Lately I have been doing a lot of coding. And surprisingly, it has not been at work. Earlier, there was Bitwise 2k5 organized by IITKgp, and then there was the contest of all contests - Google Code Jam, the India edition.
Having spent a lot of time coding during the days leading upto the Bitwise2k5, one would have thought I would have gained considerable amount of expertise to code quickly and correctly. That did not happen. I failed miserably at Bitwise.
Then, having spent a significant number of hours logged onto the topcoder site to practise for Google code jam, one would have placed a high bet on my qualifying through to the next round. But, that too did not happen.
My motivation to take part in these competitions was to assess my coding skills, although I would be lying if I say that money was not an important factor in both the cases. After having failed in both the events, I have to now concentrate anew on my coding skills and have to improve my thinking, designing, coding, and running time.
I have understood in my last seven months in the Industry that coding correctly is not good enough, the speed and efficiency plays an important role if one desires to advance up the corporate ladder quickly.
I am looking out for suggestions to achieve these goals as of now. If anyone has any important tips to give, please do so. It will be kind of him/her.
