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Mar 31st, 2015, 10:15 AM
#1
Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Any questions or problems related to the roman numeral converter contest please ask here!
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Mar 31st, 2015, 10:55 AM
#2
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
What notation is to be used for values exceeding 3,999?
See Large Numbers
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Mar 31st, 2015, 11:04 AM
#3
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Rather than using the multiply by x rule, larger numbers exceeding 3,999 should be represented as the same as it would be in the smaller numbers. IE:
Code:
4010 = MMMMX
4499 = MMMMCDXCIX
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Mar 31st, 2015, 12:26 PM
#4
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Ahh, but the normal "rule" is that there should never be 4 of a symbol in a row, i.e. IIII is wrong vs. IV.
So MMMM should be invalid, MMMMM even more so.
Of course we have no symbol for 5000 (call it "Z") so we can't do 4000 as ZM or something.
I could live with MMMM for 4000, MMMMM for 5000, I just wanted to know whether that should be considered correct.
Last edited by dilettante; Mar 31st, 2015 at 06:16 PM.
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Mar 31st, 2015, 12:31 PM
#5
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Rules say "console application" but what does this mean?
I.e. should the program process a single value per run from the command line and write to StdOut?
Or should it read from StdIn and write to StdOut until "EOF" on input? If so, how would inputs and outputs be delimited? Newline?
How does the program know whether it was fed a decimal number or a Roman number to convert? Autosensing?
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Mar 31st, 2015, 12:35 PM
#6
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Rules say "console application" but what does this mean?
I will be testing the code on ideone so it would need to be able to compile there. So basically do not make the code rely on controls.
How does the program know whether it was fed a decimal number or a Roman number to convert? Autosensing?
That would be apart of the accuracy mark. Do you allow yours to only be fed one or the other? Did you make sure that only digits 1 - 5,000 can be inputted? Did you inform the user of an error or do you let the compiler throw an exception?
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Mar 31st, 2015, 01:15 PM
#7
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Hmm, so ideally the program should autosense which kind of number was inputted?
And does this mean StdIn input with one input value per line? And StdOut with one output per line?
And is error checking part of the problem to be solved or can the code assume valid inputs between 1 and 5000? Space trimming required too?
Not being nitpicky, just wondering how to proceed.
Not really interested since "only .Net need apply" but others may have these same questions.
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Mar 31st, 2015, 01:27 PM
#8
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Hmm, so ideally the program should autosense which kind of number was inputted?
That would certainly give the best marks!
And does this mean StdIn input with one input value per line? And StdOut with one output per line?
Yep.
And is error checking part of the problem to be solved or can the code assume valid inputs between 1 and 5000? Space trimming required too?
Whenever I'm grading the submissions, I will be inputting invalid digits such as negative numbers, zero, and any number over five thousand. I'll also input invalid numerals such as lower-cased numerals, invalid characters, and spaces between the numerals. The grading will be the best if the converter can guess what the user was attempting to do and inform the user if it was unable to guess where as the grading will be the worst if it just allows the compiler to throw an exception.
Not really interested since "only .Net need apply" but others may have these same questions.
I really want people with any of the languages listed posted submit their projects. That's why only 3 out of the 10 languages listed are .NET languages.
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Mar 31st, 2015, 01:28 PM
#9
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
How is this "only .NET need apply?"
The languages listed are:
C, C#, C++, F#, Java, LUA, Perl, Python, VB Classic(4, 5, and 6), and VB.Net
I'll probably give this a shot... Debating whether I want to do it in C# or Python. I've never really bothered with anything other than basic roman numerals (Rocky I-V haha), so this will definitely be new territory for me.
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Mar 31st, 2015, 02:56 PM
#10
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Point being that ideone.com does not support VB, only VB.Net.
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Mar 31st, 2015, 04:33 PM
#11
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by dilettante
Point being that ideone.com does not support VB, only VB.Net.
If I were to get classic VB projects then I would get a moderator with classic VB installed to grade the application.
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Mar 31st, 2015, 04:59 PM
#12
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Or we could just include the compiled EXE
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Mar 31st, 2015, 05:30 PM
#13
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Just an FYI to everyone, we have officially received our first contest entry for this contest.
Side Note - This is the first contest entry received since Dec 2nd, 2007!
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Mar 31st, 2015, 07:39 PM
#14
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Another question (really sort of one anyway):
Multiple submissions allowed (multiple languages or algorithms)?
Resubmissions allowed (bug discovered, improved error handling, performance, etc.)?
If so, how? Submit with a number suffix in the title?
Or one to a customer? Good reason not to rush.
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Apr 1st, 2015, 08:49 AM
#15
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Multiple submissions allowed (multiple languages or algorithms)?
No, I'd prefer that you put your best foot forward and use the language that executes the quickest along with algorithm that executes the quickest.
Resubmissions allowed (bug discovered, improved error handling, performance, etc.)?
I've already taken one resubmit so it would be unfair if I said no to this, however I'm limiting it to just one resubmission.
If so, how? Submit with a number suffix in the title?
No, I just delete the prior submission and you can submit the new one with no issues.
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Apr 1st, 2015, 12:44 PM
#16
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by dday9
Rather than using the multiply by x rule, larger numbers exceeding 3,999 should be represented as the same as it would be in the smaller numbers. IE:
Code:
4010 = MMMMX
4499 = MMMMCDXCIX
Why not just change the rules to only 1 - 3999?
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Apr 1st, 2015, 12:47 PM
#17
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Because the contest was already started with the upper-bounds of 5,000. I didn't think of the multiply by x rule when the contest started.
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Apr 1st, 2015, 05:03 PM
#18
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by dday9
I'll also input invalid numerals such as lower-cased numerals,
What is better accept lower case numerals as far as they are valid or refuse even they are valid?
