How does it feel to be a finalist for the first ever TCO QA track?
Interesting, initially I thought I was competing for the code track, but I don’t mind.

Why do you compete in QA track challenges ,and which testing type do you like best?
I competed by doing an automation framework to test a web application and I think this is the most efficient way to do testing. Automate all the way.

What is the most interesting challenge you competed in at Topcoder and why?
A challenge that had to do with creating docker images which allowed me to try advanced things using docker.

Who do you think is the most fierce or talented coder at Topcoder and why?
Jiangliwu. Check the TCO19 leaderboard; he’s 1st in all 4 stages.

What do you do when not working?
Drive, travel, play basketball.

Where do you work? Tell us about your space(s).
Usually from a desk. I really like an extended monitor to do more stuff. And a Dx-Racer chair. :-)

If you could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Stay on course. Ignore the “noise.”

What kind of music do you listen to while working on your solutions?
Relaxing music. Instrumental/jazz.

What is the dream project you want to build, design, or solve for?
A platform for Industry 4.0, remote monitoring and diagnostics.

What’s the best tip or piece of advice you can share with other members at Topcoder?
Work hard, results will come. Don’t get stuck into one technology. Explore more, learn, adapt.

What does Topcoder mean to you?
A place to learn and do things I enjoy.

What are you most excited about for this year’s TCO Finals?
Getting together with the people I met in previous years and talking about Topcoder, life, and what not.

Do you strive to be at TCO every year and if so, why does it matter to you?
Yes. It’s a confirmation that I can still do it.

What was your secret to getting a ticket for the TCO finals more than once?
Don’t lock yourself into one track (e.g. F2F). Stay open to others as well.