Hiring guide for Jython Engineers

Jython Developer Hiring Guide

Jython is a high-level, interpreted programming language that seamlessly integrates Python with the Java platform. Introduced in 1997 by Jim Hugunin, it is designed to allow programmers to run Python on any system that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Jython compiles Python source code to Java bytecode, enabling Python programs to fully access the Java class libraries. It is an open-source language maintained by the Jython Project at jython.org. This powerful tool offers the combined strengths of Python's simplicity and Java's robustness, making it a popular choice for developers.

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

First 20 minutes

General Jython app knowledge and experience

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

How would you install Jython on your system?
You can install Jython by downloading the latest Jython installer from the official website, running the installer, and following the instructions. After installation, you can verify the installation by typing 'jython' in the command prompt.
What are the key differences between Jython and Python?
Jython is an implementation of Python that runs on the Java platform, whereas Python is the original implementation that runs on the C platform. Jython can use Java libraries and Python can use C libraries. Jython compiles to Java bytecode which can be run on any JVM, while Python compiles to Python bytecode which runs on the Python interpreter.
How would you integrate Jython with Java?
Jython can be integrated with Java by importing Java classes in Jython scripts, creating Java objects, calling Java methods, and implementing Java interfaces in Jython. The Jython interpreter can also be embedded in a Java application.
What are the advantages of using Jython over Python?
The main advantages of Jython are its seamless integration with Java, the ability to use Java libraries and frameworks, and the ability to run on any platform that has a Java Virtual Machine.
Describe the difference between Jython and JRuby.
Jython and JRuby are both implementations of scripting languages for the JVM. Jython is an implementation of Python and JRuby is an implementation of Ruby. The main difference is the language syntax and features, as Python and Ruby are different languages with different design philosophies.
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

Has the candidate demonstrated a strong understanding of Jython's syntax and semantics?
Can the candidate effectively use Jython's integration with Java?
Does the candidate have experience with multi-threading and synchronization in Jython?
Is the candidate comfortable with using Jython's standard library and third-party modules?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Jython 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 Jython script?
You can debug a Jython script using a Python debugger like pdb, or a Java debugger if the Jython script is running inside a Java application. You can also use print statements for simple debugging.
What are the limitations of Jython?
Some limitations of Jython include slower performance compared to Python, lack of support for some Python libraries that use C extensions, and differences in behavior between Jython and Python due to the underlying Java platform.
How would you handle exceptions in Jython?
Exceptions in Jython can be handled using try-except blocks, similar to Python. You can also catch Java exceptions in Jython using the same syntax.
Describe the difference between Jython and CPython.
Jython and CPython are both implementations of Python, but Jython runs on the Java platform and CPython runs on the C platform. Jython can use Java libraries and CPython can use C libraries. Jython compiles to Java bytecode and CPython compiles to Python bytecode.
How would you use Java libraries in Jython?
Java libraries can be used in Jython by importing the Java classes and creating Java objects, similar to how Python libraries are used in Python. The Java classes can be used directly in Jython code.
The hiring guide has been successfully sent to your email address.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The ideal back-end app developer

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

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

What does the following Jython code do?
print 'Hello, World!'
This code prints the string 'Hello, World!' to the console.
What will be the output of the following Jython code?
x = 10
y = 20
print(x + y)
The output of the code will be 30. The code adds the values of variables x and y and prints the result.
What does the following Jython code do?
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(my_list[::-1])
This code prints the list 'my_list' in reverse order. The output will be [5, 4, 3, 2, 1].
What does the following Jython code do?
import threading

def print_numbers():
  for i in range(10):
    print(i)

def print_letters():
  for letter in 'abcdefghij':
    print(letter)

thread1 = threading.Thread(target=print_numbers)
thread2 = threading.Thread(target=print_letters)

thread1.start()
thread2.start()
This code creates two threads. One thread prints numbers from 0 to 9, and the other thread prints letters from 'a' to 'j'. The threads run concurrently.

Wrap-up questions

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

What are the differences between Jython 2.7 and Jython 3.0?
Jython 2.7 is compatible with Python 2.7 and Jython 3.0 is compatible with Python 3.0. The main differences are the language features and syntax that have been added or changed in Python 3.0, such as print being a function, the division operator performing true division, and the new syntax for exception handling.
How would you optimize a Jython script for performance?
Performance optimization in Jython can involve techniques such as using Java libraries for performance-critical code, avoiding unnecessary object creation, using local variables instead of global variables, and using the -O option for the Jython interpreter to remove assert statements and __debug__ code.
Describe the difference between Jython and IronPython.
Jython and IronPython are both implementations of Python, but Jython runs on the Java platform and IronPython runs on the .NET platform. Jython can use Java libraries and IronPython can use .NET libraries. Jython compiles to Java bytecode and IronPython compiles to .NET bytecode.

Jython application related

Product Perfect's Jython development capabilities

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