Hiring guide for IronPython Engineers

IronPython Developer Hiring Guide

IronPython is an open-source implementation of the Python programming language, tightly integrated with the .NET Framework. It supports an interactive interpreter with fully dynamic compilation and is well-integrated with the rest of the framework. IronPython can use .NET and Python libraries, and other .NET languages can use Python code just as easily. It was first released in 2006 by Microsoft's Dynamic Language Team under Apache License 2.0.

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

First 20 minutes

General IronPython app knowledge and experience

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

How would you install IronPython?
You can install IronPython by downloading the latest version from the official IronPython website and running the installer. Alternatively, you can use pip, a package manager for Python, to install IronPython.
What are the key differences between IronPython and CPython?
IronPython is implemented in C# and is targeted at the .NET Framework, while CPython is the original and most widely used implementation of Python, written in C. IronPython can use .NET Framework libraries, and CPython uses Python libraries.
How would you execute a Python script using IronPython?
You can execute a Python script using IronPython by using the 'ipy' command followed by the name of your script. For example, 'ipy myscript.py'.
Describe the difference between a tuple and a list in Python.
The main difference between tuples and lists in Python is that tuples are immutable, meaning they cannot be changed after they are created, while lists are mutable and can have elements added, removed, or changed.
What are decorators in Python and how would you use them in IronPython?
Decorators in Python are a way to modify the behavior of a function or class. In IronPython, you would use them in the same way as in standard Python, by prefixing the function or class definition with the decorator, like '@decorator'.
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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a solid understanding of IronPython?
Can the candidate demonstrate problem-solving skills?
Is the candidate familiar with .NET framework?
Has the candidate shown the ability to work as part of a team?

Next 20 minutes

Specific IronPython 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 exceptions in IronPython?
You can handle exceptions in IronPython using try/except blocks. You put the code that might raise an exception in the try block, and the code to execute if an exception is raised in the except block.
What are the key differences between IronPython and Jython?
IronPython is a Python interpreter that integrates with the .NET Framework, while Jython is a Python interpreter for the Java platform. IronPython can use .NET libraries, while Jython can use Java libraries.
How would you create a class in IronPython?
You can create a class in IronPython using the 'class' keyword, followed by the name of the class and a colon. The body of the class is then indented under the class definition.
Describe the difference between a shallow copy and a deep copy in Python.
A shallow copy creates a new object and inserts references to the objects found in the original. A deep copy creates a new object and recursively adds copies of the objects found in the original.
What are metaclasses in Python and how would you use them in IronPython?
Metaclasses in Python are the 'classes' that create classes. You can use them in IronPython to control class creation by defining a metaclass and then using it as the metaclass for your class.
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The ideal back-end app developer

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

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

What does this simple IronPython code do?
print 'Hello, World!'
This code prints the string 'Hello, World!' to the standard output.
What is the output of the following IronPython code?
x = 10
y = 20
print x + y
The output of this code will be 30. It adds the values of variables x and y and prints the result.
What does this IronPython code do?
list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print list[::-1]
This code prints the list in reverse order. The output will be [5, 4, 3, 2, 1].
What does the following IronPython code do?
import threading
def print_numbers():
  for i in range(10):
    print i
thread = threading.Thread(target=print_numbers)
thread.start()
This code creates a new thread and runs the function print_numbers in that thread. The function prints numbers from 0 to 9.

Wrap-up questions

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

How would you implement multithreading in IronPython?
You can implement multithreading in IronPython using the threading module, which allows you to create, control, and manage threads in your program.
Describe the difference between a function and a method in Python.
A function is a block of code that is defined outside of a class and can be called independently, while a method is a function that is associated with an object or class and can access and modify the data within that object or class.
What are generators in Python and how would you use them in IronPython?
Generators in Python are a type of iterable, like lists or tuples. They generate values on the fly, which makes them more memory efficient when dealing with large datasets. In IronPython, you would use them in the same way as in standard Python, by using the 'yield' keyword in a function.

IronPython application related

Product Perfect's IronPython development capabilities

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