Hiring guide for IntercalScript Engineers

IntercalScript Developer Hiring Guide

IntercalScript is a fictional programming language that does not exist in reality. The name seems to be a combination of INTERCAL, a esoteric programming language known for its counter-intuitive and user-unfriendly design, and JavaScript, one of the most popular high-level programming languages used primarily for web development. However, there is no actual programming language named IntercalScript.

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

First 20 minutes

General IntercalScript app knowledge and experience

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

How would you declare a variable in IntercalScript?
You can declare a variable in IntercalScript using the `PLEASE` keyword followed by the variable name and value. For example: `PLEASE A IS 1`.
What are the main data types in IntercalScript?
IntercalScript has two main data types: numbers and arrays. Numbers can be integers or floating-point values, while arrays can hold multiple values of any type.
Describe the difference between DO and PLEASE in IntercalScript.
`DO` and `PLEASE` are similar in that they both initiate actions. However, `DO` is used for basic commands, while `PLEASE` is used for more polite requests.
How would you handle errors in IntercalScript?
Errors in IntercalScript can be handled using the `PLEASE GIVE UP` statement, which stops the program and displays an error message.
What are the uses of the COME FROM statement in IntercalScript?
The `COME FROM` statement in IntercalScript is used to control the flow of the program. It's similar to the `GOTO` statement in other languages, but operates in reverse.
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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a solid understanding of IntercalScript language?
Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills during the interview?
Does the candidate have experience with software development methodologies?
Has the candidate shown an ability to learn and adapt?

Next 20 minutes

Specific IntercalScript 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 write a loop in IntercalScript?
Loops in IntercalScript can be written using the `DO` statement along with `AGAIN` and `RESUME`. For example: `DO 1 AGAIN`.
Describe the difference between STASH and RETRIEVE in IntercalScript.
`STASH` is used to store the value of a variable for later use, while `RETRIEVE` is used to get the stored value back.
What is the purpose of the IGNORE statement in IntercalScript?
The `IGNORE` statement in IntercalScript is used to ignore the value of a variable or an expression.
How would you define a function in IntercalScript?
Functions in IntercalScript can be defined using the `PLEASE DO` statement followed by the function name and parameters. For example: `PLEASE DO F (A, B)`.
What are the different types of operators available in IntercalScript?
IntercalScript has a variety of operators including arithmetic operators (`+`, `-`, etc.), comparison operators (`IS`, `ISN'T`, etc.), and logical operators (`AND`, `OR`, etc.).
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The ideal back-end app developer

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

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

What does the following IntercalScript code do?
PLEASE READ OUT .1
This code reads a single character from the standard input and assigns its ASCII value to the variable .1
What is the output of the following IntercalScript code?
PLEASE DO .1 <- #10
PLEASE OUT .1
This code first assigns the value 10 to the variable .1 and then prints the ASCII representation of the value of .1. The output will be a newline character.
What does the following IntercalScript code do?
DO :1 <- '134
PLEASE OUT :1
This code assigns the value 134 to the array at index 1 and then prints the ASCII representation of the value at index 1 of the array. The output will be the character whose ASCII value is 134.
What does the following IntercalScript code do?
PLEASE DO :1 SUB #1 <- '134
DO STASH .1
PLEASE RETRIEVE .1
This code assigns the value 134 to the array at index 1, stashes the value of the variable .1, and then retrieves the value of the variable .1. The STASH and RETRIEVE commands are used for manipulating the stack, which can be used for implementing threading or concurrency.

Wrap-up questions

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

Describe the difference between the INTERCAL and IntercalScript programming languages.
IntercalScript is a derivative of the INTERCAL language. It maintains much of the original syntax, but adds additional features and syntax to make the language more usable.
How would you implement recursion in IntercalScript?
Recursion in IntercalScript can be implemented by having a function call itself. This is done using the `PLEASE DO` statement within the function definition.
What is the purpose of the ABSTAIN statement in IntercalScript?
The `ABSTAIN` statement in IntercalScript is used to temporarily disable certain parts of the code.

IntercalScript application related

Product Perfect's IntercalScript development capabilities

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