How do you select the best algorithm contests for your skills and goals?

If you are interested in improving your algorithm skills, participating in algorithm contests can be a great way to challenge yourself, learn from others, and have fun. However, there are many different types of algorithm contests out there, and choosing the best ones for your skills and goals can be tricky. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to select the best algorithm contests for your needs.

1 Know your level

Before you enter any algorithm contest, you should have a realistic assessment of your current level of algorithm skills. You can use online platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codeforces to practice and measure your skills on various topics, such as data structures, sorting, searching, dynamic programming, graph theory, and more. You can also take online courses or read books to learn the basics and advanced concepts of algorithms. Knowing your level will help you avoid contests that are too easy or too hard for you, and find contests that match your learning pace and challenge you appropriately.

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Axel Hansson

Head of SEO at Viseo AB
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Start small: If you're a beginner, there's no shame in starting with beginner-level contests. The goal is to learn and improve, not to get discouraged. Track progress: Check your progress often. Some websites show where you need more practice, like in data things or dynamic tasks. Seek feedback: Engage with the community. Share your solutions and ask for reviews. You'll be surprised how much you can learn from someone else's perspective on a problem you both tackled. Set milestones: Have clear, incremental goals. Make simple step-by-step goals. Like, maybe you want to be good at dynamic tasks first, then learn graph things. Setting steps help you learn in order.

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2 Know your goal

Another factor to consider when choosing an algorithm contest is your goal. What do you want to achieve by participating in the contest? Do you want to learn new skills, improve your existing skills, prepare for interviews, compete with others, or just have fun? Depending on your goal, you may prefer different types of contests. For example, if you want to learn new skills, you may look for contests that offer tutorials, feedback, or explanations for the problems. If you want to improve your existing skills, you may look for contests that cover the topics that you are weak at or want to master. If you want to prepare for interviews, you may look for contests that simulate real-world scenarios or test your problem-solving and coding abilities. If you want to compete with others, you may look for contests that have leaderboards, rankings, or prizes. If you want to have fun, you may look for contests that have interesting or creative problems, themes, or formats.

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Axel Hansson

Head of SEO at Viseo AB
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Why you join contests? Want learn new things or get better at old ones? For job interviews? For compete and see rank? Or just for fun? Your end-game will help you set your goal. If you want to learn something new? Find contests with lessons and feedback. To get better? Choose contest with topics you weak at. For job preparations? Choose contests that feel like real job tasks. To compete? Join contests with leaderboards. It really depends on what you want to achieve.

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3 Know your options

Once you have a clear idea of your level and goal, you can start exploring the different options of algorithm contests that are available online. There are many websites that host regular or occasional algorithm contests, such as Codeforces, Topcoder, CodeChef, HackerEarth, Google Code Jam, Facebook Hacker Cup, and more. Each website has its own style, difficulty, duration, frequency, and rules for the contests. You can browse the websites and check the past or upcoming contests to see what they offer and how they suit your preferences. You can also read the reviews, comments, or blogs of other participants to get a sense of the quality and experience of the contests. You can also join online communities or forums where you can ask questions, get recommendations, or share your opinions about the contests.

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4 Know your schedule

Another aspect to consider when choosing an algorithm contest is your schedule. You should check the date, time, and duration of the contest and see if it fits your availability and convenience. You should also consider the time zone differences, the registration deadlines, and the submission requirements of the contest. You should plan ahead and set aside enough time to prepare, participate, and review the contest. You should also avoid overlapping or conflicting with other contests, events, or commitments that you have. You should also balance your time and energy between the contests and your other activities, such as work, study, or leisure.

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5 Know your limits

Finally, you should know your limits when choosing an algorithm contest. You should not enter too many contests or too frequently, as this may cause burnout, stress, or frustration. You should also not enter contests that are way beyond your level or goal, as this may cause discouragement, anxiety, or boredom. You should also not enter contests that are not aligned with your interests, values, or ethics, as this may cause dissatisfaction, resentment, or guilt. You should choose the contests that are challenging but achievable, rewarding but not addictive, and enjoyable but not obsessive.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you select the best algorithm contests for your skills and goals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your level

2 Know your goal

3 Know your options

4 Know your schedule

5 Know your limits

6 Here’s what else to consider

Algorithms

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How do you select the best algorithm contests for your skills and goals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your level

2 Know your goal

3 Know your options

4 Know your schedule

5 Know your limits

6 Here’s what else to consider

Algorithms

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