Product Perfect

Ceptre is a rule-based programming language designed for interactive systems and games, developed by Chris Martens at Carnegie Mellon University. The language utilizes linear logic to model state changes, making it ideal for complex, dynamic systems. Introduced in 2015, Ceptre is part of a broader research project exploring the potential of declarative programming in game design. Its unique approach allows developers to specify the rules of a system and let the program determine the outcomes. This innovative language offers a new way to think about programming, pushing the boundaries of traditional procedural logic.

Ask the right questions secure the right Ceptre talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General Ceptre app knowledge and experience

The first 20 minutes of the interview should seek to understand the candidate's general background in Ceptre application development, including their experience with various programming languages, databases, and their approach to designing scalable and maintainable systems.

How would you describe the Ceptre programming language?

Ceptre is a rule-based programming language used for prototyping and simulating systems. It is based on linear logic and allows developers to model systems and their interactions in a declarative manner.

What are the key features of Ceptre?

Key features of Ceptre include its rule-based structure, its use of linear logic, and its ability to model complex systems and interactions. It also allows for the creation of dynamic systems and supports non-deterministic programming.

Describe the difference between Ceptre and other rule-based programming languages.

The main difference between Ceptre and other rule-based languages is its use of linear logic. This allows for a more dynamic and flexible approach to programming, as it can model systems that change over time and can handle non-deterministic situations.

How would you handle non-deterministic situations in Ceptre?

In Ceptre, non-deterministic situations can be handled by defining multiple rules for the same situation. The system will then choose one of these rules at random when the situation arises.

What are the advantages of using Ceptre for system modelling?

Ceptre allows for a more flexible and dynamic approach to system modelling. It can handle complex systems and interactions, and can model systems that change over time. It also supports non-deterministic programming, which can be useful in certain situations.

The hiring guide has been successfully sent to your email address.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of Ceptre?

Can the candidate demonstrate problem-solving skills?

Has the candidate shown an ability to work in a team?

Is the candidate able to communicate effectively?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Ceptre development questions

The next 20 minutes of the interview should focus on the candidate's expertise with specific backend frameworks, their understanding of RESTful APIs, and their experience in handling data storage and retrieval efficiently.

How would you debug a program in Ceptre?

Debugging in Ceptre involves checking the rules and their interactions. It can be done by running the program and observing the output, and by using print statements to track the flow of the program.

Describe the difference between linear and non-linear logic in Ceptre.

In Ceptre, linear logic is used to model systems that change over time, while non-linear logic is used for systems that remain constant. Linear logic allows for a more dynamic approach to programming, while non-linear logic is more static.

What are the challenges of working with Ceptre?

Some challenges of working with Ceptre include its steep learning curve, its lack of extensive documentation, and the difficulty of debugging due to its rule-based structure and use of linear logic.

How would you handle a situation where a rule in Ceptre is not firing as expected?

If a rule in Ceptre is not firing as expected, I would first check the conditions of the rule to ensure they are being met. If the conditions are correct, I would then check the interactions with other rules to see if they are causing the issue.

Describe the difference between deterministic and non-deterministic programming in Ceptre.

Deterministic programming in Ceptre involves defining rules that will always produce the same outcome when the same conditions are met. Non-deterministic programming, on the other hand, involves defining multiple rules for the same situation, with the system choosing one at random when the situation arises.

The hiring guide has been successfully sent to your email address.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

At this point, a skilled Ceptre engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in Ceptre programming language, and knowledge of software development methodologies. Red flags include lack of hands-on experience, inability to articulate complex concepts, or unfamiliarity with standard coding practices.

Digging deeper

Code questions

These will help you see the candidate's real-world development capabilities with Ceptre.

What does the following Ceptre code do?
rule r { A(x) } => { B(x) }.
This code defines a rule named 'r' which states that if there is a fact 'A' with some argument 'x', then it can be replaced by a fact 'B' with the same argument 'x'.
What will be the output of the following Ceptre code?
rule r { A(x), B(x) } => { C(x) }.
A(1).
B(1).
The output of this code will be 'C(1)'. The rule 'r' matches the facts 'A(1)' and 'B(1)' and replaces them with the fact 'C(1)'.
What does the following Ceptre code do?
rule r { A(x), not B(x) } => { C(x) }.
A(1).
B(2).
This code defines a rule 'r' that matches the fact 'A(1)' and the absence of the fact 'B(1)', and replaces them with the fact 'C(1)'. Since 'B(1)' does not exist, the rule is triggered and 'C(1)' is output.
What will be the output of the following Ceptre code?
rule r { A(x), B(y) } => { C(x, y) }.
A(1).
B(2).
The output of this code will be 'C(1, 2)'. The rule 'r' matches the facts 'A(1)' and 'B(2)' and replaces them with the fact 'C(1, 2)'.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for Ceptre Developer role questions

The final few questions should evaluate the candidate's teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, assess their knowledge of microservices architecture, serverless computing, and how they handle Ceptre application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

How would you model a complex system in Ceptre?

Modeling a complex system in Ceptre involves breaking down the system into its individual components and defining rules for their interactions. The system can then be simulated by running the program and observing the output.

What are the limitations of Ceptre?

Some limitations of Ceptre include its steep learning curve, its lack of extensive documentation, and the difficulty of debugging due to its rule-based structure and use of linear logic. Additionally, it may not be suitable for all types of systems or applications.

How would you optimize a Ceptre program for performance?

Optimizing a Ceptre program for performance involves carefully designing the rules and their interactions to minimize unnecessary computations. It also involves using efficient data structures and algorithms where possible.

Ceptre application related

Product Perfect's Ceptre development capabilities

Beyond hiring for your Ceptre engineering team, you may be in the market for additional help. Product Perfect provides seasoned expertise in Ceptre projects, and can engage in multiple capacities.

Ceptre Consultive assessments

Ceptre Application Conversion Assessment Ceptre Application Integration Assessment Ceptre Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom Ceptre development projects

Custom Ceptre App Conversion Ceptre Custom App Development Process App UI Design for Ceptre Facelifts

Hiring guide for Ceptre Engineers

Ceptre Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the Ceptre engineer at this point.

Ceptre Consultive assessments

Custom Ceptre development projects