Problem solving competitions are a great way to test and improve your analytical skills, whether you are a student, a professional, or a hobbyist. However, they also come with some common pitfalls that can affect your performance and your enjoyment. In this article, we will share some tips on how to avoid these mistakes and make the most of your problem solving experience.
One of the most frequent and costly mistakes in problem solving competitions is not reading the instructions carefully. You might miss important details, such as the format of the input and output, the time and memory limits, the scoring system, or the assumptions and constraints of the problem. This can lead to wasted time, incorrect solutions, or lower scores. To avoid this, make sure you read the instructions thoroughly before you start coding, and check them again if you encounter any difficulties or doubts.
Misreading the problem can pose your analytical skills in a dangerous situation. Reading the problem at least twice, highlighting key points, and ensuring that you thoroughly understand the requirements, can greatly help to correct this
Another common mistake is jumping into coding without a clear plan of how to solve the problem. This can result in inefficient, messy, or buggy code that does not meet the requirements or fails to handle edge cases. To avoid this, take some time to think about your approach before you start coding. You can use techniques such as brainstorming, pseudocode, flowcharts, or test cases to help you design your algorithm and logic. You can also compare your approach with other possible solutions and evaluate their pros and cons.
Yes, this can be a huge problem, especially when not all cases are considered. In order to prevent this from happening, it might be helpful to write down different scenarios or test cases. The next step would be to ensure that you profer a solution that will work for all of them
A third common mistake is submitting your code without testing it thoroughly. You might think that your code works perfectly, but there might be hidden errors, bugs, or exceptions that you did not anticipate or notice. This can result in incorrect or incomplete output, runtime errors, or penalties. To avoid this, test your code with different input and output scenarios, especially the ones that are given in the instructions or the sample cases. You can also use tools such as debuggers, validators, or online judges to check your code for errors or issues.
Even while the competition is taking place, testing code ensures that the software functions correctly and that it meets the specified requirements. Although it may take some time to do so before submitting it when the competition is stiff, doing so will ensure that the program is reliable and efficient
A fourth common mistake is mismanaging your time during the competition. You might spend too much time on one problem, or too little time on another. You might also run out of time before you finish or submit your code. This can result in lower scores, missed opportunities, or frustration. To avoid this, set a realistic and flexible time limit for each problem, and stick to it as much as possible. You can also prioritize the problems based on their difficulty, importance, or interest. You can also use timers, alarms, or reminders to keep track of your time.
A fifth common mistake is not learning from the feedback that you receive after the competition. You might ignore the results, the comments, or the solutions of other participants. You might also repeat the same mistakes in future competitions. This can result in stagnation, lack of improvement, or loss of motivation. To avoid this, review your performance and your code after the competition, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also compare your solutions with other solutions and learn from their techniques, tricks, or insights. You can also seek feedback from other participants, mentors, or experts, and ask them for tips, advice, or suggestions.
A sixth and final common mistake is not enjoying the process of problem solving. You might focus too much on the outcome, the score, or the ranking, and forget about the fun, the challenge, or the learning. You might also stress yourself out, put too much pressure on yourself, or compare yourself with others. This can result in anxiety, frustration, or burnout. To avoid this, remember why you are participating in the problem solving competition in the first place, and what you hope to gain from it. You can also celebrate your achievements, reward yourself, or share your experience with others. You can also take breaks, relax, or do something else that you enjoy.