adamant's blog

I'm adamant, AMA
By adamant, history, 10 months ago, In English

Hi everyone!

Recently, my interactions with Codeforces met certain milestones. Here they are:

My total blog count passed over 100:

I reached the rated contribution top:

I'm red again for the first time since 2021:

To celebrate these 3 happy occasions, I want to make an AMA session. There were some AMA from people that are generally much more popular than I am (see here, here and here), and I am mentally preparing to see that nobody comes to the party, but who knows? :)

So... Let's go. Ask me anything you want in the comments.

  • Vote: I like it
  • +379
  • Vote: I do not like it

»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +28 Vote: I do not like it

Did you know wolverine's skeleton is made of adamant?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +29 Vote: I do not like it

    Nope! As far as I know it's Adamantium! :)

    → Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +33 Vote: I do not like it

Where is the party?

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

    Right here, in the comments :)

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

      what is your codeforces id password ? (as you say : "ama")

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

Messi or Ronaldo?

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

When did you become interested in CP?

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

    Since I learnt about it in my... I think it was 8th grade, so should be around 2011? Roughly one year before I registered on Codeforces. I was mostly solving problem on e-olymp, informatics and some local archive before I made it to all-Ukrainian Olympiads in informatics. Only there I learnt about Codeforces, and well, here I am now :)

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

is it rated?

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

What's the best genuine advice you will give to beginners like us to improve in CP and problem solving?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +65 Vote: I do not like it

    You know, it's really hard to say something universal, because all journeys are unique, and different people might need different advice throughout theirs. What would be a nice advice for one, might be quite harmful for another.

    Besides that, I'm not even sure I'm in the right to give such an advice, as my journey was quite full of failures and inconsistencies. If I could tell something useful to myself in my early years, it'd be something along the following lines:

    • Don't be picky. Focus on improving in problems that you struggle with, not on ones you're already good at.
    • If you know a particular way to solve a problem, it is a bad excuse not to learn other ways to do the same.
    • Don't be cocky. Others progress very quickly, and you will fall behind as soon as you allow yourself some slack.

    But this is all, of course, advice for the case when you really want to improve in competitive programming, get some awards from it, achieve some goals, etc. And there's one more important advice regarding this.

    • If you were enjoying what and how you did, don't regret it. The journey is more important than destination.
    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      9 months ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

      If you know a particular way to solve a problem, it is a bad excuse not to learn other ways to do the same.

      I wish someone told me this 5 years ago

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

    dp khtm kr phele

    → Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +7 Vote: I do not like it

Are you currently working on a CF contest proposal?

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

    Nope. I'm out of ideas for now after my ICPC-style contest for this winter's Osijek camp and my and jeroenodb's round this year. :c

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

What are some of the most interesting/inspiring moments in your CP journey?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +41 Vote: I do not like it

    I once attended CodeChef SnackDown finals. My teammate couldn't join, so I had to go alone. I was somewhat lonely, and at that time I was generally very anxious about interacting with other people, but I met Reyna and SaSa there, and spent a lot of time with them, so it wasn't as lonely as it could be.

    The time zone difference was quite significant, so I ended up sleeping for the most of the actual contest and ranking last in the scoreboard :'D. Another "interesting" moment about my participation in that contest is that I (for the first and so far only time in my life) missed my flight back from Bengaluru, and had to book a new flight and depart the next day. It was very upsetting at that time, but is quite funny remembering it now. Because of that, the next day I went to the airport few hours in advance and spent some time with zscoder there.

    One especially memorable moment was that they organised an excursion at 5am or so to view sunrise on top of some local hills. There were a lot of folks there, and at some time we had to switch for tuctucs to reach the top of the hill. It was very memorable and unique experience for me. Oh, and did I tell that SnackDown orgs printed personal cups with participant's photos on each? That was awesome!

    Oh, and here's some very memorable photo of me from the event:

    I think, Reyna is in the background :)

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

Do you play chess?

→ Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +72 Vote: I do not like it

Polynomial Hamiltonian path in arbitrary graphs when?

→ Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it
  1. What are usually your inspirations for content for your blog and what are the main sources?
  2. Who do you usually target with your blogs? It mostly comes to my attention that your comments section is empty and hence I haven't been able to comprehend if that's just a coincidence.
  3. How does your typical work look like and how much do you research before writing your blogs. (It would be great if you can give physical examples where you did xyz research about pqr blog)
→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +13 Vote: I do not like it
    1. Usually just the stuff I think or learn about on my own. For my recent blogs, a lot of them are inspired by some problems from projecteuler or Library Checker that I solved or wanted to know how to solve for quite some time, but didn't get to it. Sometimes it's also just some cool stuff that I stumbled upon.
    2. I don't have a very particular target audience in mind. Well, or rather... I actually have myself in mind for that most of the time. I typically try to write it the way that I personally would prefer to read it. That is, I often try to make it concise, well-structured in terms of how it is typeset (it's very important for me), focused more on "abstract nonsense" (e.g. proper definitions and formulations) than concrete applications, because abstract nonsense if often of more interest to me. I also try to make it simple and relatable if you already have some context, or at least very superficial knowledge about the topic. I also try to act on feedback when I get one, to make the blogs more accessible to broader audience, but it doesn't seem that I'm very successful at it.
    3. It depends from blog to blog. I usually don't do much research, with some exceptions, and try to write as much as possible from what I derive myself. I have a particular taste to how the narrative in a blog should look like, and it often easier to just reinvent the wheel the way I like it, than to find a resource with particular exposition. I also perceive it as a mental exercise, as your understanding of the topic is usually much deeper when you thought about it on your own, rather than tried to follow and repeat someone else's thoughts. It's not always possible, though, and I often read existing blogs or comments, or published articles or textbooks before writing about something (as happened with representation theory blogs).
    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      10 months ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      I would still like to see more of your blogs, albeit on more novel topics rather than implementation details or stuff that you can find in textbooks. My hypothesis on why the comments sections of your blogs are empty is that the content can be found in textbooks or is well-known, or simply too niche to have an audience of its own — though one prominent reason a lot of yellow+ rated CF users mention is that the amount of math and jargon is the main factor discouraging them from reading your blogs. I agree with the jargon point — it's often so terse and full of jargon that it leaves a bad taste, but not with the math part — every self-contained blog with something non-trivial to talk about should have the relevant math in it.

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

Why do you do so much math compared to other red coders?

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

    I just like it and find it beautiful.

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

Which problem you created are you the most happy with?

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

I see a lot of ups and downs in your graph (which I can relate too) and would like to ask if you were meet a person who is an expert right now (near 1600s) and wishes to reach orange one day, what is the best practice he can follow (according to nowadays' contests, having lot of adhocs and constructives). Any resources would be helpful (and topics).

(I know my question may seem an ordinary one but still I'd like to catch up on the fact that you're celebrating).

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

    I have no idea, honestly. Last time I had rating below 1900 is in 2015, and it's very unlikely to be relevant to what's going on with competitive programming now. I think when I was at that level, I was somewhat active in solving Timus in order of increasing problem difficulty. So, I guess, the main advice stays the same: Solve a lot of problems, preferably a bit above your level, and learn new stuff when you need to.

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

Conspicuously, you have participated in 294 contests. That is pretty impressive. Congratulations.

  1. How did you manage to cross a certain level ? I mean, There are some coders who are stuck in the same rating range for years.

  2. Do you play chess ? If yes, what is you ELO ?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +18 Vote: I do not like it
    1. I don't know. I was pretty much stuck between master and international master since 2021. It might be that I just lucked out to get red again recently, but I started aggressively solving projecteuler problems few weeks before that, so maybe that's related? I often feel like my "brain cogs" are rusted and decline to think properly whenever I work on a problem, and the only thing to prevent that from happening is to constantly keep them in use.
    2. No.
    → Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +24 Vote: I do not like it

What are you adamant about?

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

    Trying to be a better version of myself from one day to another.

