concerning runtime reports in the problem comments

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boysupergenius
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 2:10 am

concerning runtime reports in the problem comments

Post by boysupergenius »

More than half of the user comments for each problem list the runtime that their program achieved. Sometimes that's all that is in the comment. I'm aware of the one-minute rule, but do you get higher credit or something for a faster run? I've been operating on the assumption that if I get the right answer in a reasonable time, that is fine and I should move on to the next problem.

Thanks :)
pleasant.timepass
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2026 4:38 pm

Re: concerning runtime reports in the problem comments

Post by pleasant.timepass »

Getting the correct answer in a reasonable amount of time is enough!
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heteroing
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Re: concerning runtime reports in the problem comments

Post by heteroing »

A lot of the time, in order to improve the speed of the program can require entirely new (and interesting) ideas. Consider problem 351 for example. It requires good understanding of what's going on to calculate H(10^8) which is what they ask for. But what if you wanted to calculate H(10^12) for example? It's very likely that you need another different breakthrough to do this. Many people have fun with this extra difficult way to get further enjoyment out of a problem. If you enjoyed a problem and want to spend more time with it, this is one way to do that. But, a solution is a solution, and if you're satisfied with that, then you can just move on to another problem.
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