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Newbie learning program

Posted by have_dinner [send private reply] at July 23, 2001, 12:25:27 AM

Hey guys.. just letting you know, i've been reading through previous posts etc, and i've got some ideas that possibly could enhance everyone's enjoyment from this site.

My sugggestion is:

Each month there can be certain competitions that require a certain program to be created. There will be a general programming idea, mostly a basic one. From the idea, there could be different levels of competition. eg:- the better the programmer, the smaller the program must be(outline below).

Beginner: - program max size 1MB
Intermediate: - program max size 500kb
Advanced: - program max size 250kb

Something along those lines... that way, the challenge can be open for begginers and advanced alike. I would really like this idea to lift off from the ground as it could help everyone.

Please post any further comments on this. If you wish to contact me further my email is **have_dinner@hotmail.com**

I'm sure we would all like this. Thanks guys.

Sam

Posted by gian [send private reply] at July 23, 2001, 12:46:29 AM

Not a bad idea at all

Posted by Psion [send private reply] at July 23, 2001, 06:05:29 AM

I've been trying to see if TopCoder would run something like this. No response yet to my e-mail about it....

Posted by sphinX [send private reply] at July 24, 2001, 06:25:26 AM

Yes, let's do that. I may have a lot of head knowledge, but when it actually comes to the coding part I'm a bit of a dolt, so this would be good.

Posted by Psion [send private reply] at July 24, 2001, 07:55:47 AM

Update: There has been a response, and it looks likely that TopCoder will add another division for people under 18 or outside of the USA. I'm trying to find a way to form a partnership of some unknown extent between TPU and TC regarding cross-advertisement about contests that teens can enter. TC is at http://www.topcoder.com/

Posted by gian [send private reply] at July 24, 2001, 11:36:25 PM

Psion's got a webfriend!!!!!
* Gian pokes his tongue out.

Posted by have_dinner [send private reply] at July 25, 2001, 03:54:05 AM

mind you, this thing can not be restriced to java only... it must be open to several programming languages... as everyone has different beliefs in what is best

Posted by Psion [send private reply] at July 25, 2001, 07:40:48 AM

hd, the logistics of that make it functionally impossible. TC allows Java now (and C++ in a few weeks), and I think that is fine.

Posted by have_dinner [send private reply] at July 26, 2001, 01:21:40 AM

Ok, I'll make that a little clearer then. There is a general problem or task that is needed to be created right? well, in my opinion, this problem should be solved by the best method possible. Not JUST in Java or C++. If we give in to letting people create the programs in Java and C++ there will be a complete halt on how far we can go.

The underlying issue I'm getting at here is that when a task is solved, it should be solved by the best method with the best tools available. No one can seriously say that Java or C++ are THE BEST languages can they?
I think everyone should be able to code in whatever language they are familiar with and thus create the soloution in the best possible way.

What do you guys think?
Please, if you have any abusive comments regarding this, please direct them to my email, rather than post them here.

Sam
have_dinner@hotmail.com

Posted by gian [send private reply] at July 26, 2001, 02:24:10 AM

have_dinner: Indeed, some languages are better for different things... but in terms of judging criteria, it could cause problems.

Posted by have_dinner [send private reply] at July 26, 2001, 03:40:30 AM

I am aware that this may cause conflicts in judging. That is why I want to make the suggestion that the judges of this competition be no one else but ourselves.
Maybe there could be a set of Judges elected by the users of TPU, and with this, we must ascertain that each judge is able to work specifically in a different language, thus making a judging panel that can not be biased when judging each entry.

Posted by Psion [send private reply] at July 26, 2001, 06:13:16 AM

It sounds like you are suggesting something different than what TC offers. It is definitely a good idea that we have considered before. I would suggest starting a new thread in Suggestions to work out the details of this or any other concrete idea if you are willing to put some work into it. Just take care to come up with better challenges than those at the YouthTech Coding Microsphere. :-)

Posted by have_dinner [send private reply] at July 26, 2001, 06:41:31 AM

Psion.
I'll write up a complete listing idea and everything. And I am willing to work on this, and lead this through. I will need some support from other users but I'm sure they can find the little time required.
I will work on this for the next few days and keep the minor updates in a seperate thread.

Thread: NewCompetition

Can I request that people not post in here as I will be updating this regulary. If you wish to post replies to this please email, or add to this thread, or alternatively, create a new thread.

Regards
Sam
have_dinner@hotmail.com

Posted by gian [send private reply] at July 27, 2001, 05:46:01 PM

<bitter level="100%">I would help, but my efforts at contributing to TPU has bought me nothing but ridicule from Psion... </bitter>

Posted by taubz [send private reply] at July 27, 2001, 04:16:55 PM

That was malformed. /me hands gian a <bitter>.

Posted by gian [send private reply] at July 27, 2001, 05:45:34 PM

I'm sorry, I'll fix that for HTML 4.0 Compliance...

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