Day 1 on HackerRank: 5 Problems, Countless Lessons

👩‍💻 About Me

Hey there! I’m Osru, a Computer Science student currently on a journey to specialize in Data & Analytics.
Although I’ve explored different fields like web development and video editing, it was Python that finally made me feel excited about tech again.

I’ve already learned Python fundamentals — variables, loops, functions, sets, tuples, and more — and now I’m stepping into problem-solving mode to sharpen those skills.

This blog is part of my learning journey — to document what I learn, reflect on it, and inspire anyone starting from scratch like me.

🚀 My Python Problem-Solving Journey Begins

Today marks something big for me:
✅ My first official day of solving Python problems on HackerRank!

I’ve been learning Python for a while — modules, functions, loops, data types — but today was the first time I challenged myself to apply those skills in real coding problems. And the feeling?

Confusing at first. But so rewarding when it clicks. 💡

---

✅ What I Did Today

I solved 5 beginner-level Python problems, including:

1. Writing condition-based outputs with if, elif, else

2. Handling both float and integer division

3. Printing squares of numbers using loops

4. Understanding how range() and print() really work

5. Writing clean, readable code with correct syntax

---

🔍 Key Things I Learned

• How to combine multiple conditions using and in Python
  ➝ e.g., if a % 2 == 0 and 2 <= a <= 5

• The difference between / (float division) and // (integer division)
  ➝ e.g., 3 / 5 = 0.6, 3 // 5 = 0

• Why i**2 is used to square numbers
  ➝ ** means “power of” in Python

• That Python doesn't use i++ like C/C++
  ➝ Use i += 1 or just for i in range()

• The importance of indentation and syntax in clean output
  ➝ One extra space can ruin the result!

---

⚠️ Challenges I Faced

• I tried using & instead of and in a condition

• Forgot how split() and input() handle user data

• Got confused with output formatting (e.g., printing extra spaces)

• Had to remind myself: read the problem carefully

---

💪 What I’m Proud Of

• Didn’t give up even when things didn’t work the first time

• Solved every problem on my own, with no code help

• Learned something new from each mistake

• Took notes and reflected on the process (like this blog!)

---

🔮 What's Next?

• Continue solving problems daily

• Start exploring loops + conditions together

• Practice string and list manipulation

• Write a “30 Days of Code” log on Hashnode

• Keep posting my learning journey on GitHub & LinkedIn

---

🧠 Final Thought:

“Code teaches you patience. Solving one problem teaches you how to solve the next.”

This is just Day 1.
But if I can go from doubt to confidence in one day — I can’t wait to see what Day 30 will feel like.

Let’s keep building. 💻💙

🔗 Follow My Journey

You can follow me on:
🔗 GitHub – ByteBelle27
🔗 LinkedIn – Osru
🔗 Hashnode – Osru