Starting Competitive Programming - Steps and Mistakes

[@IcyPlane]

This guy is the one who replies to all queries in stack overflow

[@Qrzychu92]

nah, this has NOTHING to do with the things people ask on SO. Zero, nada

[@IcyPlane]

@@Qrzychu92 get a life bruh

[@randomvids3686]

You're the guy who copies other's comments

[@pradipsiwakoti9352]

@@Qrzychu92 r/ihavereddit

[@pradipsiwakoti9352]

@@Qrzychu92 r/wooosh

[@teomeyerhoff885]

This kid is hella smart and wise beyond his years. More importantly he is a nice guy. Respect and subscribed.

[@samkarpa4937]

Kinda Asian man

[@summers2291]

How old is he...

[@akhil2294]

@@summers2291 18

[@SaMi-qd8iw]

Okey buddy let me clear smtng for ya First , being smart is not a pure talent that u are born with U need to work on it, the more u work hard the better u get and u seems smart for others For example if u take the smartest human being in the world and u show him a new problem that he never seen or he never did smtng similar , his answer will be i can’t answer . Why!! Because being smart doesn’t mean u can do things extraordinary in matter of fact being smart is working hard , learn faster , improvise, and keep fighting no matter what

[@SaMi-qd8iw]

Second and last, a smart person is hard worker , never tap out always keep struggling until u get better and at this moment u will be smarter, more wiser and creative. So , we all need to start from a certain point or level , but it’s never too late , knowledge is a powerful weapon indeed, but use it wisely when u get it , my dear friend !

[@poorgang]

Since you have started doing tutorials/guides, can you do a video on ‘how to read a problem properly and remove the unused part during a contest?’

[@babysos5340]

This!

[@cocoarecords]

@@babysos5340 this

[@abidhasan1665]

Badly need this. Can't even understand the fucken problem nor how to read it.

[@poorgang]

Codeforces contest often have very long problem statement and I have seen William spending so little time on it. So I believe there’s an approach/faster way to do this. Do you guys agree?

[@supriyjinturkar7477]

+1

[@namnguyen7153]

The last mistake is probably the most common mindset of Asian parents. Figuring that out by yourself at such a young age makes you a very good learner! Keep up the good work dude.

[@pauldayonghuang9284]

Twenty years in software/internet industry, this gets my vote for the best intro programming video for 2020/2021. Every new programmer/engineer should watch this.

[@realdealholyfield9616]

Where do you work now

[@nursultannazarov8379]

in McDonalds@@realdealholyfield9616

[@wilxa]

So true

[@debadiptobiswas5611]

So glad that you mentioned that we do need *maths* in programming. Some of the pseudo programming channels on youtube often misguides the beginners. They make it feel like CS is a liberal arts subject.

[@abdopower5913]

you need logic more then maths and that depend on what do you want from programming if make websites and plugins u don't need to be good at math but u have to get some logic to solve problems, but if u want make games u actually need some advance math

[@yomanraj2]

@@abdopower5913 here the context is cp !

[@RAJPATEL-nm9nz]

@@abdopower5913 as you go in higher levels problems they involves more and more maths.

[@CapeSkill]

@@RAJPATEL-nm9nz in terms of CP yes, in terms of SE or web development no.

[@CapeSkill]

these channels arent competitive programming channels, they're usually focused on SE or WD. And they're right in those fields you don't need math, you need logic. In CP context, yes you need alot of math.

[@lefrutit228]

"You need to be able to understand English", - said William in English

[@tmwilliamlin168]

For people who are watching the subtitles and translating everything I guess. Also, "You need to be able to understand English" is a simple sentence compared to other sentences that people might see in articles.

[@linuxboro2541]

Nani!?

[@LesterFD]

people are happy if they feel like they found any little mistake in explanations of people who teach them. It's the fun for the little minds

[@lefrutit228]

@@LesterFD my condolences to your sense of humor:/ it just sounds funny, I didn't want to "correct" William. Actually, it wasn't even a mistake, lol

[@தமிழோன்]

William is right. The questions in the competitive programs are typically written in technical English which can be very challenging for non-native speakers to understand.

[@km5116]

This guy is spot on. I'm almost finished with my undergrad degree in computer science, yet competitive programming is a challenge if you're new to the idea of it, even with years of classes in cs. This is a great video William, keep it up!

