more than half an hour. People say if you are stuck for more than half an hour, you shouldn't try more and just wait for the editorial. So, I gave up. Later when only 15 mins were left, the idea struck my mind. And I couldn't implement within those 15 mins. But after the contest, I submitted and it was correct. So, how should I decide whether I should give up or not?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

    You should never give up on a problem during a contest; that advice is for upsolving/practice, where you could potentially keep working indefinitely if you so chose.

    On the other hand, it can be good in contest to take a break or think about a different problem, so you can come back with a different mindset/different ideas.

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +25 Vote: I do not like it

      It's perfectly fine to switch to the next problem (even without the intention to getting back to the previous one during a contest).

      → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Did you solve problems from UVa online judge?

There are very good problems and a vast number of hard problems but the problem is there are no editorials(idea, proof, etc.) for the problems. Codes of other participants don't help to properly understand most of the time.

Definitely it's true that many people somehow solved many problems from UVa in spite of this difficulty, I don't know how they did it. If anyone knows how they did it then reply, please.

What do you think ecnerwala, what should we do when we stuck for some problems in UVa?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

    No, I've never solved on UVa.

    Solving problems without editorials is definitely a tricky thing to do. I would recommend talking to peers about the problem, and if you still can't find a solution, it probably is actually slightly too hard for now; just set it aside and come back in a few months/years when you know more and then take another stab at it. Having problems open in the back of your mind could lead to you discovering something!

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -24 Vote: I do not like it

Trump or Biden?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

Your favorite video game?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

    Maybe Bastion, Exapunks, or The Binding of Isaac.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +16 Vote: I do not like it

Hi, Do you believe in God?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Hey have you ever got mentally exhausted with a problem in a contest? like "I don't want to think anymore" kinda stuff

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

    Yeah, but in contest, you usually just have to push through.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +16 Vote: I do not like it

How much do you bench?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

I have knowledge on DS, algos but have very less experience in c++ or any other language coding.

I find codeforces problem tough even after seeing codeforce solutions for each contest. what should i do? ecnerwala?

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

    Code a lot of problems! See my advice on difficulty above.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Do you like Timus OJ? Are there any particular sites (apart from the discussions, which are often unreliable) where one can get editorials/solutions for Timus problems?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What is the cp achievement you are most proud of?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

when you do competitive programming as a by product do you fall in the eyes of big companies and if yes how do they attempt to approach you ? Do you just have to top the coding competitions or doing fairly good is enough ? ?

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

    I don't think I've received too much attention from just coding competitions; it's usually been just CodeJam/HackerCup finals and other big onsites. On the other hand, I'm in a pretty privileged position to be able to reach out more directly to a lot of companies via MIT/SFBA, so coding competitions could potentially be helpful.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

On a scale of 1-10 how much would you rate your understanding of C++ as a language?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

    7 or 8; I know a lot, but C++ is a crazy language with super crazy rules.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +30 Vote: I do not like it

Чей крым?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +14 Vote: I do not like it

Any ideas on whom I’d need to talk to about commentating for NAC next year? Or is the best way to get invited to that just being really really good?

Also, do you have any plans on live-VPing 2020 ICPC WF (with some of the LGM/IGM friends if they are interested) similarly to what tourist/Petr/endagorian usually do?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

    People got invited mostly just from word of mouth. If you or anyone else from NA is interested, lmk.

    We'll have to see about WF, I'd be down, but I haven't talked to any organizers yet.

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    NAC

    Nili's Apartment Cup?

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Is Machine Learning overhyped?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

    It depends; some people overhype it, but it actually can do some amazing things. We'll just have to see where it goes.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

Have you ever thought as a beginner that one day your cp journey will inspire thousands and will make you this much popular?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

When you're stuck / discouraged: what fuels you to keep pushing yourself?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

    It's mostly just finding problems I'm interested in, and learning new things is pretty cool.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -9 Vote: I do not like it

Why don't you have updated your profile picture?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Do you have any plans for your Youtube channel, like uploading screencasts and stuff? Would love to see that.

