I ask to live-design a quadratic equation solving function (the basic method is provided for those who forgot it) and to discuss decisions done. It tests for edge/degenerate case awareness, numeric issues, experience with multiple results specific to a language, and for choosing a prototype that fits the bigger task.
I don’t care if it’s buggy, how much time it takes or whether the first scratch is any good, because it shows fundamental things every decent programmer knows or knows how to discuss and reason about imo. Unlike fizzbuzz, if you pre-solve this question at home and remember these details, you’re already good enough for the next question.
I don’t care if it’s buggy, how much time it takes or whether the first scratch is any good, because it shows fundamental things every decent programmer knows or knows how to discuss and reason about imo. Unlike fizzbuzz, if you pre-solve this question at home and remember these details, you’re already good enough for the next question.