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The Role of AI and Data Science Challenges in Modern Python Competitions

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Python competitions have evolved a lot from where they started in today’s digital age. They are no longer limited to simple and basic programming tasks as with the rise of artificial intelligence and data science, modern programming contests are now focusing on real-world applications. Today, it’s not just about writing correct code, it has become about solving complex problems with logic and being creative in your work. Evolution Of Python Competitions In the earlier stages of Python contests, they focused on algorithmic challenges and correct coding. But as the world shifted towards machines and autonomous tech, competitions changed as well. These new challenges and change in judging criteria in competitions nowadays reflect how Python is now used in various fields like finance, healthcare, robotics, and other autonomous systems. Competitions have essentially evolved to not only test skills but improve them and train participants for future careers in programming and similar fields. The Rise of AI-Based Tasks Artificial intelligence has become a major component in many advanced Python contests. Participants nowadays are tasked with various AI based problems, a few of them being: These tasks test much more than coding ability. It has become a blend of technical skill and pushing participants to think out of the box. Data Science And Logic Data science challenges add another layer of complexity to these competitions. Instead of working with fixed inputs, participants must deal with raw data. In such competitions, success depends on understanding various Python tools. Participants may be asked to perform tasks which mirror real-world roles and real coding problems that people in professional fields frequently face. Impact and Relevance One of the strongest benefits of incorporating AI and data science into competitions is relevance. Students aren’t just solving made up puzzles; they’re preparing for future careers. Companies across the world now rely on AI and data science. Python contests help bridge the gap between learning and practice. Participants come out with skills that can directly apply to internships, research work, or tech entrepreneurship. These challenges can be overwhelming, especially for beginners who wouldn’t expect complexity or creative thinking in coding spaces. Yet, they teach one of the most important lessons in tech that real progress happens outside comfort zones. Skills Required For Competitions Modern Python competitions require a mix of abilities compared to older contests: The Future To succeed in today’s Python contests, participants can’t rely on mugging up codes. They must explore beyond their school syllabus. Learning the basics of machine learning, data handling, data science and AI concepts is essential to win today’s Python competitions. The role of AI and data science in modern Python competitions signals a major shift in tech and education. Competitions are no longer about who writes code the fastest, but who thinks the smartest. They encourage participants to be logical and creative and able to build solutions that reflect the real world. Python is evolving—and so are its problem solvers. Today’s competitors aren’t just coders; they are future innovators.

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Campus Highlights: Meet Pritwish Kundu

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In this episode of Campus Highlights, we feature a young mind who blends logic with curiosity, and algorithms with adventures. Meet Pritwish Kundu, a 10th grader from Singapore, who recently earned a consolation prize at the GEMA Python Olympiads 2025. But there’s more to him than coding. Start Of His Coding Journey His journey with Python began in grade 9, when his school offered a computer science course. Wondering about his choices in 8th grade, with his seniors’ advice and his growing interest in evolving technology, he decided to study Python. His parents supported the decision by arranging a tutor for him. His favourite area in Python is computer vision, aligning perfectly with his dream of working on autonomous technologies. The Python Olympiad wasn’t part of any grand plan. He discovered it in his school’s daily gazette and signed up without intense preparation. “I thought dabbling there would help extend my knowledge,” he admits. Instead of playing it safe, he built a complex algorithm, choosing creativity over convention. Problem-Solving Methods On being asked how he handles tough problems, Pritwish broke down his thought process for us. First, he breaks challenges into substeps and functions and then solves them one by one. Despite choosing to be unconventional in his work, he admitted that being creative was the hardest part of the project. “I’m more into objective subjects like Computer Science and Physics,” he says. But when his final algorithm clicked into place, he describes it as his most memorable moment when his code finally made sense. Birds and Drones “So I have a few passions,” Pritwish says casually. “One of them is obviously computer science, particularly computer vision for autonomous technologies such as drones and self-driving cars. I’m also an avid bird watcher.” It’s not a passing hobby for Pritwish; he has photographed birds across three continents, spotting over 500 species. When he’s not behind a camera or a keyboard, he’s on a badminton court, a sport he has played for nearly nine years. From a Mother’s Perspective According to his mother, his interests were shaped by his school and environment; growing up in a digitally involved city and school campus naturally made him interested in technology, and her role is to help him stay balanced. She shared that one way Pritwish handles academics and extracurriculars is by staying organised and knowing what to prioritise. A reminder board in his room helps him track deadlines and avoid last-minute rushes. She credits his success to one special quality: focus. When he’s interested in a topic, he fully immerses himself and devotes his time and effort to the subject. She believes this focus is what leads him to success. A Message to Future Coders His advice is straightforward and helpful, “Be good at maths.” According to Pritwish, a good foundation in mathematics is extremely important to coding. It is not only essential for logic but will also help with tough problem-solving since the problem will be easier to understand. “Start with Scratch.” advises Pritwish to younger learners which would help them build confidence before diving into Python and more complex coding languages. Conclusion Five to ten years from now, Pritwish sees himself studying engineering or a field related to computer science at university. Beyond that, he dreams of launching a startup focused on autonomous drones given his immense interest in autonomous technologies such as self driving cars and drones. With big dreams and great potential, the interview came to an end with well wishes and congratulations to our young genius.

