By Mahmudul Haque Shawon
Every programmer’s journey begins with a single line of code.
For me, it started with something as simple as:
print("Hello, World!")
I still remember the excitement of seeing that message on my screen — as if I had just unlocked a secret language. Back then, I didn’t know where this curiosity would take me. Today, I’m actively solving competitive programming problems on Codeforces, and it has been an incredible learning journey.
Let me take you through it — the ups, the challenges, the breakthroughs, and what keeps me going.
🧒 Step 1: The First Line of Code
I started coding with Python. It was beginner-friendly, easy to read, and powerful enough to build anything from simple scripts to AI models. As I explored basic concepts like variables, loops, and functions, I realized programming wasn’t just about syntax — it was about problem-solving.
The curiosity grew stronger. I wasn’t satisfied with just building things — I wanted to challenge my logic and improve my thinking.
🧩 Step 2: Introduction to Competitive Programming
That’s when I discovered platforms like Codeforces.
At first, it was intimidating. The problems were tricky, time-limited, and required a different mindset. But I took it step-by-step:
Solved easy-level problems to understand the format
Learned common data structures and algorithms
Practiced daily to improve my speed and logic
It was tough in the beginning, but I treated every problem like a puzzle. Some days I solved 3–4 questions; other days, even one question felt like a victory.
🧠Step 3: Leveling Up My Skills
To compete seriously on Codeforces, I had to move beyond the basics.
Here’s what helped me improve:
Mastering Algorithms like binary search, two pointers, greedy, and recursion
Learning C++ and its STL, since many top competitors use it for speed
Watching editorials and reading other users’ solutions after contests
Participating in live contests, even if I couldn’t solve much — just to build experience
I also balanced this with my web development skills — working with Django, DRF, and AI/ML. But competitive programming trained my brain to think fast, code clean, and debug under pressure.
🧗‍♂️ Step 4: Facing Struggles (and Not Giving Up)
Let’s be real: there were frustrating days.
Problems that felt impossible
Time limits that made my code fail
Ratings that went down even after preparing hard
But I’ve learned that consistency is more powerful than perfection. I focused on one thing — showing up every day and trying to improve, even a little.
🌟 Step 5: My Current Focus
Right now, I’m rated as a newbie on Codeforces under the username PythonicShawon, but I’m actively solving problems and aiming to rise through the ranks. My goal is to hit Specialist and eventually go beyond that.
Alongside CP, I’m working on:
Building real-world web apps with Django
Exploring AI and Machine Learning projects
Teaching and sharing what I learn through my YouTube channel
💡 Lessons I’ve Learned
Start small — even “Hello, World!” is a step forward
Stay consistent — it’s not about solving fast, it’s about solving regularly
Fail forward — every WA (wrong answer) teaches you something
Balance practice — combine theory, coding, and building real things
🙌 To Beginners Like Me...
If you're just starting out and feel overwhelmed — don’t worry.
I started from zero. And I'm still learning. If I can make it this far, you can too.
Whether you’re into AI, web development, or CP, just keep coding, keep learning, and never stop challenging yourself.
What was your “Hello, World!” moment? Are you into competitive programming too? Let me know in the comments!
— Mahmudul Haque Shawon
PythonicShawon
Programmer | Python & Django Enthusiast | AI Learner
Protfolio website : https://mahmudulhaqueshawon.onrender.com/
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