I have faced several instances where I wished I knew something before I started Competitive Programming.

Here's a thread compiling the things I wish I knew before starting CP.

1/6

I started CP with Python and Java. It was only sometime later I realized C++ should be the go to language for my CP journey, as the TLEs thrashed my submissions.

Though one can do wonders with Python and Java too, I just didn't want the hassle of unnecessary TLEs, at all.

2/6
When I started CP in 2019, I had no clue about CP communities run by high rated CPers. I realized their importance when I joined one, and my daily productivity boosted by a huge factor.

I ended up creating my own community after becoming CM, which now houses 14000 members.

3/6
My first 5 contests, all had negative deltas. Did that mean I was putting less effort? Maybe. Was I on the wrong track? Definitely not.

One needs to know that when they start something new, they might not have positive gains at all, as it's just the beginning.

4/6
The most common mistake people make is that they learn stuff topic-wise to implement in problem solving. The real case should be the exact opposite - Solving problems to learn stuff.

5/6
At the initial stage, problem solving is what matters, not specific topics which you're good/bad at. Doing random problem solving works wonders. I would even suggest trying out more contests in the beginning rather that focusing too much on algorithms.

6/6

More from All

The best morning routine?

Starts the night before.

9 evening habits that make all the difference:

1. Write down tomorrow's 3:3:3 plan

• 3 hours on your most important project
• 3 shorter tasks
• 3 maintenance activities

Defining a "productive day" is crucial.

Or else you'll never be at peace (even with excellent output).

Learn more


2. End the workday with a shutdown ritual

Create a short shutdown ritual (hat-tip to Cal Newport). Close your laptop, plug in the charger, spend 2 minutes tidying your desk. Then say, "shutdown."

Separating your life and work is key.

3. Journal 1 beautiful life moment

Delicious tacos, presentation you crushed, a moment of inner peace. Write it down.

Gratitude programs a mindset of abundance.

4. Lay out clothes

Get exercise clothes ready for tomorrow. Upon waking up, jump rope for 2 mins. It will activate your mind + body.

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Recently, the @CNIL issued a decision regarding the GDPR compliance of an unknown French adtech company named "Vectaury". It may seem like small fry, but the decision has potential wide-ranging impacts for Google, the IAB framework, and today's adtech. It's thread time! 👇

It's all in French, but if you're up for it you can read:
• Their blog post (lacks the most interesting details):
https://t.co/PHkDcOT1hy
• Their high-level legal decision: https://t.co/hwpiEvjodt
• The full notification: https://t.co/QQB7rfynha

I've read it so you needn't!

Vectaury was collecting geolocation data in order to create profiles (eg. people who often go to this or that type of shop) so as to power ad targeting. They operate through embedded SDKs and ad bidding, making them invisible to users.

The @CNIL notes that profiling based off of geolocation presents particular risks since it reveals people's movements and habits. As risky, the processing requires consent — this will be the heart of their assessment.

Interesting point: they justify the decision in part because of how many people COULD be targeted in this way (rather than how many have — though they note that too). Because it's on a phone, and many have phones, it is considered large-scale processing no matter what.