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

What's your opinion of the finance / fintech industry? Why did you decide on pure software instead of some type of mixture?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    I think there are some challenging problems in that industry, but I like software engineering more.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

1.Do all computer science students in MIT do competitive programming?? having said that , are all good at it or you remember any of your friends struggling with it?

2.Do you have any plans of coming to India for a tour ? If yes, do ping me once, it will be an honor to do your hospitality!!

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +9 Vote: I do not like it

    1. No, almost no one at MIT does competitive programming, it's a very small minority. Most people probably would not do that well because they haven't ever practiced for it.

    2. Maybe someday!

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Hi How do you manage time between CP and Work? I assume you have min 8 hours of work. Do you give time to improve yourself in writing good quality of code maybe by reading some books? Like some people with java background read effective java etc.

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

    I don't read too many programming books, but I do think that improving code quality is a good thing to spend time on.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

You have said that you had started CP at the age of 14. You had spent so much time in CP, then how did you manage time for academic study?

In universities, we spend a lot of time to do classes and when some exam comes up, we have to study for a long time to do better. For this difficulty, I can't spend so much time on CP. But I know some of the Competetive Programmers who are ACM ICPC world finalists and at the same time, they have very good results in their universities.

What have you done to avoid these difficulties? Advice me that what should I do to manage time?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it -7 Vote: I do not like it

    Do you really have to study so much for university that you can't take out 2 hours per day on average for CP (which is enough IMO), or are you just trying to find excuses for your own laziness and wasting time? I have friends who are really good at CP + CGPA. They don't study too much. They are attentive at classes / labs, finish large lab assignments swiftly (CP skills come handy here), really good at cramming so they just study 1-2 night for each quiz / class test and 1-2 week for each term final exam.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it -15 Vote: I do not like it

What season do you like most winter or summer?

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

    Don't you think it's selfish and inconsiderate of you to make such request (you didn't offer him anything for taking such a trouble of travelling to another country)? And unfortunately this is not the first time I am seeing such selfish inconsiderate requests from you (here). Please try to be more considerate of others and less selfish in your requests.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

Why do most USA IOI team members have a Chinese family name?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +20 Vote: I do not like it

    Yeah, Asian Americans are definitely overrepresented in the US IMO/IOI teams compared to the population. It's hard to really say why; one hypothesis is that their parents (often highly-educated immigrants) are more likely to care more about education or olympiads, so they end up studying for it more/earlier.

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

      So can you speak Chinese? And at your world final team with ksun48 and XYZ, do you guys use Chinese for discussing?

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

        I can speak Chinese, but it's definitely not good enough to discuss programming. xyz's English is way way better than our Chinese, so we used English for everything.

        → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

      The `normal' US/Canadian education system is also highly broken, especially when it comes to teaching advanced materials.

      I really don't like to associate words like overrepresentation with things like IOI/IMO, hopefully it's one of the last things that remain completely merit-based.

      → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +263 Vote: I do not like it

    Many American parents heard that Chinese are the best at OI and they changed the children's surnames to Chinese to try to be like them.

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
      ← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

      Ksun48 may you explain us the incident how you met ecnerwala, stevenkplus, scott_wu(harvard) in MIT . Share any great time/incident you had with all the three people.

      → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What's the most useless talent you have?

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

    I can kinda recognize some common letters in Morse code.

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

What if I gave you :
i- 1 million dollars but you'll never get first place in Codejam Finals?
ii- 10 million dollars but you'll never get first place in Codejam Finals?
iii- 100 million dollars but you'll never get first place in Codejam Finals?
iv- whatever amount of money you desire but you'll never get first place in Codejam Finals?

I mean , are you willing to trade that rank for huge money? Tell me honestly please. :)

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

    What if google starts 0 based indexing in the rank list after he gives some share of money to them?
    What if 100 million dollars isn't sufficient? You should at least provide one option where he can manually choose the equivalent amount.

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

      Good point. I'll edit the comment now. XD

      → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +60 Vote: I do not like it

    The question should be: what's the smallest X such that you prefer getting X dollars over winning GCJ.

