This is about Starters 43. Since I’m in Div 1, This was unrated for me and I participated it in casually. I have NEVER used any online IDE, I stick to my trusty codeblocks for coding.
It was shocking that I got a mail from CC, that I have been accused of plagiarism. The more shocking fact was that cheaters somehow managed to get my code (and make small changes and submitted that). My code has the earliest submission time and I have shared my CodeForces profile link, by comparing my submissions in Codeforces anyone can see that entire code is very similar to my coding style.
Here is my code:
https://www.codechef.com/viewsolution/66900942
Here are the codes of cheaters:
https://www.codechef.com/viewsolution/66955125
https://www.codechef.com/viewsolution/66955316
https://www.codechef.com/viewsolution/66959043
https://www.codechef.com/viewsolution/66959722
https://www.codechef.com/viewsolution/66961169
https://www.codechef.com/viewsolution/66961368
I’m really perplexed how these cheaters managed to steal my code during the contest, even if I coded it in codeblocks. I really suspect there is some bug or some hidden way to reveal the submissions, which the cheaters have access to.
I’m not the guy who cheats and gets involved in such kinds of stuff. I’ve genuinely worked hard till now to improve my skills. I’m also pretty active in discussions in CF Blogs regarding interesting problems. ShivanshJ - Codeforces
Moreover why would I ever cheat in unrated contest? I’ve been ignoring cheaters in Codechef, I know they affect rankings, but now this is getting out of control, It seems it is UNSAFE to give contests in CC too.
The sad thing is that I can’t really prove that I haven’t distributed the code. Just put yourself in my place, I don’t have YouTube Channel, so I don’t record while giving contests.
Now because of these cheaters, I have to face a huge rating loss. I don’t mind it much, since I know I will quickly gain rating again, but the plagiarism indicator which sticks to the contest history saddens me the most.
I request CC @admin not to penalize me and understand the situation. I think most of us, in the given situation wouldn’t be able to produce a proof / recording that they didn’t share the code online.
UPDATE: Codechef contacted me, and it was found that (high chances) someone else logged into my account from some other location and stole the code