vishaaaal's blog

By vishaaaal, history, 4 years ago, In English

Hii!! I was wondering about problem-setting on codeforces and came across many blogs. Many of them explained problem-setting, creating ideas and writing solutions, but apart from them, I want to know about major steps we will take when getting involved in the process. The first is, we submit a problem proposal.

Then when our problem gets approved, what are we supposed to do? Visit polygon? Where will we create our test set and discuss about the problems with others involved in the contest? Where are the checkers and validators written? If I am not a codeforces user, can I still write problems on codeforces using polygon only?

I have never used polygon and never set a problem, so I want to have an idea of important phases I need to complete to finally publish the problem.

It will be great if you share a tutorial on using polygon. Thank you so much!!

UPD: Thanks a lot C137 for this amazing tutorial on using codeforces. I hope it helps to all of you.

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4 years ago, # |
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4 years ago, # |
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There are many turoials on testlib.h, but not many on polygon. It took me some time to understand how polygon works. Submiting a problem proposal isn't a very good way to set a problem. After learning how to use Polygon, you can write the statement, solution, checker, validator and generator, and add some hack tests for your problem. After collecting a bunch of problems you can set a gym round, if you have coach mode. You can also criate a private mashup with your problems and send the invitation link to the group in an announcement blog. If you have any doubts about Polygon you can ask me (note I may not know all features, but I know the basics to set a problem).

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    4 years ago, # ^ |
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    Is there any requirement(rating or anything) for coach mode?

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      4 years ago, # ^ |
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      As far as I know you need fit in some requirements of the form: being >= x and having at least made y contests.

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      4 years ago, # ^ |
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      I found this. Everyone I know got it with 1900 rating and 30 contests. You should have it too.

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    4 years ago, # ^ |
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    Okay, so after submitting a problem proposal through codeforces, next is polygon where the rest of contest arrangements are made. Or we can even directly write the problem on polygon... right?

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      4 years ago, # ^ |
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      Yes, you can directly write it to polygon, there is no need to send a problem proposal. You only send a problem proposal if you want to make it an official problem

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4 years ago, # |
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After submitting a problem set proposal you need to wait for coordinator to respond. Don't prepare a problem if (likely) it might be rejected.

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4 years ago, # |
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It will be great if you share a tutorial on using polygon. Thank you so much!!

Interesting, maybe I am not the best one to write such tutorial, but I will consider writing one!

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    4 years ago, # ^ |
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    I will be glad to read it, or maybe watch it ;).

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