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Why Every Student Should Learn Python

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Python isn’t just a programming language—it’s becoming a must-have skill for the future. Whether a student plans to become a doctor, designer, engineer, or entrepreneur, Python opens doors to opportunities far beyond traditional coding. It’s simple, versatile, and surprisingly fun to learn, making it an ideal first language for students of any background. Easy Language to Start With Many students are scared of programming because they imagine complex symbols and long codes. Python changes that assumption. Its syntax is simple and readable—almost like plain English. A beginner can write a basic program in just a few lines, without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of struggling with confusing brackets and symbols, students can jump straight into building something. That sense of quick achievement keeps motivation high, especially for those trying programming for the first time. Useful Across Careers Python isn’t just for software developers. It appears in almost every modern industry: No matter what career students choose, Python gives them a competitive edge and makes them more adaptable in a digital world. Builds Problem-Solving Skills Learning Python is not just about writing code—it’s about thinking differently. Students learn how to break big problems into smaller, manageable parts. They experiment, test solutions, and fix errors. This hands-on process naturally improves their problem-solving abilities. When students learn to debug code, they also build patience and resilience. Instead of giving up, they look for smarter solutions. These are valuable skills not only in tech, but in life. Encourages Logical Thinking Python teaches students how to think logically. Coding involves clear steps: “If this happens, do that.” This trains the brain to organise thoughts, follow sequences, and make decisions based on reasoning—not guesswork. Even students who are not passionate about technology benefit from this logical mindset. It helps with maths, science, and even writing, because they start thinking in a more structured and analytical way. Great for Creative Coding Unlike traditional programming, Python welcomes creativity. Students can build: They’re not just learning syntax—they’re bringing their ideas to life. Creativity mixed with coding helps students express themselves in new ways, proving that programming can be as artistic as it is technical. A Skill for the Future In a world moving toward automation and artificial intelligence, Python is more than just a subject—it’s a smart investment in the future. It helps students understand technology rather than just use it. With Python, they aren’t just consumers of digital tools; they become creators. Learning Python doesn’t require genius. It simply requires curiosity. And once students take that first step, they often discover that coding is not only possible—but enjoyable.

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From Scratch Jr to Python Olympiads: The Story of 10-Year-Old Farhaan Samir