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Apr 1st, 2015, 05:11 PM
#19
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
If your code allows the acceptance of lower case numerals then that is better than if it simply throws an exception or error.
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Apr 1st, 2015, 06:37 PM
#20
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
I have finished my solution, what is next? Post the exe, source code or both?
If i post the source code, will it be public before the Deadline April 10th, 2015?
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Apr 1st, 2015, 07:34 PM
#21
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
The FAQ says you can submit it to the "Contest Entry" subforum and it will not be visible to anyone other than moderators.
For our submissions -- do we need to include unit tests or anything? Or is it just the application code?
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 07:00 AM
#22
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by 4x2y
What is better accept lower case numerals as far as they are valid or refuse even they are valid?
Have you ever wanted to punch your computer when it comes up with the error 'only upper case letters allowed.'?
Is it hard to use .ToUpper on a string, or is should that be the responsibility of the user?
Do these questions answer your question?
"Ok, my response to that is pending a Google search" - Bucky Katt.
"There are two types of people in the world: Those who can extrapolate from incomplete data sets." - Unk.
"Before you can 'think outside the box' you need to understand where the box is."
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 07:50 AM
#23
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
So I'm able to see submissions in the contest entry forum. 4x2y's submission is appearing to me... Is the FAQ wrong?
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 08:30 AM
#24
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Yeah... The way that the entries work is that it waits for moderator approval, and we're just not suppose to approve them until the contest is over. However, the other moderators are just accepting which is making them visible so I'm having to move them to a moderator forum only until the end of the contest.
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 10:26 AM
#25
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Are you awarding a winner for each language? If not, on what bases will you compare a solution in language $x to one in language $y?
Can I submit a solution in an exotic language that you haven't mentioned? (I think I'm probably disqualified anyway!)
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 10:33 AM
#26
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Are you awarding a winner for each language? If not, on what bases will you compare a solution in language $x to one in language $y?
No, it will be judge primarily by the 3 factors mentioned: accuracy, length, and execution. When comparing from x to y the main factor will more than likely be execution and then accuracy.
Can I submit a solution in an exotic language that you haven't mentioned? (I think I'm probably disqualified anyway!)
Typically moderators can't submit in contest, but considering that you're not judging I don't see why you can't.
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 03:58 PM
#27
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Darn, so no points for "diagnostic quality" hmm?
Better to just blurt a generic "bad input" than report "can't have X before D" and so on? Since brevity gets scored.
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 06:18 PM
#28
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by SJWhiteley
Have you ever wanted to punch your computer when it comes up with the error 'only upper case letters allowed.'?
Is it hard to use .ToUpper on a string, or is should that be the responsibility of the user?
Do these questions answer your question?
Of course i know how to use .ToUpper
Please read my post #18 carefully, my question was replaying to dday9's quote
"I'll also input invalid numerals such as lower-cased numerals,"
According to that quote, dday9 considers lower-cased numerals are invalid!, i wondered too and asked to see if this is a strict rule.
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 06:29 PM
#29
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by kfcSmitty
So I'm able to see submissions in the contest entry forum. 4x2y's submission is appearing to me... Is the FAQ wrong?
Did you downloaded my source code? If yes, i think this is not fair play
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 07:50 PM
#30
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by 4x2y
Did you downloaded my source code? If yes, i think this is not fair play
haha I did download it, but just to see if maybe the forum wouldn't let me! I didn't peek, promise!
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Apr 2nd, 2015, 09:53 PM
#31
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
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Apr 3rd, 2015, 08:25 AM
#32
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by 4x2y
I trust in you but what about others
Seriously, I think i used a clever idea (at least i didn't see something like it before) to validate Roman Numeral inputs when converting from Roman to Decimal, so i hope judges consider the solution submit date/time if someone else used the same idea.
From what I saw, it only had 4 downloads (including mine) when I downloaded it.. and the mods removed it fairly soon after that. I'm not sure if the forum caches that count, though...
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Apr 3rd, 2015, 08:38 AM
#33
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
The only non-member(as far as my knowledge) that downloaded the file was kfcSmitty. I've talked with the other moderators and asked them that if they see a pending approval thread in the contest entries forum to allow me to handle it so that this does not happen again.
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Apr 3rd, 2015, 10:13 AM
#34
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by dday9
The only non-member(as far as my knowledge) that downloaded the file was kfcSmitty. I've talked with the other moderators and asked them that if they see a pending approval thread in the contest entries forum to allow me to handle it so that this does not happen again.
I was able to download it but no worries, I am not entering the competition.
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Apr 3rd, 2015, 10:45 PM
#35
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by dee-u
I was able to download it but no worries, I am not entering the competition.
No problem
It was good chance to look again in my code to enhance and optimize, i'm very satisfied with the final result, i have submitted version 2 of my solution.
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Apr 4th, 2015, 05:12 PM
#36
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by dday9
The only non-member(as far as my knowledge) that downloaded the file was kfcSmitty. I've talked with the other moderators and asked them that if they see a pending approval thread in the contest entries forum to allow me to handle it so that this does not happen again.
It happened again, I have seen Bulldog's post!!!
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Apr 4th, 2015, 05:22 PM
#37
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Originally Posted by 4x2y
It happened again, I have seen Bulldog's post!!!
I saw it too!
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Apr 4th, 2015, 07:17 PM
#38
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
I was a little upset to see PHP not on the list...
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Apr 4th, 2015, 11:49 PM
#39
Fanatic Member
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
Shouldn't the entries be hidden until contest is over?
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Apr 5th, 2015, 10:01 AM
#40
Re: Contest 8 - Roman Numeral Converter - Discussion Thread
They should, but unfortunately an admin approved Bulldog's entry... I've now moved it to a private area.
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