Team Name: doctorwho
Team Members: Rahul Sunil Purohit & Abhra Dasgupta
Institution/Organization: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
SnackDown 2015 Rank: Indian 25
Q. CodeChef: When did you start coding and how did you learn?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: I came to know about competitive coding and online judges in August 2013 from fellow batch-mate. I started doing it from Nov 2013. I gave much efforts after completion of first year of M.Tech i.e from June 2014.
Abhra Dasgupta: I have been coding since 2012. I mainly started practicing on SPOJ and that is when I learnt a few things, but I also a lot from the profs here at IIT Kanpur.
Q. CodeChef: Could you name and share your first programming contest experience?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: It was IITK Weekly Coding Competition. I used to code in Turbo C prior to this and was not aware of C++ or gcc compiler. I write code for easy problem and it was working fine on my machine but was not acceptable on judge. I was ashamed to asked anyone why it is not working. I tried for four hours. After contest I asked my friend which editor he used to code and then I came to know about my mistake. It was much embarrassing moment. But now its one of funny moments.
Abhra Dasgupta: First programming contest was at the tech-fest of some college. Now when I look back at it, I could see myself struggling on easy problems and writing unclean long codes. But still it was fun. 🙂
Q. CodeChef: How often do you code on any given day & weekend?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: Six months before I used to code 3 hours a day. Now I occasionally participate in contests.
Abhra Dasgupta: I code anytime I get bored or feel like doing so. Problem solving is fun.
Q. CodeChef: What was the biggest hurdle on your road to where you are today?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: I guess not having awareness till my M.Tech was biggest drawback. But, as one says you can never rely on ifs and then in life. It was most amazing journey till this time. Thanks to CodeChef for wonderful contest, problems and editorials.
Abhra Dasgupta: Holding on to hope when initially nothing or a very few things used to get solved.
Q. CodeChef: What do you think biggest mistake competitive programmers make?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: According to me, its sports and one excels with practice. People think about it as talent but its skill.
Abhra Dasgupta: Over confidence. Not reading the problem properly.
Q. CodeChef: What programming language do you use and why?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: C++. Its the one which I know 😛
Abhra Dasgupta: C++. Fast language and easier to to code using STL.
Q. CodeChef: What advice do you have for other competitive programmers?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: Compete, compete and compete. Make your juniors aware of competitive programming and just share your experiences with them, motivate them to do coding. That’s the way to bring India at Top in ICPC and other programming contests.
Abhra Dasgupta: Just keep practicing. Practice is the ultimate key to success.
Q. CodeChef: What do you like the most about CodeChef? and what would you don’t like in it?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: I like mostly the simple user interface. I love long contests. Those are the way to excel and think on some really cool problems.
Abhra Dasgupta: I really love the regular contest and professionalism in preparing and conducting them. I really dislike the frequently crashing platform during contests. 😛
Q. CodeChef: What factors do you believe help you win?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: Our team work I must say. We are very good as a Team.
Abhra Dasgupta: Persistence and perseverance.
Q. CodeChef: What motivates you to compete?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: Well its recognition you get. But man that awesome feeling when you see green tick on screen after much hard-work. That feeling drives me to keyboard.
Abhra Dasgupta: Passion and love for algorithms.
Q. CodeChef: Where do you see yourself 5 years down the line?
Rahul Sunil Purohit: Not sure about place but wherever I will be, I will still be having my learning cap on.
Abhra Dasgupta: As a founder of a successful start-up or working somewhere where I really enjoy working and climbing the ladders of success.
That, ladies & gentlemen is Team doctorwho you. We thoroughly enjoyed their responses and hope you did too.
We will be back soon, so keep watching this space.
Regards,
Rudreshwar
Team CodeChef