[@saketpatil1306]

Actually I'll be entering first year next month, can I please ask u some doubts🙏. Please drop ur insta id.

[@rohitpal7739]

Thanks 😄its like with you and errichto I can really ace up in competitive programming

[@lawrenceliu401]

Im doing the same! Its like we are the same person

[@vaibhavsingh4108]

ya we all are same ....

[@angiras07]

Include me too

[@jakoolaboo]

Me too

[@buddinglearner7085]

So many indians

[@vedhasbalaji7648]

person woman man camera tv

[@martinprochazka3714]

That's weird, in my experience people who mastered their field are literally desperate to share their knowledge... Can you back your claim with some numbers?

[@rafvissersraf]

@@martinprochazka3714 might not be completely relevant but poker players are a good example of people keeping knowledge to themselves

[@martinprochazka3714]

@@rafvissersraf I have no idea, never talked to a poker player. I was mainly refering to science community.

[@waynegreen7970]

@@martinprochazka3714 I can speculate what Vedhas means. I think he is complimenting William on his ability to remove ambiguity and to have a message that resonates with beginners. Granted, many people who have mastered their field try fervently to share knowledge, but many of these masters are not optimally effective when sharing this knowledge. Sometimes, this ineffectiveness in teaching can be misconstrued as hoarding knowledge or not willing to share. It is a rare gift for someone to reach the top of their field AND be a good teacher. I can give a few examples in the sports world. Michael Jordan, who some consider the greatest basketball player that ever lived was not a good coach or teacher. He was a below-average coach and teacher. He tried, but he gave it up because he was not effective. Wayne Gretsky, who some consider the greatest hockey player that ever lived was also a below-average coach and teacher. Further, I am not putting William Lin on the level of these sports legends, but I have watched a few dozen videos over the years on how to get into competitive programming and now, in April 2020, I feel like I have found a message that resonates.

[@hanseldsilva2393]

@@waynegreen7970 Wow that makes much sense thanks

[@dHue_52]

Thanks so much for this! I'm working on my CS degree right now and I can attest to the fact that most of the CS courses you take in college are not focused on teaching you algorithms that will help you in coding interviews and CP. These classes are meant to get you comfortable with your first few coding languages and teach you problem solving and design techniques, NOT how to pass a coding interview. You're a legend and honestly someone I look up to!

[@yesyes9698]

Did you graduate?

[@dHue_52]

@@yesyes9698 I'm in my final semester. I'll graduate in May.

[@Azizam-j3c]

@@dHue_52Any advices? I still have a year left to get the degree

[@mlcs]

Because these algorithms are mostly useless

[@dHue_52]

@@mlcs fair point.

[@cybermats2004]

I dont want to start Competitive Programming, I dont even Program. I just watch this Video because I like you

[@davidakoji3696]

show me some love too🤗🤗

[@vijiyanttanaji9800]

Start it you may like it. OR Stop wasting your life.

[@jiganeshpatil1472]

Ohhh please,😑

[@clipit4503]

@@vijiyanttanaji9800 Let her/he do what she likes

[@grizzledwarveteran2321]

Clip It! Nah be practical. Speak truth Vijiyant!

[@jamesyoo67]

Thanks William. You're a blessing to the community.

[@ayushdwivedi6892]

Coincidentally, one of my friends just asked me about how to begin CP and I had just seen this video of yours... Thanks for saving my energy man!!

[@feelsdankman211]

I also started producing CP but I don't see how that correlates with this video?

[@chris.2301]

@@feelsdankman211 Oh my...

[@xbaphomet0136]

most honest video on how to get better at competitive programming

[@km5116]

The point you made about comparing yourself to others is so important. I used to do this when surrounded by people who had years of exposure to cs above my own, and I would feel so dumb and helpless. It takes so much time to really rewire your brain and think differently in order to be a successful computer scientist. Be patient and kind to yourself. It will pay off and there's no need to be down on it. And remember, repetition is the mother of skill, so always practice coding when you can, even if its just for a few minutes when you can, or watching some videos about cs, it all helps! Sooner than you would think, you'll be writing programs that will impress you!

