Problem classifier or random selection of problems

[mohit_verma]

hi all,
i am a novice programmer on SPOJ. After solving a few problems i got stuck at the point:

should i go for problem classifier? (means: it is almost impossible to first learn all algorithms and then go for coding by selecting the problems randomly . so using problem classifier i can select problems related to a topic and start coding with some pre knowledge of data structures. But the problem is , i personally think that this way coding does not develop the general coding skills coz half of our thinking gets cut down by looking at data structures and category of the problem.)

second choice is : randomly or in some order select the problems and start developing algorithms and code them first identifying category then by looking into deeps ,go for coding. But this may somewhat mislead or sometimes increase the frustration level so high and obviously gonna take much much time for good ranking.

what approach should i follow? Each one has advantages/disadvantages (i personally think so)
please guide me.

[disillusioned_sof]

You should use all the tools available, along with being thankful to their authors.
We humans develop by learning from others, so use these tools, use the codes
available over the net, and just keep in mind that if you are "cheating" it is just
your own fun that is at stake. Frustration is part of the game, but you'll see how
your skills improve with practice. Commitment means that you don't quit when
things get tough.
Welcome to SPOJ (and UVa).

[system]

Here is a better idea... pick someone as your target whom you think to be same level as yours.. like, your programmer friends.. Now, go on their solve list, and see if you can solve them ( so that, you know you should be able to solve that, and in the same time, you don't know the category). Eventually you will move on to stronger opponents like in other games..

And for the hints... at first it may seem to be spoiling.. but if you really want to reach a stage from where you could randomly try problems... you must go through some guided practice.. this helps in the long run..

So I would suggest, go category wise in UVa, follow some friend on SPOJ, USACO is already guided, you dont have options there but to follow their sequence.

Happy solving

[honey_sof]

You can use this http://ahmed-aly.com/UVaAndSPOJ/Categories.jsp.Practicing through category is better way than practicing randomly.Although this list contain many topics which are rarely seen in contest, therefore I recommend you to first practice on important topics namely Graph theory, Dynamic programming, Math and number theory, Data structure.And last but not the least "Never leave or switch the topic when it becomes complex or hard".

Happy Coding.......

[disillusioned_sof]

So Hasan has answered my question: one can't hop right onto a Gold problem in USACO? Meaning: if I feel like I want to try out this specific gold problem,
I should go all the way up to it? It was long since I quit usaco practice, was it due to strange code submitting interface...

[leppyr64]

At USACO you can "practice" on the contests that are currently listed in the contest gate. The practice gate is guided.

ace.delos.com/ioigate