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

You have been uploading loads of blogs. So it makes me wonder are the results in these blogs mostly research/compilation of known things, or do you derive and find out most of it on your own? And if you at least partially discovering things on your own, how are you able to be so productive? What inspires you for these ideas? (And what is your background?)

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

    It depends from one blog to another. I think a lot when I write about something, and I often try to derive things on my own, or "reinvent the wheel". Things that I write are usually not novel results per se, but sometimes they might offer a new unexpected perspective on some phenomena that is not covered in much detail in other publications. So, my inspirations quite often come from simply trying to understand some novel idea that I stumbled upon, and trying to think on how to best fit it into some internal structure of knowledge, so that it's better connected with other things.

    As for my background, I'm a bachelor of applied physics and mathematics. That's mostly it, I think.

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

Which five things do you find most beautiful (among theorems, algorithms, techniques, tricks, problems...)?

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

Can you suggest some well organized (and not boring/useless stuffs) resources for theory needed for CP? Like advanced graph-theory, number-theory, linear-algebra... .

I also like your style of writing blogs! Can you tell me where or from what source you learned such mathematical symbols, etc?

(And by resources I mean self-study resources because I hate classes:>)

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +16 Vote: I do not like it

    CP-Algorithms? I'm one of the core maintainers, btw :)

    I really learned a lot from e-maxx, which cp-algorithms translates. Also individual CF blogs are sometimes good.

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

      Actually I use it and it's really nice and well written, but I mean more theoretical topics than just some algorithms... .

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

        Sorry, it's hard for me to recommend something definitive, because most of resources I used as introductory to theoretical stuff are in Russian (e.g. my university textbooks).

        On the other hand, you're unlikely to need stuff that is more advanced that what's described on CP-Algorithms anyway? And by the time you actually need it, you probably will already know some textbooks, or be able to read stuff directly from papers. In Russian, there is also ITMO wiki, which is quite decent, but I'm not sure what's the current best among English resources...

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

          I also like your style of writing blogs! Can you tell me where or from what source you learned such mathematical symbols, etc?

          Anyways, what about this?

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

            Sorry, I'm not sure what symbols are you referring to. Generally, if I want to typeset something in LaTeX, I often Google "latex ..." and look for how others do it. I didn't really study LaTeX in any formalized way, and it's hard to pinpoint something particular... Most of the stuff I picked up from all over the internet, so it's very hard to recall where it comes from now :)

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

              Good I'm a google-guy too and learn these kinds of random stuffs from google. I am glad to know that others do the same :>

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

                While we're at it, there is a very cool site detexify that can suggest you a LaTeX symbol if you draw it. Fancy! :)

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

          I got an idea. Since this question is probably the question of many others, if you have an English friend who works in the CP, could you please ask him and tell us what resources English guys use for theory concepts?

          I think maybe it's more related to mathematics, nah? But it's actually something between them, like some sort of interdisciplinary.

          If you don't exactly get what I mean by theory concepts I give you an example. For example theorems and bounds for chromatic number in different types of graphs.

          I also saw Benq's explanation of the math sources here, but I'm not sure it's what I'm looking for, and it might just be a waste of time if I go for it.

          PS: I think that in other countries (maybe except some other few countries) deep theory topics are not given much importance (which is good in my opinion), but I just asked this question that maybe there is a chance for it.

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

Tell us your top 3 favourite atcoder problems))

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

    I very rarely participate in AtCoder contests, so that would be very hard for me :)

    But AGC058D looked good to me :D

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

how did you study math to such a high level as you do in your blogs

what university did you graduate from?

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

    Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. I had somewhat decent courses on higher algebra, linear algebra, theory of formal languages and algorithms, but they were really mostly introductory. There was also an extra course on generating functions that I really liked, but overall a lot of stuff that I know comes from reading Wikipedia, or somewhat random online articles.