[@slavii5772]

Hahahaha,I just noticed that you are already at 27.7k subscribers and that’s so strange,I remember when you were at

[@kunalarora3885]

What a lovely video, i was looking for a book/guide for so long and this fantastic dude just single handedly gave me all the resources. Thank you so much

[@Hockey-qe1fu]

You literally answered all my questions and gave great resources in one video - thanks man

[@billionaireno1]

Dude this is actually the most helpful video ever. Keep it up man!

[@vancedstone]

These videos are actually really helpful! Thank you William!

[@klaus26]

Thanks so much, I've been sad bacause some of my friends improve so fast, for me is a little difficult, but lately my performance has been so good, because now I just compare wiht myself in order to overcome my own difficulties, I think that was one of the mistakes, I used to compare with others.

[@anciea]

I've done that

[@vijinvincent3210]

He really tried his best to make us laugh and actually he did though.

[@legendarytwister3656]

Lin, I watch your videos and I have to say that I am impressed by your performance and the overall picture of you just thinking, writing and getting results. The first time I found your channel I was shoked, confused, amazed and at the same a tiny touch demotivated, because of the impression you struck to everybody by your performance. I remember just laughing at the comments which were just circling around your coding! :D I got to think I would never reach even a fraction of your level, but after a while, I got deep into learning computer science and now when I come back to watch one of the first videos that found, I see that I'm getting a considerable chunk of what you type. I'm glad that changed and that tention in me is gone. From now on I would consider working on my speed for solving problems, because I generally work quite slow, which is exceptionally bad in this field. I just want to thank you that you once just decided to record yourself solving some problems. You helped me not giving up on the thing that I enjoy doing, getting me past that "beginner" stage that I was stuck on. I hope you are doing great! Keep up the good videos when you have got the time! Peace!

[@Millicx]

I'm not one of the best competitive programmers but I can tell that after I improved my English I saw improvements on programming too, even if I knew English it was sometimes difficult to understand the problems. It also helps at learning programming in general since most of the resources are on english

[@goodgrandpa]

What a kind soul.

[@manjunathvasam4981]

I'm eagerly waiting for those "other videos"!!! Get them asap!

[@ste1ee]

Thank you very much, I just didn't know where to start. After watching this, I feel more comfortable to actually start writing code.

[@DevRightms]

Dude , you are awesome . I really love your videos and learn many tips and tricks and thought process from your videos

[@johnhammer8668]

Thanks William for taking your time to make this video.

[@sophiemcgregor2407]

Thank you for this, I am currently into Data Science, but you introduce me something really really fun. I hope to hear more from you. thanks for the videos.

[@light2371]

والله الواحد انبسط لما الراجل جاب سيرة مصطفي سعد ❤️

[@fusel]

Very interesting! Never thought about CP, but maybe I will start. Wrote CPP in University, now using JavaScript most of the time. But you are right, CPP is a fast language!

[@helloworld4788]

One of the best videos I’ve ever watched on KZbin. Thanks brother. God bless you

[@gunasekart.j3552]

Thanks for sharing the valuable information to the world and keep on sharing your experience to create overall progress in everyone's experience

[@Gary1q2]

i love the tip about not comparing yourself to others and just focusing on improving yourself. GOOD VIDEO!!!!

[@omaro758]

This kid is amazing. Definitely going places

[@sajadrezvani4230]

You are wise and not just smart, that is praiseworthy. I give you my best wishes

[@coolguyhighfive4487]

Its easy to tell that teaching comes natural to you!

[@goken-san9224]

This is actually the best way to do while prepping for coding interviews

[@pacco2012]

Why am I even watching this when I can't even use loops properly?

[@xXmayank.kumarXx]

They were also beginners once. Just start!

[@mikyhtx]

I dropped out in the 8th grade and that makes DS and algos so hard. I am a frontend dev trying to make the switch to Software Engineering. Which is a pretty easy switch, but the coding interviews are tough. I am getting better with practice, but it's hard. I am taking it one day at a time.

[@Test-dp1ib]

Menu : (0:22) 0 - English, Math, Typing. (2:20) 1 - Learning to Program. (3:35) 2 - Starting Competitive Programming. (5:46) 3 - Common Mistakes. (6:12) 3.a - Relying on college courses. (6:33) 3.b - Relying too much - 5% Rule. (7:06) 3.c - Learning too advanced techniques (7:51) 3.d - Comparing yourself with others.

