Playing with Puzzles

Puzzles come in all kinds of forms, ranging from simple to complex. With the variety of puzzles available, they can be solved with various techniques. A lot of puzzles can be solved by computers and that’s where coding competitions come in. In just a few weeks, registration opens for Google Kickstart - a reputed, global coding competition.

Google describes the contest as "...a variety of algorithmic challenges, all developed by Google engineers so that you get a taste of the technical skills needed for a career at

Google (the top competitors from our Kick Start rounds may be invited to interview at Google!)." This competition is a great introduction for anyone interested in diving into the world of competitive programming.

For those who aren't familiar with the competitive programming, its mental sport where contestants aim to solve algorithmic puzzles using computer programs. When competing in a contest like Google Kickstart, it is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueNT-w7Oluw

more than just programming. It is inventively manipulating and playing with the given puzzle in order to develop an algorithm.

William Lin, a winner of many Google Kickstart rounds, elaborates on Competitive Programming in the video above. In addition to the critical thinking skills gained from this mental sport, he mentions that

I just love the feeling of satisfaction when I paste together the final part of a problem ... during contests I love the rush of adrenaline as I race [against] time to innovate solutions for the problems

To get your own competitive journey started, register for Google Kickstart in just a few weeks!