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In this episode of Campus Highlights, where we shine light on gifted children, GEMA was joined by 10 year old Farhaan Samir, the winner of the consolation prize at the Python Olympiads 2025. Farhaan loves public speaking and coding. His interest in coding started when he was in preschool when his school introduced Scratch Jr into the curriculum. With growing interest, he soon switched to Scratch and eventually Python with the help of his parents which kickstarted his coding journey and eventual participation in the Python Olympiads. Preparations and Problems Only having joined the competition four days before the submission date, Farhaan expressed how little time he had to actually prepare for the competition given his upcoming exams as well. Working on a new model gave rise to more difficulties as well. He spent thirty minutes each day on the project to balance his school life with preparations and ended up learning new things as well. The biggest difficulty he faced during the entire journey was having to work with the new model. Ironically, the most fun part of the entire journey was learning how to make a UI using the new model and the most memorable moment for Farhaan was finding out his code worked the exact way he wanted to despite all the difficulties. A Chat With His Father Farhaan had quoted his parents as his biggest source of motivation and his biggest supporters throughout his coding journey. His father however attributes his success to Farhaan. According to his father, Farhaan’s coding journey had been self driven ever since kindergarten when he discovered Scratch Junior in school. When asked about how he ensures balance between school and extracurriculars, his father once again credited Farhaan for being disciplined and managing his interests with his academics on his own with support from family and teachers. Farhaan had received full freedom from his parents to explore his interests and as a result has developed management skills on his own through self driven initiatives to try new things while focusing on school as well. Final Thoughts In his future, Farhaan sees himself owning a company like Google—or even better than Google. With big goals and a strong sense of self confidence Farhaan’s final message to students looking forward to taking part in the Python Olympiads next year was:“No matter what happens, you have to try. You will never know what will happen in the end. You have to keep trying until you make it.”

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Fun Python Projects for Beginners

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The best way to learn is by practicing. Starting your Python journey is exciting, but after learning the basics, many beginners don’t know what to build next. Short and easy projects are the best way to help hone skills and learn more about how Python works. Not only that, by starting off with interactive and fun projects, not only does coding become enjoyable despite the difficulties but also prepares amateurs for more complex tasks later on. The following are some enjoyable and beginner-friendly Python project ideas that are perfect for you to practice your newfound skills: Simple Calculator App A calculator app is often encouraged as the first project for new Python learners in coding classes and advised by professionals as well. Not only is it a easy and familiar topics but it also uses basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division so programmers can get used to using these functions. With simple input and output, beginners can learn how to structure a program and handle user input. Users can also experiment with the project by building UI designs and adding more calculator functions as their skills evolve with time. Quiz or Trivia Game Creating a quiz game is an entertaining way to improve coding skills. It is also extremely flexible and student-friendly as users can create a quiz on any topic. You can build a program that asks questions, make a list of options, and also add a point system for keeping scores for a leaderboard. This project introduces the use of conditionals, loops, and Python dictionaries to store questions and options. Adding features such as time limits and hints can make the game even more engaging. Story Generator Script A story generator is the perfect project for you if you want to showcase your creativity and coding. Python can generate fun and unexpected stories using random characters, settings, scenes and plots. This project teaches beginners how to work with lists, random modules, and string formatting. For beginners, it can be extremely simple and get more complex with preference which is ideal for people looking to experiment with imagination while understanding programming concepts. Basic Data Visualizer For users who struggle with data, a basic data visualization project is an excellent introduction to libraries like Matplotlib or Pandas. By starting with simple datasets such as mood planners or personal habits and displaying them using line graphs or bar charts, data handling becomes easier and functional. This project can help beginners learn how Python is used in data analysis and can also be largely personalised and experimented with. Mini Weather Tracker A weather tracker is a fantastic way to explore Python’s ability to interact with APIs. Beginners can build a simple script that fetches live weather data for a chosen city and displays information like temperature and humidity. This teaches beginners on how to work with external data and JSON formats. It’s also a great first step towards learning to build complex projects later on. Why These Projects Matter Working on fun projects means more than just practicing your coding skills. Below are a few ways in which these projects help beginners: No matter how simple a program, it can build towards your future as a skilled programmer. Final Words Python does not have to be just a coding language, it can be a way for people to experiment with their creativity. Whether you’re building a calculator or a story generator, each project is an opportunity to learn something new and used your imagination. Hopefully this list of simple and fun projects to start your coding journey with Python was helpful in helping you become the next big Python expert!