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

You forgot the most important AMA session on codeforces

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

    Sure, thanks for pointing out :)

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      10 months ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it -23 Vote: I do not like it

      because it is so important you should add it to the blog post yay

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

what should someone do with a highschool level math to understand your blogs and math papers in general , for dozens of time I read your blogs over and over and couldnt understood anything , dont get me wrong they are great and you should keep posting them and I know they are advanced stuff but I would really want to learn all these things . What do you suggest and how did you gain this mathematical maturity (Im not sure if that is the correct word but I think you got the point)

thanks in advance

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +36 Vote: I do not like it

    First of all, if you struggle with a particular section, you should always feel free to skip it and return to it later. Maybe it will make more sense when you grasp more context down the road? If you see a particular term that seems crucial for understanding, you might look it up on Google to find more context about it. If it still doesn't help, it's really hard to provide specific advice without knowing specific issues that you stumbled upon while reading the text.

    There is a comment section, you should feel free to ask clarifying questions there, or reach out to the author (well, in case of my blogs it's me) if approaches suggested above did not work. Generally, it's unlikely that you'll learn all the context you need to understand technical texts from reading some particular textbook. As unfortunate as it might sound, sometimes you will skim through the text, and only really get some percentage of it, be it 50% or 10%. And that's okay! We've all been there!

    Understanding technical texts is hard. But it gets easier over time, recalling some scene from BoJack Horseman:

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

I want to learn graph theory and I know some basics. what book(s) do you recommend?

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

    Sorry, I don't know any good English resources, and most of my knowledge of it comes from university courses, Wikipedia and e-maxx.

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

    Concerning the mathematical part of graph theory, there is an excellent book "Graph Theory", by R. Diestel. Generally, it is a graduate textbook, but that is because it goes deep in some parts, therefore reading it thoroughly from cover to cover is not the best idea, but reading it layer by layer gives a lot of satisfaction.

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

Do you have a personal life?

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

If you were to delete one blog, which one would it be?

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

How do you find time to pursue math besides your career?

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

Are you an early bird or a night owl ?

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

Congratulation i really find your blogs very useful:)

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

Tell me one thing to avoid it to reach red .

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

How did you create so many (mathy) problems?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +28 Vote: I do not like it

    I don't know? :)

    Most of them arise for me somewhat naturally when I learn something new, and then think on how I could bend it a bit, apply in a bit more general setting, to a bit different problem, etc. Also it's not that much anyway, I'm just in it for a long time and it accumulated :)

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

is there an algorithm that you have implemented in like a problem but you still don't really know how it works or are all problems you have solved you already understand how the algorithm works? just wanna know :]

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

    I still have no idea how to prove segment tree beats ;_;

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

Do you feel like becoming an LGM anytime soon? Or given that the frequency and quality of your posts, would you rather write blogs instead of competing really fiercely?

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

    I'd take a break from competing for some time, and focus on the stuff I like. At the moment, I'm pretty active at solving Project Euler and Library Checker problems. I don't think I'll ever reach LGM, as I don't practice that much, and don't really have much time for it. Besides I'm pretty old for this. But who knows :)

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

      Feels sad hearing you being too old. If my math is correct you should be around the age I started CPing :) But I don't think I'm gonna be LGM, so you might be right.

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

I want to improve my observation and proving skills. Regarding that, I was thinking to practise mathematics concepts and numericals.

Will it help? and If it will, then please suggest to me the topics and mathematics book to practice the numerical.

Through this, I'm expecting to improve in my cp journey.

Please guide me slightly.

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

    I'm sorry, but what exactly do you mean by "practice the numerical"? I recommended Seminumerical Algorithms below for number theory, but generally if you want to be better at competitive programming, the best thing you could do at your current level is most likely to solve more problems, rather than learn advanced stuff.

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

      Sure, I will certainly follow this advice and will practice rather than run for advanced stuff.

      Actually, I was confused that Should I be prepared with the maths from the start or not.

      I got it cleared.

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

Best
1:Number Theory
2:combinatorics
3:Graph Theory
books you have ever read.

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

What advise would you like to give to someone solving:
1. Timus Archive
2. Project Euler

How different are math olympiad problems compared to Project Euler?

You are one of my favourite people on codeforces, congratulations on the milestones!

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

    I feel like Project Euler problems, on average, are more approachable and require a bit less of multi-step insights compared to problems from mathematical olympiads.