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +60 Vote: I do not like it

      I guess now I have lost my right to complain "the problem statements were lengthy". XD

      → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

      I think that is a different question. In the original, you get the money even if you would never actually win the Code Jam finals.

      I would take 1 dollar to never be able to win Code Jam, because there is pretty much no way I could ever win it, but I sure would not resign a first place Code Jam finish for a dollar.

      → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

    I wish tourist reads your comment

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

    I think it's probably > 10 million, and < 1 billion.

    (This kind of question is hard to phrase: I would obviously never pay to win a contest, so I think phrasing it as you either get money or are allowed to win is the right thing.)

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Hey encerwala! If you got a chance to go in past by time travel, what will you do first?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

    Hm, I'm not sure. The present is pretty damn cool.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

When did you actually started competitive programming (like, in middle school or something)?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

How the hell can you code like this: https://codeforces.net/contest/1395/submission/89753399

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    Very interesting :D

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it
    1. Write code
    2. Move variables/statements around
    3. Delete spaces
    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

    Wait, you thought that he normally types like this?

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

      No, but I don't think that anyone can CODE like that, ever.

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

        Then why you asked? It's obvious that he first codes normally and then formats like that.

        → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    the enter key was broken

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What to do if one feels like he is not improving in spite of practicing regularly?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    Maybe try focussing on a different area of practice; try to identify some more specific area to practice.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

what is the silliest mistake that you have done?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +18 Vote: I do not like it

    The first time I attended the USACO training camp, there was a problem with a pretty simple greedy solution. I implemented the solution without proof, but I failed because of integer overflow. I didn't realize, so I spent a ton of time trying to optimize a brute force instead :(

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +19 Vote: I do not like it

What kind of music do you listen to?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How do you pronounce ecnerwala?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

ask me anything

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +22 Vote: I do not like it

    Which one had come first in the world: hen or egg?

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

1) How many hours a day do you usually practice? 2) Did you do math competitions in ms/hs? 3) What's your favorite area of CP?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it
    1. I don't practice much anymore, maybe a couple hours a week.
    2. Yeah, I did Mathcounts and USAMO and stuff.
    3. I like really interesting mathematical structures (like generating functions!)
    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -29 Vote: I do not like it

Why did i get a wrong-ans submission? Need help!

My submission: https://codeforces.net/contest/946/submission/89803821

Problem: https://codeforces.net/contest/946/problem/D

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 4   Vote: I like it +2 Vote: I do not like it

Your favorite color?

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

Thanks for doing AMA! More people could take it as inspiration.

Questions: 1. What are the most interesting problems that you have encountered? 2. Why did you decide against doing a Ph.D.?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +16 Vote: I do not like it
    1. I think a lot of cool IOI problems are really interesting.
    2. I liked a lot of the things you can do in the tech industry.
    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +2 Vote: I do not like it

Does having a great rank helps in making international friends for life and will you be my friend on facebook?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +18 Vote: I do not like it

    I've definitely met a lot of friends from attending international competitions. Sorry, though, I don't really friend people I haven't met IRL.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +19 Vote: I do not like it

Where do you see yourself in 5 years both professionally and personally ?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +9 Vote: I do not like it

Do you have any advice regarding staying productive and not getting distracted?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

    You can try things like Pomodoro to stay focussed for a while and then take a short break.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -13 Vote: I do not like it

Thanx for having this session.

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

    My real name is Andrew He (you can find that in my profile). I don't have a twitter.

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

      How many comments did you reply to?

      → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -10 Vote: I do not like it

How to become red on CF??

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What differentiates LGMs from reds ?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +26 Vote: I do not like it

Who do you think will win in Um_nik vs Thousand Cyans Contest ?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

What's your favorite book?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -13 Vote: I do not like it

can u please answer this? https://codeforces.net/blog/entry/81432

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

I love cows

do you?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +28 Vote: I do not like it

You seem to write code which is more similar to how people code in the industry\readable oriented, than in CP imo. (lack of defines, no arrays outside in outer scope, reserve optimizations, using std::array instead of pair<int,int>, etc.)