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Common Python Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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Python is often considered by many to be the most beginner-friendly programming language yet many newcomers still struggle with common errors that slow their progress. By understanding these errors and knowing how to avoid them, any new user can avoid frustration and write code that works. Let’s explore the most frequent Python mistakes beginners make at the start in this blog and learn how to fix them. Forgetting Indentation Rules Indentation is one of the most fundamental aspects of Python. Unlike other languages that use brackets, Python makes use of indentation. A single misplaced space or lack of one can lead to errors that may be unnoticable. Beginners often forget to indent lines inside loops, functions, or conditional statements which makes their code not work as intended. The best way to avoid this is by using a consistent indentation style, usually and most preferably four spaces. Always make sure to check your alignment twice, especially when copying and pasting code, to ensure your structure remains intact. Mixing Data Types Python is considered to be flexible with data types which is one of its biggest strengths but can also cause confusion among beginners. It allows variables to change types freely, but this can cause runtime errors when incompatible data types are combined. For example, when adding a string to an integer, it will immediately cause an error. To prevent errors like this, make sure to remember to convert data when necessary. A quick print check during debugging can also prevent confusion. Ignoring Variable Naming Naming your variables may seem like a minor detail, but they play a major role in readability and making your code coherent. Names that beginners usually use such as ‘a’, ‘data1’, or ‘temp’ don’t tell what their purpose is which makes the code hard to review or update later. Always prefer clarity when naming your variables and use descriptive names such as ‘total_score’ or ‘file_path’. Stick to Python’s snake_case format and avoid using names that override built-in functions like list or max. Clear names make your code cleaner and easier to handle. Overcomplicating Code Logic Many beginners try to solve problems with long and complicated loops. While it may work, overcomplicated logic often makes bugs harder to find and to maintain code. Python offers several features such as list comprehensions, built-in functions, and clean syntax that can be used to simplify solutions. Breaking tasks into smaller functions also helps reduce complexity and make your code simpler. Always aim for simplicity and clear code as it is better than confusing logic. Skipping Debugging Steps One of the most common mistakes is rushing through debugging. When an error appears, some beginners change multiple lines without understanding the real issue. This often creates more problems and doesn’t fix the main issue either. Remember to read error messages as Python usually tells you exactly where the issue is. Insert print statements to track variable values or use the built-in debugger to step through your code. Solving one error at a time builds deeper understanding and better problem-solving skills. Quick Tips to Stay Error-Free Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid errors in code and make it easier for you: Conclusion Mistakes are a natural part of learning anything, especially when learning complex coding languages such as Python, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be left behind. With proper practice you’ll be able to not only write code that works but code that works well.

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From Passion to Victory: Yohanes Arya, The winner of Python olympiads 2025

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The recently conducted Python Olympiads 2025 by GEMA Education was won by Yohanes Arya Prasteyuda, who studies in Indonesia. He has been very passionate and interested in coding since grade 8 and this is what makes him different from others. He has a keen interest in Python and Lua and has participated in various competitions too. He enjoys coding as an interactive experience and a game rather than a career oriented skill. Talking about how his interest began in coding and programming, he shares that he first was interested in Python when he realised how versatile it is as a coding language. He started exploring graphical user interfaces using libraries too. He also stated how Python can transform imagination into something tangible. Motivation and Preparation When asked about his motivation to participate in the Olympiad he tells us that first his friend mentioned there was a competition that focuses on Python programming he decided to take the initiative to participate. He had a little experience in Python during that time and saw the Olympiad as an opportunity to apply his skills and express his gratuity through code. His preparation basically started with reviewing the competition criteria, understanding the expectations for his category and once he had a clear vision he started envisioning the type of content he wanted to create. He planned the outline and ensured it aligned with the given guidelines. He also made a schedule to dedicate what days he would work on what part. Obstacles When the interviewer asked about the challenges he faced during preparation, Arya answered that he struggled with consistent motivation, there were days he felt inspired and motivated but there were also days he felt like giving up. He also dealt with frustration during unexpected errors in the code. The key is to never give up and keep working, and that’s how you win. He found the process testing his patience but also it taught him resilience and kept him working hard and worth it. He finds the field of Artificial Intelligence, particularly neural networks, to be the most fascinating part of python. He talks about a game where AI is used to record the players data and behaviour for the game. He looks forward to exploring more about the application of AI in robotics. Yohanes prefers to work on his projects alone as it helps him focus and process his thoughts clearly and deeply without distractions. Other Interests Other than Python and coding, Arya loved to play with Lego as a child and he also exercises everyday to refresh himself after long hours of studying. Talking about his ideals and motivations, he talks about J. Robert Oppenheimer and Alan Turing, he is always fascinated to watch films about their life and it inspires him. Future goals About his future, Arya says he will most likely pursue Python and he is currently also learning C++. In the future he would love to explore the application of pythons in different fields to make it more interactive. Lastly he would advise students to carefully review the competition criteria, guidelines and plan accordingly.