    For projecteuler, I'd recommend to always try to write brute force to confirm that you understood the problem and to try noticing some patterns on small values, and looking for the sequences on OEIS. Quite often, when I had totally no ideas how to proceed, staring at small numbers was a great deal of help.

    I don't have any specific advice for solving Timus, just do it and you'll get there :)

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

On scale of 1 to 10 how much you hate WeaponizedAutist

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +27 Vote: I do not like it

    I have no idea who that is :)

    Oh, that's the guy who suggested people to write "come on barbie let's go party" under my blogs. 10.

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

Do you know scheme theory?

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

Tell us the most interesting fact about yourself :)

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

    In my teen years, I spent a lot of time roller skating. I mean, not only casually, but also learning to do advanced stuff like slalom, slides, jumps. I miss it very much and would love to get back to it again some day.

    I also spend a lot of my free time practicing artistic whistling. I enjoy whistling pretty much, and often try to whistle my favorite songs. People even recognize them sometimes :)

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

    Funny how 100 questions about math and advice are rated higher that this

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

How do you see the future of CP, say next 10 years?

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

    I have no idea :)

    Since I started, it changed quite a lot, and especially in Codeforces there was a great focus shift away from problems, in which the difficulty comes mostly from the complexity of implementation or from using some advanced techniques. To be honest, I don't think this change is good, but there seem to be a consensus that it is, so I'm not really in the place to complain. Maybe something else will get in the trends, and something will get outdated, who knows?

    At least it doesn't look like it will go extinct any time soon, and that's good :)

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

I can see your profile photo with headphones. Do you like listening to music? Do you do this during the contests?

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

    Sure, I like. As of lately, I most often listen to music from anime (mostly openings/endings) and covers on them. I typically do not listen to music during contests, and when I tried, I feel like it rather distracted me than helped to focus.

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

What motivates you to write the mathematical blogs that you do? I enjoy these blogs very much, but they must take quite some effort to write in that manner. Have you written a book? If you haven't, do you plan to? And I am currently interested in reading more about generating functions. I have read generatingfunctionology, can you give more suggestions?

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

    I'm just doing what I like. Also, whenever I'm learning something new, writing it down in my own words and approaches helps me a lot with understanding and remembering it. I have not written a book, and I'm uncertain whether it would be a worthwhile endeavor. I don't have plans on writing a book as of now.

    For generating functions, I got introduction from this course, but it is in Russian. Besides that, I read a lot about it on Wikipedia, and... That's mostly it? You can read my blog on combinatorial species, if you feel like it :)

    For something more advanced, you can read my blogs about Polya enumeration theorem, generating functions for digraphs and Dirichlet series. There is also a nice publication about asymmetric structures.

    → Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -29 Vote: I do not like it

Come on Barbie, let's go party

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

Would you fight early-morning-dreams in a boxing match, with the proceeds going to charity?

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

Best JS framework?

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

How would I be able to solve C and D in Div 2 Contests? How do I conquer the fear and anxiety of doing not so good in contests?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it
    1. Read the problem statement.
    2. Think a lot about the problem.
    3. Solve.

    Sorry, I can't provide any more specific advice here. As for fear and anxiety, you can try participating virtually until you're confident enough in what you can. Or you can purposefully push yourself to do what you're afraid of, until you notice that it doesn't matter that much anymore. Of course, it's easier said than done, but it's a psychological block, so you need to take effort and struggle to overcome it.

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

Are you good in math in the beginning of cp

→ Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it
  • Can you Guide me with the problem I face while giving the contest? I can solve DIV2C most of the time while practising outside of the contest; however, solving some might take time. Still, in the actual contest, I could not build the intuition of DIV2C very fast, resulting in being unable to solve the problem(Most of the time). So what should I do to overcome this problem?
  • Also, according to you, what is essential in a contest to reach an expert, fast solving DIV2C or solving DIV2D but very slowly?
→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it
    1. Solve more problems.
    2. Both are important. You need to solve Div2C quickly, so you have enough spare time to solve Div2D slowly ;)
    → Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

How to get into problemsetting and testing, any particular tips or resources which can help?

