Here we go again. It’s November, 30 and we have only thirty-one days to go. This means so many things: that it’s almost a time for look-behinds (more useful than resolutions); that in a couple of weeks I will be able to spend a few days in the mountains I love most; that another year is really gone. But most of all: that the next twenty-five days will be enriched by Advent of Code and its completely useless puzzles, with which I learned countless things and tricks to become a better programmer.

Everything is ready, although I wanted to be more prepared on some topics about which I still know little and which are guaranteed to get me in trouble before I get to Christmas. But how am I going to approach the challenge this year?

Here are some choices I have pondered over the past few days:

  1. Although I know many programming languages, only two I can say I really master: Python and the Wolfram Language (WL). And I think I know Python much more thoroughly by now. What better opportunity to try solving puzzles in WL and delving into a language I always enjoy working with? Backup is always at hand, when it’ll be much easier for me to write a solution in Python.
  2. Graphs and recursive problems will come, I know, and there I will almost certainly get stuck on them. Or Tetris simulations or other geometric games that are hard to conceive of now. It doesn’t matter if I leave some problems behind, there is always time to catch up. And I know I probably won’t catch up, but repeating it to myself is essential to remember that only the journey, and not crossing the finish line, matters. It is essential for all this to remain an enjoyable free-time pastime.
  3. I intend to write a short or very short account of the problem every day. Yes, every day. Last year I wanted to write a long post for each solution. It was a great writing exercise, but sometimes it took me way too long. This year I want to be shorter. For example: I will write about a function or feature of the language I used that was the most interesting aspect of a day’s puzzle.

I am also very proud of the Coders of Advent Telegram group, which started last year and grew during 2023. We were able to meet in person at PyCon Italy in May: it’s been a wonderful experience. The group not only serves to help each other or share ideas and solutions, but also to season the experience with a healthy dose of competition. Without overdoing it, just enough to give you a little more motivation even when you have no idea how to tackle a problem.

For me, next year may become among the most important years of my entire life so far, and I am sure I will write a lot about it. But also during this 2023 I have had some unforgettable experiences – the two worthiest mentions: the Translagorai thru-hike and the Camino de Santiago. What better way to end it with the most fun and constructive advent calendar ever?

Ready, then? Yes! 🎄🎅🏻🧩