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DRAKON-PL/SQL is a programming language that combines DRAKON and PL/SQL. DRAKON is a visual language used for specifications and PL/SQL is a procedural language designed specifically for the seamless processing of SQL commands. DRAKON-PL/SQL aims to improve the readability and understandability of PL/SQL code by incorporating DRAKON's visual representation. It provides a clear and systematic way of writing code, making it easier to understand complex programming logic. This language is particularly useful in database-driven applications where PL/SQL plays a vital role.

Ask the right questions secure the right DRAKON-PL/SQL talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General DRAKON-PL/SQL app knowledge and experience

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

What are the basic components of a DRAKON diagram?

The basic components of a DRAKON diagram are Header, Silhouette, and Icons. The Header contains the name of the diagram. The Silhouette is the main vertical line that represents the normal flow of the algorithm. Icons are the graphical elements that represent actions, conditions, and loops.

How would you create a table in PL/SQL?

To create a table in PL/SQL, you would use the CREATE TABLE statement. For example: CREATE TABLE employees (id INT, name VARCHAR2(50), salary NUMBER(8, 2));

What is the purpose of the DRAKON 'Question' icon?

The 'Question' icon in DRAKON is used to represent a condition or decision point in the algorithm. It has two exits: 'yes' and 'no', representing the outcomes of the condition.

How would you handle exceptions in PL/SQL?

In PL/SQL, exceptions can be handled using the EXCEPTION block in the PL/SQL block structure. You can define exception handlers to handle specific exceptions and take appropriate action.

Describe the difference between a DRAKON 'Action' icon and a 'Procedure' icon.

An 'Action' icon in DRAKON represents a single action or operation, while a 'Procedure' icon represents a call to a subroutine or a complex operation that can be described by another DRAKON diagram.

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of DRAKON-PL/SQL?

Can the candidate demonstrate problem-solving skills?

Has the candidate worked on relevant projects?

Does the candidate show good communication skills?

Next 20 minutes

Specific DRAKON-PL/SQL 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 use cursors in PL/SQL?

In PL/SQL, cursors are used to retrieve multiple rows of data from a database. You can declare a cursor and use the OPEN, FETCH, and CLOSE commands to control the retrieval of rows.

What is the purpose of the DRAKON 'End' icon?

The 'End' icon in DRAKON represents the termination of the algorithm. It indicates that the algorithm has completed its execution.

How would you create a stored procedure in PL/SQL?

To create a stored procedure in PL/SQL, you would use the CREATE PROCEDURE statement. You can define input and output parameters, and include SQL and PL/SQL statements in the procedure body.

Describe the difference between a DRAKON 'Loop' icon and a 'For Each Item' icon.

A 'Loop' icon in DRAKON represents a loop with a condition at the beginning, similar to a 'while' loop in programming. A 'For Each Item' icon represents a loop that iterates over a collection of items, similar to a 'for' loop.

How would you use transactions in PL/SQL?

In PL/SQL, you can use transactions to group a set of related operations into a single unit of work. You can use the COMMIT command to save the changes, and the ROLLBACK command to undo the changes.

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

What does this simple PL/SQL block do?
BEGIN
  DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE('Hello, World!');
END;
This code prints the string 'Hello, World!' to the console.
What does this PL/SQL code do?
DECLARE
  v_count NUMBER;
BEGIN
  SELECT COUNT(*) INTO v_count FROM employees;
  DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE('Number of employees: ' || v_count);
END;
This code counts the number of rows in the 'employees' table and prints the count to the console.
What does this PL/SQL code do?
DECLARE
  TYPE t_numbers IS TABLE OF NUMBER;
  v_numbers t_numbers := t_numbers(1, 2, 3, 4, 5);
BEGIN
  FOR i IN 1..v_numbers.COUNT
  LOOP
    DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE(v_numbers(i));
  END LOOP;
END;
This code declares an array of numbers, initializes it with the numbers 1 through 5, and then prints each number to the console.
What does this PL/SQL code do?
DECLARE
  v_count NUMBER := 0;
BEGIN
  FOR i IN 1..100
  LOOP
    v_count := v_count + 1;
    IF MOD(v_count, 10) = 0 THEN
      COMMIT;
    END IF;
  END LOOP;
END;
This code increments a counter in a loop from 1 to 100. Every time the counter reaches a multiple of 10, it commits the transaction.

Wrap-up questions

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

What is the purpose of the DRAKON 'Shelf' icon?

The 'Shelf' icon in DRAKON is used to store temporary data during the execution of the algorithm. It represents a local variable in programming.

How would you create a trigger in PL/SQL?

To create a trigger in PL/SQL, you would use the CREATE TRIGGER statement. You can define the triggering event and the action to be taken when the event occurs.

Describe the difference between a DRAKON 'Insertion' icon and a 'Removal' icon.

An 'Insertion' icon in DRAKON represents the addition of an element to a collection, while a 'Removal' icon represents the removal of an element from a collection.

DRAKON-PL/SQL application related

Product Perfect's DRAKON-PL/SQL development capabilities

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

DRAKON-PL/SQL Consultive assessments

DRAKON-PL/SQL Application Conversion Assessment DRAKON-PL/SQL Application Integration Assessment DRAKON-PL/SQL Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom DRAKON-PL/SQL development projects

Custom DRAKON-PL/SQL App Conversion DRAKON-PL/SQL Custom App Development Process App UI Design for DRAKON-PL/SQL Facelifts

Hiring guide for DRAKON-PL/SQL Engineers

DRAKON-PL/SQL Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

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

DRAKON-PL/SQL Consultive assessments

Custom DRAKON-PL/SQL development projects