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

Do you have a job, if yes how are you maintaining the balance between job tasks and competitive programming, i know coming up with mathy problem takes time and energy

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

What minimum rating do you think a normal person can achieve if they have infinite time to practice?

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

    2400+ looks pretty achievable. Didn't test much further yet.

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

How did you come up with your handle?

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

    When I was a really young kid, I saw a jewelry store named this way. Then I used this name for my overpowered almighty imaginary character. Then I used this as a nickname for myself, because... Why not?

    By the way, when this nickname is taken, I sometimes use "melfice" instead, after a character from one of my favorite games Grandia 2. It's shameful to admit, but I even used melfice to cheat in my earliest Codeforces rounds ;_;

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

Would you want to learn Topos Theory (the logic side)?

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

    I don't really know what that is (despite suggesting people to follow set theory axioms from there here), so I don't have enough context to tell whether it would be of interest to me in the future.

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

When I try to solve OI problems (i.e. the problems with subtasks), I typically can't do anything more than simple bruteforce, even if the problem is easy enough for me. I don't have this problem on Codeforces though.

Can you tell why this is so, and how I can get out of this?

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

    I can't really, I rarely participate in contests with such problems. But the advice here is still pretty generic: Solve more problems, and learn how to solve the sub-tasks of the existing ones. Try to see the patterns. You'll get it eventually.

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

What changed between hitting red for the first time and hitting red now?

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

    Well now, what do we count as for the first time... Younger folks might not know it, but 2400 was not always the threshold for being red, as evident from this blog from Nov. 2011. So, from Nov. 2011 to Oct. 2015 the threshold was on 2200, and I actually reached red for the first time in April 2015. After that, only in March 2019 I reached the new bar of 2400+. So, the excitement fades away a bit when you get it several times, and then fail to secure it.

    Speaking of what changed, I have much less free time and mental resources to practice and improve now, but at least it's nice to know that I'm still able to keep some bar, especially given that getting red today is arguably harder than it was back then, or at the very least requires different skill set and abilities.

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

What is your favourite anime? And why is it madoka magica?

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

    It is not madoka magica. I have a bit outdated anime list here. I think, Angel Beats is still my favorite.

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

What are you working on in Google (roughly speaking)? Is it somehow similar to CP or that "abstract nonsense" you write so much about? Do you enjoy your work? Also, writing blogs like yours seems to require decent amount of effort and time, not to mention maintaining high rating. How do you manage to do this, isn't it overwhelming and tiring?

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

    I work as a Software Engineer in ChromeOS Commercial Third-Party Ops, the team that focuses on providing authentication for third-party identity users. I also work on CP-Algorithms as my 20% project within Google. I would prefer not to disclose further details, but besides 20% project, my work at Google does not entail as much of (or any at all) "abstract nonsense" as I'd like it to have.

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

      Does this mean Google owns cp-algorithms?

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

        No, as far as I know, it doesn't. It's more of a coincidence that I'm also a maintainer of CP-Algorithms now, but it would count as 20% project as well if I was just an individual contributor writing articles for the resource.

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

          That's really cool! Do you know of many other CPers who use their 20% (or similar) time to work on CP-related stuff?

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

            I think a lot of people worked on Code Jam, well, before it was discontinued. I don't really know of anything besides that.

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

Can you rate my profile and give me advice that suits my level

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

    Not really. Keep on practice and solve more problems :)

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

when was the last time you were high on weed :)

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

    I wasn't ever high on weed, or any substance for the matter.

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

What changes would you do if you become admin of codeforces ?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +43 Vote: I do not like it

    Uhh, I hope I won't get too much hate me for writing this :)

    1. Allow fully text based CF EDU. I still haven't released my EDU course there mostly because filming is hard ;_;
    2. More functional and transparent APIs for third-party apps and scripts.
    3. Option to undo upvote/downvote.
    4. Rated educational rounds.
    → Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What is your Erdős number?

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

    Infinity. Basically, I don't have any published research papers.

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

      Didn't you do eertree with rubinchik?

