Hiring guide for DRAKON-Java Engineers

DRAKON-Java Developer Hiring Guide

DRAKON-Java is a programming language that combines the DRAKON visual language with the Java syntax. DRAKON is a visual algorithmic language developed by the Russian space program for designing complex systems, and it focuses on clear and understandable flowcharts. By combining this with Java, one of the most popular programming languages, DRAKON-Java aims to make coding more accessible and easier to understand. It allows developers to design their code visually before translating it into Java syntax, making it an excellent tool for teaching programming concepts or for use in large teams where clear communication of code structure is essential.

Ask the right questions secure the right DRAKON-Java talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General DRAKON-Java app knowledge and experience

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

How would you describe the DRAKON visual language?
DRAKON is a visual language for specifications from the Russian space program. It is designed to represent complex logic and algorithms in a clear, understandable way. It's particularly useful for understanding the flow of processes and decisions.
What are the main principles of DRAKON?
DRAKON's main principles include: clarity and simplicity, avoiding errors, and having a uniform way to represent any kind of logic. It's designed to make complex logic understandable even to non-programmers.
How would you integrate DRAKON-Java into an existing project?
Integrating DRAKON-Java into an existing project involves generating Java code from DRAKON diagrams and then incorporating this code into the project. This could involve replacing existing code or adding new functionality.
Describe the difference between DRAKON and traditional flowcharts.
Traditional flowcharts use a variety of shapes to represent different types of steps, while DRAKON uses a more uniform set of symbols, making it easier to understand. DRAKON also has strict rules about the layout and flow of diagrams, which helps avoid common errors.
What are some advantages of using DRAKON-Java?
DRAKON-Java makes it easier to understand complex logic, which can help reduce errors and improve code quality. It can also make it easier to communicate about the code with non-programmers.
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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of DRAKON-Java and its syntax?
Can the candidate solve problems using DRAKON-Java?
Has the candidate demonstrated knowledge of software development principles?
Does the candidate have experience working on a team?

Next 20 minutes

Specific DRAKON-Java 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 handle errors in DRAKON-Java?
In DRAKON-Java, errors can be handled using the 'Exception' icon, which represents an exception being thrown. This can then be caught and handled in the usual Java way.
Describe the difference between DRAKON-Java and other Java development tools.
DRAKON-Java is unique in its use of visual diagrams to represent code. While other tools may provide visualizations, they are usually secondary to the code. In DRAKON-Java, the diagram is the primary artifact.
How would you test code generated from a DRAKON diagram?
Code generated from a DRAKON diagram can be tested like any other Java code, using unit tests, integration tests, etc. The diagram can also be used to help design the tests, by clearly showing the expected flow of control.
What are some challenges you might face when using DRAKON-Java?
Some challenges might include: getting used to the visual style of DRAKON, integrating DRAKON-Java into an existing development process, and convincing others of its benefits.
How would you debug a complex DRAKON-Java program?
Debugging a DRAKON-Java program involves tracing the flow of control through the DRAKON diagram, and using standard Java debugging tools to inspect variables, step through code, etc.
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The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the DRAKON-Java engineer at this point.

At this point, a skilled DRAKON-Java engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in DRAKON-Java 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 DRAKON-Java.

What does the following DRAKON-Java code do?
public class HelloWorld {
 public static void main(String[] args) {
 System.out.println("Hello, World!");
 }
}
This is a simple 'Hello, World!' program. It prints 'Hello, World!' to the console.
What will be the output of the following DRAKON-Java code?
int x = 10;
int y = 20;
int z = y += x;
The output will be 30. The code adds the value of 'x' to 'y' and assigns the result to 'z'.
What does the following DRAKON-Java code do?
List numbers = Arrays.asList(1, 2, 3, 4, 5);
numbers.stream().filter(n -> n % 2 == 0).forEach(System.out::println);
This code filters out the even numbers from the list and prints them. It uses Java's Stream API to process the list.
What does the following DRAKON-Java code do?
public class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
 public void run() {
 System.out.println("Thread executed.");
 }
}
Thread thread = new Thread(new MyRunnable());
thread.start();
This code creates a new thread and executes it. The thread prints 'Thread executed.' when it runs.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for DRAKON-Java 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 DRAKON-Java application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

Describe the difference between DRAKON-Java and DRAKON-C#.
The main difference is the target language: DRAKON-Java generates Java code, while DRAKON-C# generates C# code. The principles of DRAKON are the same in both cases.
How would you use DRAKON-Java in a team environment?
In a team environment, DRAKON-Java can be used to help communicate complex logic and algorithms. The diagrams can be shared and discussed, and changes can be tracked in a version control system.
What are some limitations of DRAKON-Java?
Some limitations might include: the need to manually synchronize changes between the diagram and the generated code, the learning curve for new users, and the lack of support for some Java features.

DRAKON-Java application related

Product Perfect's DRAKON-Java development capabilities

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