←back to thread

Please stop the coding challenges

(blackentropy.bearblog.dev)
261 points CrazyEmi | 2 comments | 15 Nov 24 15:32 UTC | HN request time: 0.413s | source
Show context
parpfish ◴[15 Nov 24 16:19 UTC] No.42148290[source]▶
one of the biggest problems with coding challenges for me is the conflict between providing a good solution versus making a strong impression.

do you show them a quick'n'dirty solution that ignores edge cases but shows i'm a pragmatic and not going to overcomplicate things?

OR

do you show something fancy that you'd never actually do in an real codebase that shows off my depth of knowledge and where my ceiling is?

replies(2): >>42148747 #>>42150371 #
1. ryandrake ◴[15 Nov 24 17:09 UTC] No.42148747[source]▶
Unfortunately, you often have to ask the interviewer (which is tough when it's a coding challenge and you have no way to ask for clarification on the rules). I know interviewers who will say "You didn't cover edge case A, B, and C, your solution is incomplete!" and other interviewers who will say "You are overthinking this, I'm just looking for an MVP."
replies(1): >>42149021 #
2. parpfish ◴[15 Nov 24 17:37 UTC] No.42149021[source]▶
that's part of what i like about whiteboarding interviews -- you can get realtime feedback and discussion the pros/cons of your solution in realtime