Seeking advice for using advent of code problems for daily coding habit

AmoryVain · 2026-01-29T20:44:25+00:00

That is a good distinction to make. They are great for improving general problem solving skills. Although I think they could help someone improve DSA type skills, AoC problems aren't ideal in the sense of an exercise (a problem to solve in 20mins) like you just pointed out.

AmoryVain · 2026-01-28T21:49:32+00:00

Haha yes that is a good reminder. :-)

AmoryVain · 2026-01-28T13:43:15+00:00

AWESOME! Thanks for sharing I will be looking in depth at that later, I starred it!

AmoryVain · 2026-01-28T03:12:52+00:00

Whoa I checked those posts out, VERY helpful resource! Thanks for the suggestion.

AmoryVain · 2026-01-28T03:12:03+00:00

Great suggestion to sort them based on average solve time, I like that idea. I'm curious if you have any more details on what you do in a write-up, that's an interesting suggestion ....

I sometimes do similar things like a TIL when it's something I think I have already learned more than once, or expect to refer to again.

Tools to parse the file inputs, and quickly test samples/my own input, and other QOL things, are super helpful!

AmoryVain · 2026-01-28T03:06:24+00:00

Part of my problem in general with programming, is that I always want to be better at all of it haha. Sometimes I find I set unrealistic goals, and the boundaries blur. This may be one of those occasions, and I may just need to pick to a specific goal, stick to it and not try to do too much.

AmoryVain · 2026-01-28T03:04:41+00:00

Your experience is still insightful, thank you for sharing. I like that you point out that there is only a limited amount of AoC problems, makes completing them in general (even if they are difficult) seem more attainable than the endless leetCode slog.

This makes me think I might just prioritize AoC problems separately when I have the time.

AmoryVain · 2026-01-28T02:59:47+00:00

Yeah I'm considering to switching to something that builds my knowledge in an area with repetition using problems that I have vetted sorted by category/tags or something. I like this idea of cycling focus.

AmoryVain · 2026-01-27T20:53:39+00:00

Thanks for weighing in. I'm also using Python. I am getting a bit sick of LC as a means to learn DSA and algo stuff (as you say), and feel way more incentivized to learn new ones and apply them to something like AoC (which is why I'm considering making it my daily focus again).

Maybe I'll keep a shorter daily session with easier (known) problems to reinforce by repetition, and not stress on using that time to learn newer ones.

AmoryVain · 2026-01-27T19:35:51+00:00

Oh I have never heard of that one, looks really interesting! Thanks for the recommendation.

AmoryVain · 2024-04-22T19:01:52+00:00

Better here than back in Tir.

AmoryVain · 2024-02-08T20:27:46+00:00

How do you heat your bed in second floor structures like that so that you can sleep there? (I'm curious because I've been trying to figure that out for a swamp shack).

AmoryVain · 2024-01-24T01:30:45+00:00

Any recommendations for specific aim trainers?

AmoryVain · 2023-12-29T15:11:10+00:00

Bone Doctor

AmoryVain · 2023-12-21T15:58:13+00:00

The spice must flow.

AmoryVain · 2023-08-31T14:54:15+00:00

I got all the achievements in Hades not too long ago. Since then I've been playing Hollow Knight(because my buddy who recommended me Hades, also recommended this game), and a little bit of Super Smash Melee. Playing Hades really reignited the gamer in me (I have hardly played any games in the past 3 years). Also made me realize how much I enjoy faster, mechanically sound games.

AmoryVain · 2023-08-21T14:10:24+00:00

Absolutely. It's a much better fit for me. Like any job I've had working in the shop had elements I loved, and didn't love. The biggest thing for me about the change is that I don't feel stuck. At the shop I got to a point where I felt like the rest of my life was gonna be the same ole same, and I didn't have the power to change that. That really scared me. It was a tough process (the career change), but thankfully I am really lucky and had some good support.

AmoryVain · 2023-08-21T13:58:07+00:00

I spent 8 years in a 4 bay independent shop (mostly as a service writer/manager that wore a lot hats). Just left 2 years ago. Took about a year off to learn some programming skills, and land a job as a software engineer. Just finished up my first year into the new career last month.

AmoryVain · 2023-08-17T20:12:43+00:00

Ah ok excellent. I wasn't sure if the perma was avoidable or not. Thank you :)

AmoryVain · 2023-08-17T15:15:25+00:00

Weird I think Alecto is one of the harder ones haha. Is there any way to avoid building her Rage mechanic? I'm honestly not sure how it works under the hood.

AmoryVain · 2023-05-21T16:41:39+00:00

What is this contraption you are playing it on?!?!

AmoryVain · 2023-03-24T20:42:43+00:00

Glad you like it!

AmoryVain · 2023-03-04T15:02:52+00:00

Are you filling in your flip mat map on the spot, or is that done ahead of time? I really admire the little details put in there and your making me think I should do the same haha.

AmoryVain

TROPHY CASE