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I have to disagree. I participated in few algorithm competition (however much easier than IOI) and I think that: - OOP - C - functional python are redundant. C

by rednum 16y ago

I have to disagree. I participated in few algorithm competition (however much easier than IOI) and I think that: - OOP - C - functional python are redundant. Creating more advanced objects than graph vertex/edge is usually unnecessary in algorithm tasks. Functional programming - well, that would be useful sometimes, but as IOI and most similiar type competirions support C/C++/Pascal, you won't be able to use it anyway. Problems from project euler seems to be a good start, however. Learning mentioned in article algorithms too.

RiderOfGiraffes 16y ago
If I want to play Rachmaninov's second piano concerto, I don't start by trying to play it straight away. I start with simple pieces, with scales and arpeggios, and with speed exercises. I build my basics, initially leaving out things that I'm not ready for. I think learning Python first, and then the concepts behind both OOP and FP, better prepare someone for solving problems in languages like C++ than trying to start with C++ first. As I said, personal opinion. ADDED IN EDIT: Fascinating. Rather than refuting the point I'm trying to make, someone has simply down-voted it without comment. That's a shame, as it doesn't provide me the opportunity to learn. Perhaps I simply haven't been clear, or perhaps they simply disagree without caring to articulate their point. To try to be more specific, I think that learning Python, then learning Python in an OO style, then learning C++, makes a better programmer faster than trying to learn C++ directly. I have no evidence, only anecdotes, and they're not worth much. I think it's like trying to make a 6 inch reflector telescope. It's faster to make a 4 inch, then a 6 inch, than it is to try to make a 6 inch first. Again, there have been no controlled, double-blind experiments, but it is the conventional wisdom. So there it is. If you think that expressing such a thought is detracting from the value of HN then feel free to downvote this comment further. If you disagree, but think it's an interesting point that deserves to be refuted, I'd love to hear your reasons.
- hardy263 16y ago
  Algorithm competitions aren't like playing Rachmaninov's second piano concerto. It's more like playing a simpler piece that everyone knows, like Canon in D. Except you learn to play it faster than anybody else. You're giving advice on how to be a better programmer, which is significantly different from being a programmer who implements algorithms. In a programming competition, I don't go back and optimize my code. I test to see if it works, and go on to the next question.

by rednum 16y ago

RiderOfGiraffes 16y ago

If I want to play Rachmaninov's second piano concerto, I don't start by trying to play it straight away. I start with simple pieces, with scales and arpeggios, and with speed exercises. I build my basics, initially leaving out things that I'm not ready for. I think learning Python first, and then the concepts behind both OOP and FP, better prepare someone for solving problems in languages like C++ than trying to start with C++ first. As I said, personal opinion. ADDED IN EDIT: Fascinating. Rather than refuting the point I'm trying to make, someone has simply down-voted it without comment. That's a shame, as it doesn't provide me the opportunity to learn. Perhaps I simply haven't been clear, or perhaps they simply disagree without caring to articulate their point. To try to be more specific, I think that learning Python, then learning Python in an OO style, then learning C++, makes a better programmer faster than trying to learn C++ directly. I have no evidence, only anecdotes, and they're not worth much. I think it's like trying to make a 6 inch reflector telescope. It's faster to make a 4 inch, then a 6 inch, than it is to try to make a 6 inch first. Again, there have been no controlled, double-blind experiments, but it is the conventional wisdom. So there it is. If you think that expressing such a thought is detracting from the value of HN then feel free to downvote this comment further. If you disagree, but think it's an interesting point that deserves to be refuted, I'd love to hear your reasons.

hardy263 16y ago
Algorithm competitions aren't like playing Rachmaninov's second piano concerto. It's more like playing a simpler piece that everyone knows, like Canon in D. Except you learn to play it faster than anybody else. You're giving advice on how to be a better programmer, which is significantly different from being a programmer who implements algorithms. In a programming competition, I don't go back and optimize my code. I test to see if it works, and go on to the next question.