So I went over your code for few answer in the last round, and I was wondering:

  1. Why do you cast size_t everywhere? i.e (for (int i = 0; i < int(vec.size()); i++))

  2. Do you use macros for int64_t \ for(auto& a: arr) \ vector<vector>, push_back, or do you type it down each time?

  3. Do you feel like emphasizing clean code and usage of stl functions, help you CP better?

  4. What does y_combinator means? I'm guessing it doesn't have anything to do with the y_combinator start-up hub.

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    For the 4th point, you can refer https://usaco-guide.vercel.app/general/cpp-tips#recursive-lambdas. It's basically a way to write recursive lambdas without resorting to workarounds like std::function

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +63 Vote: I do not like it

    I tihnk this is one of the big things that makes me good at implementation. I think it's funny how you called it "readability-oriented", because I think being able to read your code pretty essential; how the hell can you debug if you can't follow your own code? To implement any longer, more technical problem, your can only keep a little bit of the code in your head at a time, so the rest of it must be clean/readable enough to go back to it.

    That said, some of the things I do are just because I'm a perfectionist and want to use "correct, modern C++", rather than have things like global arrays and stuff.

    (One particular point: I try to use std::array instead of std::pair<int, int> when the two elements are "symmetric" because it's easier to see/use the symmetry with array syntax than with first/second.)

    1. There are a lot of gotchas with comparing against an unsigned integer: you'll actually cast both sides to unsigned, so -1 < size_t(0) actually returns false. I've pretty much built the habit to always cast to int to avoid this. Also, there are compiler warnings to check this (-Wsigned-compare) which I use, and I want to silence them.
    2. I don't use macros; I think my typing speed is good enough to still be faster than my thought process.
    3. Clean code, yes; stl, maybe not as much.
    4. The y_combinator allows you to do recursive lambdas, because a lambda can't normally refer to itself in C++ without paying a runtime cost (that's pretty much a bug which they're just getting around to fix). I took the y-combinator code from this proposal. There's another proposal to allow you to give your lambdas names, but it looks like this is going to be solved in C++20/C++23 via a more general proposal.
    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
      ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

      oh, now I get it why when I was trying to make a recursive call using lambda it gave an error.

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

Its easier to get a Girlfriend being LGM?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

what came first? The chicken or the Egg?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +24 Vote: I do not like it

What are your SAT scores?

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

Hi ecnerwala!

If you had to take an educated guess, what range do you think USACO (bronze,silver,gold,platinum) problems fall in terms of Codeforces problem rating?

And do you think doing Codeforces will make you better at USACO?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What do you listen to when you do a contest or practicing in general?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -12 Vote: I do not like it

Yeah nice how to solve this question : https://atcoder.jp/contests/abc175/tasks/abc175_f[AtcoderF](https://atcoder.jp/contests/abc175/tasks/abc175_f)

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it -15 Vote: I do not like it

    By the way do you think that machine learning or the new techs of deep learning will swipe away competitive coding ?

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

Do u prove every answer mathematically??Like i want to ask most of problems u solve are by intution or by rigrous mathematical proofs.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -18 Vote: I do not like it

I want to do better than you ecnerwala!!! what i should do for this??

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Do you agree that icpc requires a wider knowledge of algorithms/data structure? If so, how much wider and could you give a few examples?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +27 Vote: I do not like it

    For sure, ICPC-style contests (especially OpenCup) much more frequently requires some pretty advanced stuff like BBST, FFT, general graph matching, or generating function tricks. I think a lot of this is because ICPC is longer (15 man-hours per team of thinking time, 5 man-hours of keyboard time) and intended for an older audience (college, not high school), so people are more comfortable putting harder topics on it. I think OpenCup's place as a contest to explore more advanced topics is a very good thing to have.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Not really a question, but congratulations for being the first one to solve the whole problem set of FHC Round One.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -25 Vote: I do not like it

;0

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -10 Vote: I do not like it

I enjoy coding in codeforces and wanna become programmist one day. Do you think it will help me achieve this?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How much time do you spend to keep a LGM-level performance?