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

        Not really. I was just ending school by the time he invented it. We discussed the eertree a lot at that time, but I was not a co-author, and I don't think I have any meaningful contribution to his publications, except for maybe C++ implementation? Hard to remember by now.

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

I have 3 question

1 -> whats your internal and external view about tourist ( Gennady ) in personal and professional life

2-> How do you got the offer from google and what you do in google (mean which project you are working on )

3-> who is the highest rated coder you ever talk on Codeforces : )

please tell honestly : )

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +35 Vote: I do not like it
    1. Apparently he's a strong ping pong player :)
    2. I applied on careers website, and passed a total of 7 interviews or so. See here for more details.
    3. I talked to Um_nik in person. I once stood next to a person talking to tourist, but it probably doesn't count.
    → Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

I am not able to solve 1500+ rated problems. Also I am badly struggling in DP. Can u tell me how to conquer this ?

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

Congratulations on your achievements) Btw, could you please decipher the abbreviation AMA?

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

what's your age? at what age u have stated cp?

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

    I'm 27 now. I started around the time I was 14.

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

      Nice can you tell me how did u started cp? and how to became good at cp?

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

Quote of the day?

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

    "To those who can hear me, I say — do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed — the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish…" — Charlie Chaplin, The Great Dictator.

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

When will osijek 2 exist

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

    We actually plan it for this September! Just waiting for some confirmations from sponsors before announcing.

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

      can i problemset

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

      Why do you plan to organize the camp in the summer? A lot of teams are going to have at least one person doing internship/working full time.

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        10 months ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +2 Vote: I do not like it

        A lot of existing camps are conducted twice a year, including Petrozavodsk. We feel like conducting a camp in September might be a better timing because:

        • It's closer to ICPC finals this November and might be of more help to those who prepare for it.
        • The weather conditions in Osijek are arguably better than in winter time.
        • It is less likely to have an intersection with European ICPC regional contest (in winter, we had an unfortunate intersection with SWERC).
        • Our sponsors can offer more hiring opportunities for participants, as hiring for internships were already closed during the winter camp.

        Overall, of course it's still up to individual teams whether they would like to attend. When I had an internship in Google in 2018, I took a vacation to participate in summer Petrozavodsk camp, and I plan to take a vacation to organize the camp this September. Perhaps, it could be an option for those working too?

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

how to become strong in maths and logical thinking

means what is the good way to practice these to become good at this

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

@adamant how many problem should I solve per day on codeforces to reach good ratings like candidate masater?

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

    I don't know! Best way to learn is increase until you reach them. Then share the numbers that worked for you :)

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

How do you become Grandmaster adamant??

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

Have you ever considered doing a PhD?

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

    Kind of. It's a difficult option to pursue, as in most places it seems that I'd need to do Master's first. It would also require a significant pay cut for few years, and I'm not sure I'd be able to sustain it.

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

windows or linux?

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

What are your thoughts on Codeforces rating algorithm? Also which round structure do you prefer(6 problems / round)?

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

I see posts on how to become a problem setter eligibility as 2100? What is the eligibility for problem tester and editorialist?

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

Is there a case where plagiarism checker goes wrong banning users although the user didn't do anything in wrong? Can we approach anyone to get back the account?

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

When are you going to author your next Codeforces contest?

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

    I don't know, in few years maybe? Generally, I need to come up with some new ideas, but I enjoy ICPC style contests more, so it's more likely that such ideas would be used for some Osijek contests.

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

what are the things involved in round preparation? How long does it take to prepare a round and schedule a round?

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

Have u ever solved a contest on robocontest.uz? Is the site accessible within your country?

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

How good is your math knowledge compared to an LGM?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

    It might greatly vary from one LGM to another? Um_nik almost takes pride in not knowing standard things, but people like Endagorion or hos.lyric are obviously much more knowledgable than I am. I think I currently just barely catching up with what was standard for them years ago.

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

How do you approach reading books, specifically mathematics, and how you grasp the intuition behind a rigor based book?