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Python and Piano: How Nicholas Juggles Coding and Life

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Recently, Nicholas Sandjada, an eight grader took home the consolation prize for the Python Olympiads 2025. In an interview with GEMA—who hosted the competition—Sandjada opened up and shared insights about his thoughts, interests, and experience regarding the Python Olympiads. As someone who claims to be creative with technology, Nicholas had developed an interest in programming since he was ten which led him to take part in coding classes which only made him love it more. “I wanted to challenge myself.” Nicholas said his motivation for joining the competition was his desire to challenge his own skills by competing with others that loved coding just as much as him. For preparations, Nicholas practiced coding problems, reviewed his Python basics and applied them to his own programs and also learned new skills for his project entirely overcoming his biggest problem of figuring out how to make his project easy to understand. He talked about his love for variables, operations, loops, and conditional programs to make his projects better even confessing that coding the order of operations for his project was his proudest moment during the contest. Tech Role Model Apart from coding, Nicholas plays the piano, reads and enjoys solving math problems. His biggest inspiration is Steve Jobs, whose creativity and technology has significantly changed the world. Winning this Olympiad for Nicholas has helped him learn to do better and take on bigger challenges and also strengthen his resolve to become a future programmer and make educational apps to help students learn math in fun ways. In the future, he sees himself pursuing this path in higher studies, building new software and even starting his own tech company. A Word With The Parents Nicholas’ mother revealed that his interest in solving problems and curiosity about computers even as a child was very evident. By elementary school, he was already building robots out of legos and eventually his interest in coding led him to join coding classes for Python. As supportive parents, they have always provided him with the time and resources needed to enhance his skills and learn more about programming. Even when faced with challenges, his parents have always encouraged him to keep trying. “We maintain a balanced schedule by giving him space, giving him time for school work, coding and also arrange time for practicing the piano.”, said his mother, “Also, don’t forget for relaxation and family time.” Conclusion Nicholas’ mother believes his persistence and curiosity and ability to focus is most important and his experience in competitions like this will not only build his problem solving skills but also grow his confidence and creativity. With heartfelt congratulations and the best wishes for his future, the interview wrapped up with Nicholas’ advice to young coders like him looking forward to joining the Python Olympiads next year being, “Practice every day. Don’t give up when you face a difficult problem and enjoy the process of learning.”

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Interview with Python Olympiad Finalist Kabir Kashab