[@kogarashixz]

Small typo: 3.b Reading too much. Ty for timestamps

[@fyrozdada]

Last step! Bravo to you to include in this serious video!

[@k1overmind]

As a beginner programmer in Javascript and Python, your videos are incredibly useful for us. Keep up your legendary work!

[@Kyier035]

You’ve got some years on you now , how’s the journey?

[@nursultannazarov8379]

he gave up@@Kyier035

[@ajaypanthagani5959]

Most useful video on CP I have seen so far.

[@adpadillar]

“Just watch the first 5 or 6 hours”

[@nickysterling2]

Not bad really. My normal engineering lectures are that long.

[@vijiyanttanaji9800]

This is the best beginner roadmap & explanation I've seen . thankyou

[@Montisero]

Step 1: learn English Step 2: Study Mostafa Saad's content which is in Arabic

[@premnaath-varadharajan]

better than most of the other videos on youtube about CP, keep up bro!

[@adityabalpande7742]

Hey Buddy I've qualified for the round 1A of google code jam 2020 My name is Aditya currently studying into high school from India your Videos are great..

[@monickverma2944]

which standard?

[@rocco2162]

Thank you so much for this guide I really was looking all the internet so kind of u to mention everything ☺

[@kingarth0r]

I legit just started learning programming yesterday and the youtube algorithm has already brought me here lol

[@didyoustealmyfood8729]

KZbin algorithm is also made by skilled programmers...

[@jkthetitan]

Man pls keep doing this, you are the greatest of all

[@Ali_Alhakeem]

8:45 He should've focus on the teacher instead of stalking his friend in the class lmao

[@saileshramesh8113]

Thank-you so so much William, you've achieved so much at this age, told everything that is needed to achieve it, your a legend and most importantly a person with very clean heart, subscribed and lots of love and respect.

[@keshavthakur1011]

"There is a nine hour video on the basics of cpp"

[@thiscx]

I got that lmao

[@adityahegde8184]

Just think "every pro was once a beginner" and keep doing hardwork..!!

[@wiktorsiatkowski4238]

I've just noticed that you're a member of Twice related discord XD Onces are everywhere

[@brandonhohn245]

Respect for even keeping the video below 10 mins, most people would just black screen it

[@TechWithSabri]

bro thank you so much for your time but i have a question : i'm using python for programming what do you think about it i love it and i'm in advanced level on it. because in the future i want to participate in competitions..... should i switch to c++? and why please i need your help ! thnx a lot

[@54M4R7H]

Same here, I'm leaving the comment to get notified if tmw replies

[@TechWithSabri]

Samarth R yes bro i think the language is not necessary for your programming They just need the results be in good big O() That’s all but I posted this question because he know more then us that’s all bro I wish he can help us

[@dhiraj.govindvira]

no if u very well in python and if u can handle time comp. then no need to switch.

[@TechWithSabri]

Dhiraj I think python is good for timing than c++ What do you think ?

[@54M4R7H]

@@TechWithSabri Yes your are right, but still most of the time even though the implementation is efficient, python takes longer time compared to C++, and I remember reading that online judges like Codechef will not allot extra time limit for python submission, not sure though.

[@yomiyomi3241]

THE KEYS ON HIS KEYBOARD ARE WARPED!!! That really shows how much he practices.

[@3li806]

Dude you're awesome!! Thanks for all the great resources. Lolled at the o wait thats me part

[@melogens994]

Switching to c++ for competitive programming in 2 weeks. Video helped a lot!

[@swapnildawar6426]

Yt link

[@motivationinspiritual8000]

8:30 I feel that Bruh !!

[@fahadmomin1165]

Thank you this is really helpful nobody explains this in much detail

[@ionsilviu4683]

Hey William, it will be nice to hear your story, how you started CP, how have you been practicing and how you reached your current level.

[@ManojKumar-hj7fh]

A great and a descriptive video on the basics of cp! Thank you! Keep making more videos

[@riseabovehate9476]

+Respect 1 M $ GTA song playing in the background

[@md.pialahamed8194]

this is the best guideline i have ever seen

[@eshwarpittala]

Bro, I really want to know which editor you use for C++ and your GVIM IDE setup. Please reply mate. Else could you please make a video on that?