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

    I don't read books all that much. But, generally, when I read technical texts, I often stop to re-assess the situation. It is very important for me that the narrative makes sense, and is motivated. I really hate it when I see that results just comes out of nowhere, and then is just proven using some clever tricks. It disrupts the narrative heavily.

    So, in this case, if it is possible, I try to either fill in the gaps myself (i.e., think more about the premises and the results, and try to understand, how you could systematically reach the result if you only knew the premises). Or I'll try to look for resources that have a narrative that better fit my needs.

    All in all, I feel like published texts are quite often only concerned about delivering the result in any possible way, while not caring that much about making their explanation concise and simple, even when it is possible. So, for me personally, the best way to get the needed narrative is quite often to read the definitions, and maybe formulations of some theorems/lemmas and try to derive them on my own.

    I think, it's somewhat similar to Moore's method in its nature, maybe not as extreme as the original one was though.

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

Will your next blog be about modular forms? :)

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

    Hehe, who knows, maybe? :)

    I still know too little about them, though the recent results that I've seen are astonishing :)

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

Give me some guidance to reach CM in next 2-3 months.Whatever it takes i can it pay off!!

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

1) What city do you live in now?

2)Bredor Is this your fake account? or if not, do you know his real name?

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    10 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it
    1. Berlin.
    2. It's not my account. I do know whose account it is.
    → Reply
»
10 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Do you do (or planning to do) a scientific work? I mean make phd or something like that.

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

How old are you

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

What are your future plans and what particular areas of technology interest you?

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

Do you only do codeforces or any other platforms?

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

    I updated my clist profile with my programming competitions presence. I'd say that at the moment I'm only somewhat active on Codeforces, Projecteuler and Library Checker.

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

How much total problems you have solved across all platforms you use?

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

how do you solve problems for practice according to rating wise or something else??

and if you solve rating wise, then while moving to next rated problems, have you ever felt that these problems are too difficult, if yes what will you do in that situation??

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

    I don't really solve problems with a goal of practice anymore. For Timus, I was solving all problems in order of increasing estimated difficulty, but it only works if "cakewalk" problems end soon enough. I would expect that it doesn't make much sense for Codeforces. I know that there is "gitgud" command on TLE Discord server, maybe it could be of use to recommend appropriate problems?

    If the problem seems too difficult, you may either skip it for now and return when you feel stronger, or consult editorial. Generally, if the problem requires some advanced knowledge, you're better off just reading the editorial, otherwise it's better to return to it later. You may ask somebody who already solved it, or who's significantly better in competitive programming than you are, whether the problem requires advanced knowledge or not.

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

What do you recommend to decrease debug time and avoid edge cases? I solve a lot of problems daily but it almost always takes 2-3 wrong answers before I get it.Also, are there any resources you like to stress test?

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

    I really don't have any suggestions beyond code inspection and stress-testing. Observation skills improve over time, so it should take less time eventually, as you internalize common edge patterns, especially if you put effort into it. I don't use any specific for stress-testing, usually I do something ad hoc, like changing places where I should have input to something random.

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

      Thank you so much! Also could I ask how to study maths for cp? I know the theory but solving maths problems always takes a ton of time for me...

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

        Practice more, solve more problems. Whenever you encounter a new math concept in an editorial, make sure to learn it thoroughly and practice on few related problems. I don't really know how to do it in a systematic way, and if it makes sense at all. For somewhat standard advanced things, I also think problems from Library Checker aggregate them pretty well.

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

          Woooow, I didn't know about that website at all... Thank you so much... One last thing, as I was unaware of the website you mentioned, I would really appreciate it if you mentioned some more good online judges and archives, besides the most common ones i.e CF,Atcoder,USACO,CSES...

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

please review my profile and give me some advice , I want to reach Expert by the end of this year or at least Specialist! Am I doing somthing wrong? or I am on the right path !, I am mostly solving 1000 rated problems right now, I would say 50 % of the time I am able solve those problems on my own.currently, I am in the middle of exams in my collge, that is why my graph looks a little bit irregular.

→ Reply
»
8 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -11 Vote: I do not like it

can you upvote me?I wanna more upvote

→ Reply