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At the Python Olympiad 2025 hosted by GEMA, one of the youngest participants to make an impression and take the consolation prize home was 11-year-old Kabir Kashab. In an interview with GEMA after his win, Kabir shared how he discovered programming and the process behind his Olympiad project along with what his plans for the future are. Kabir’s journey into coding through curiosity and experimentation during the lockdown era. He first began with beginner-friendly platforms such as Scratch, Pictoblocks, and Code.org before moving on to more complex coding programmes such as Python. For him, this was the natural next step. “I wanted to learn Python after Scratch so I could move into proper coding,” he explained. That decision laid the groundwork for his eventual participation in the Olympiad. Preparation Process The International Python Olympiad was Kabir’s first ever programming competition. He acknowledged his family and mentors as his source of encouragement and with that motivation in mind he saw the competition as an opportunity to test the skills he had been learning only as a hobby up until this point. Kabir credits his father who is also a senior professional in the tech industry as one of his main inspirations. He also points to guidance from others in his father’s network who introduced him to Python and encouraged his early experiments with the language. Rather than focusing on the prize itself, Kabir viewed the competition as a platform to test his skills in a structured and competitive environment. Taking part in the competition gave Kabir experience in designing a project from start to finish under a time crunch which was a first for him. He approached the project in a systematic fashion, first sketching the framework and mapping out his game and then coding step by step. For his project, Kabir created a version of the classic Mad Libs game, which generates funny stories by filling in blanks with random words. The most difficult part of the entire process for Kabir was having to deal with bugs. Kabir admitted that he spent more time looking at “tiny details” in his code before moving on to major structures, since even small syntax errors can derail an entire program. This patient, detail-oriented method helped him push through obstacles and complete his submission. Kabir’s Interests Outside Coding Kabir shared that he particularly enjoys working with Matplotlib which is a library within Python for data visualization. Learning how to create charts and diagrams through this library helped him figure out that Python was much more than just games. Outside of programming and coding, Kabir is active in sports such as badminton, cricket, and table tennis, and also plays the guitar and drums. Kabir’s Thoughts on Teamwork When asked whether he prefers to work alone or in a team, Kabir said that he was comfortable with both but tends to favor independent work. Working alone gives him space to explore his ideas freely and at his own pace without having to compromise for a team effort. Even so, he has collaborated with peers during a school hackathon. Kabir currently is in the process of developing his own app GardenCraft which is designed to help people plan home gardens. He contributed the Python code as well as HTML and CSS for the layout, while his teammates used C++ to handle other parts of the app. His experience in the Python Olympiads has allowed him to balance independence with teamwork and exposed him to real-world collaboration. Conclusion In the next five to ten years, Kabir wants to design and develop more advanced apps and games. At the same time, in a thoughtful address, he noted that artificial intelligence will increasingly handle aspects of coding, which makes it important for young programmers to understand AI and new technologies. Overall, Kabir’s participation in the Python Olympiad demonstrates how early exposure to programming and the impact of structured challenges motivates young learners to pursue their imagination and creativity in non traditional ways.

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Meet Archie: The Genius Mind Behind The Python Olympiad 2025

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In a post-competition episode of Campus Highlights with GEMA Education, the Constellation level winner of the Python Olympiad 2025, 12-year old Archimedes Riupassa opened up about his passion for coding and preparations leading up to his win. Answering every question with quick wit, Archie talked about his passion for coding since he was in third grade since he wanted to entertain people with his games. He called his mother his biggest motivator, who always urged him to believe in himself and try new projects. His mother, who was also present during the interview called him a hardworking child who worked till late at night, and someone she never had discipline because of his passion towards coding. His effort and interest for coding truly spoke for itself when he opened up about his preparations and the obstacles he faced. He claimed he would create coding challenges for himself as practice and had to schedule his practice to still focus on school. During the process of creating his project, he admitted to feeling frustration at times. But Archie did not panic when faced with problems and with quick thinking, he overcame all his problems by the end. He quoted Sam Hogan as his biggest inspiration in the field of coding and technology, whose videos have always motivated him to create and code. His interests and hobbies other than coding and programming include swimming, drawing, and a keen interest in music. Not only is the Python Olympiad 2025 winner a technological genius but also a good athlete and artist. On being asked how he felt about being the winner, Archie said he began believing in his skills more and felt he had improved and got better at coding than before given that Python was a new coding language to him. In five to ten years, Archie sees himself developing games on Unity or C++; most probably a life simulator. His advice to anyone looking forward to joining the Python Olympiads next time is to never give up even when faced with difficult situations. In his own words Archie said: “If you face a problem that you seemingly can’t solve, don’t give up and just keep trying.” With the interview drawing to a close, Archie looked back at the competition as a good experience that helped him build his confidence with coding.

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