Surviving code interviews
Nobody likes them — neither the hiring side nor the hopeful developers. But since code tests are not going away, let’s talk about why they exist and how get through one alive.
Nobody likes them — neither the hiring side nor the hopeful developers. But since code tests are not going away, let’s talk about why they exist and how get through one alive.
It's on a static site now
Sigh. That didn't work either. Why can't someone else have already solved this? Maybe it's a bug? I'll upgrade and hope that works.
There are benefits to being happy with what you do beyond the mere feeling. To become happier we need to know the low points and take back some control over the causes of misery.
Multitasking and interruptions? All bad! Unless you do it yourself. Then it's all right!
You've solved it! Until someone asks a simple question and you're stunned. Why didn't I think of that? Because you're hardwired not to see holes in your own solutions. Let's fix that
It's down! Production is down! You're working at an intense pace yet you have a serene calm feeling. You are prepared for this. It's showtime!
Remember that time where you knew of a solution that no-one else did? And it worked exceptionally well too. I bet you felt like a great programmer. Let's make that happen again!
You gently face-palm and let out a groan. Your bug is so obvious now. How did you miss it before? Thank goodness you didn't blame Bob publicly.
You sigh. Maybe the compilation didn't work? You recompile and run it again. Nope. Still the same problem. You stare out the window.
"The tests are timing out again" someone yells. "Alright I'll bump them" you instinctively respond. Then you pause and feel uneasy. Is there another way?