How much time is needed (for you) to be an LGM(from a newbie)?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

Do you play CTFs?

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

    Sometimes, but I'm not that good. I can do some easy rev and even easier pwn, and I know a little crypto because of my math background.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What computer do you use for programming and which operating system?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Auto comment: topic has been updated by ecnerwala (previous revision, new revision, compare).

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

Is ecnerwala Early bird or night owl ?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

Ever happened that you stuck in A or B in Div2 after being red???

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

which Operating System do you use

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

Do transformers have health insurance or car insurance?

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

    They have Plot Armour so they don't need insurance.

    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How to become as good as you.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Which Editor do you use to write your code?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Sir what is your age??

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

    If you were to just read some of the other answers, you'll find out.

    Spoiler
    → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

Are there any algorithms or data structures that you know about them, but can't implement without searching more information? I mean algorithms that can be used in competitive programming.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -54 Vote: I do not like it

ecnerwala, what is lenght of your dick in millimeters? Ignore this comment if its less than 50 milimeters.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -28 Vote: I do not like it

What you think about it??
Sexism in Google Hiring

Have you ever faced anything like that??

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Can you please make a video on how to get an NVIM setup similar to you , in your youtube channel?

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

I think you'll soon be the next world champion as far as programming is concerned. Right now you're 2nd. I have a lot of expectations from you. All the best.

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +23 Vote: I do not like it

Hi i'm wondering how you choose proper CP problems for practice? I often find the problems I am doing either too hard or too simple and spend too much time struggling with thinking solutions and understanding editorials. I feel that my training is quite inefficient. Do you have any suggestion? :D

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

How is your family?

→ Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +51 Vote: I do not like it

Is math invented or discovered?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +27 Vote: I do not like it

    yes

    → Reply
  • »
    »
    4 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +32 Vote: I do not like it

    we invent a system of axioms, and then discover things about that system

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      4 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +33 Vote: I do not like it

      I was thinking about whether the axioms themselves are somehow fundamental in nature. For example: Are the natural numbers (which are based on The Peano axiom) just an invention of humans.

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        4 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +20 Vote: I do not like it

        First of all I think that "invent" and "discover" are human terms that don't have an exact meaning: the definition of these words is approximate and unclear. Like most words, their meaning is generally agreed upon when we talk about typical usages (elecricity was discovered, lightbulb was invented) but the words themselves don't have a well-defined meaning when we get to edge cases (math). So in some sense, the question is meaningless.

        Some other philosophy: I would be careful when saying things like "we invent a system of axioms" (at least, for some definitions of "invent"). The axioms may be "invented", but the reasons why axioms are chosen are "discovered". Because axioms aren't constructed randomly. The ideas of groups, rings etc. precede the axiomatic systems that we are now used to. The terms used to refer to more specific terms until someone noticed a more general pattern and introduced the axioms to talk about that pattern. Using "invent" and "discover" according to my intuitive interpretation here: the more general patterns were discovered, and the axiom systems introduced to talk about those things. The concept of groups was there before the axiomatization, it might make sense to claim the axioms were invented but groups themselves were discovered.

        → Reply
»
4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

Probability / 50% confidence time interval til we get Dr. ecnerwala / Prof. ecnerwala? (does one capitalize handles?)

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

ecnerwala did you always initially believe in yourself? Have there been times when you completely hated competitive programming and then back you want to solve many, many problems? or this only happens to me?

→ Reply
»
20 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -18 Vote: I do not like it

Can you tell me how to improve coding skills ? Can you give me advices ? (Links, problems, videos) ?

→ Reply
»
19 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

IN my eyes your my G.O.A.T

→ Reply
»
19 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

I don't think anyone has asked this yet, but will you be posting more screencasts in the future on YouTube? I enjoy watching them.

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

why is your username ecnerwala?

→ Reply
»
3 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Are you still there to answer anything?

→ Reply
»
3 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What's the secret of your transition from Pupil to GM I just 16 contests?

→ Reply
»
3 months ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

Hi! I have a question for you: Have you ever cheated on your way to learning CP?

→ Reply