[@marwannabileldeep4513]

I think he uses dev C++

[@Tarek_Nady]

he not do anything else that put this configuration in his vimrc pastebin.com/qMvFYGqb

[@eshwarpittala]

Bro, please tell me which IDE setup you use for C++

[@Tarek_Nady]

@@eshwarpittala I use sublime text

[@VISIBLESHADOW]

I used turbo cpp

[@gourav1163]

Well the handbook is damn too good...its not containing extra too deep stuff and its containing direct points that's exactly what I wanted TY

[@kartaLaLa]

tmw you actually don't need to buy new cloths from the store, just compete the CP for more T-Shirt XDD

[@anybody_y]

this seems like a legit move

[@iPhelio]

@@anybody_y a true gamer move

[@rajjasoliya9147]

Thanks man your one video i think solve A Huge Doubt's of Many CS beginner's Thanks for it Bro

[@itsanantsingh]

8:30 bruh...i feel u :(

[@imadvurkadinohinto]

Many Respect for this guy.

[@---ml4jd]

no need for gemotry? sorry sometimes you need it. example: find pi using random();

[@6b14yeungsinchun-8]

That's about algebra I guess

[@joshuatatmon8799]

I watched one video on this channel and subscribed.Keep up the good work.

[@user-ey9qk7bz1e]

8:30 HAHAHAHAHAH combining memes and knowledge cheers!!!

[@muhammadnuralamsyah5601]

Thanks for your effort in making these vids. Nice videos

[@genfede]

"You do need math to do CP" Me: ok guess im out

[@Cristian-xe7fj]

Trust me, even ppl that are "bad at maths" have no issues with what you need for coding

[@Ammadgameplay]

you just need basic math, not hard math!

[@argentiskyblau159]

-Cris tian- math is really important in software engineering. Calc 2 and diff. Equat. Will help you so much in programming

[@argentiskyblau159]

AmmadtheGamer math will make software engineering so much better and enjoyable unless youre gonna be a web developer or something than yea you dont need those logic skills as much

[@garvitsobti2799]

he is the best cp youtuber i have ever seen

[@tanyaarora2325]

Irony those who don't know English will also not understand what he is saying

[@briancardona344]

Thanks for give us clarity and short the steps to become a competitive developer. Greetings from Colombia. Apologies for my bad English.

[@EvilsoriHC]

Forgive me Lord for laughing when he said CP

[@chinmaydas4053]

Please sir make a comprehensive video on what is the best environment for competitive programming like what is the IDE we have to use and what is the compiler we will use for Windows and Linux.. and how to install and setup all these.. and few tricks to use these in the better ways..

[@bhargavreddy5938]

the guy is trying to be funny but can't express it LOL. Jokes apart he is a genius

[@joaopadua7134]

seeing you talking about techniques to competitive reminds me so much of when i use to study for an yearly exam to join a engeeniring "collage". those were the days

[@bruh-co8nf]

0:46 meth? I'm in

[@deepeshdragoneel3351]

Thanks for the precious advises dude, I hope i do good in competitive programming!

[@darimarchino7787]

Thank you so much!! I'm impatient to see your next videos !! ( from france )

[@paganimarker1898]

This video deserve like, great work boy.

[@Dinobunn]

That stalking friend part is actually so funny hahah. This video is very helpful. Thanks

[@vincentjonathan]

Thank you bro, this video very helpful for me in practicing CP, especially the given links

[@lovely_bean]

Thank you for this. This really helps!

[@YoleHowell]

Learning how to deploy and use basic algorithms will help you gain knowledge and make programming much easier to access.

[@knifexn]

I don’t usually like videos, but this is so well done that I had to. Thank you :)

[@megg97]

hello William you are quite an inspiration to me .I have learnt a lot from you and i wish to participate in competitive programming soon.Thanks for sharing your videos.

[@changliu9090]

Thank you very much for your advice. I'm a cs-major college student already with the whole of my time spent on daily boring exams when I was in high school. I believe it's better late than never for me.

[@dudenarima2528]

8:15 It's also possible that every next day your friend just solves and studies problems harder than he did yesterday. It's important to take more complex problems.