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The LPC programming language, short for Lars Pensjö C, was developed in the late 1980s by Lars Pensjö to facilitate the creation of MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) in an object-oriented environment. It is a high-level language derived from C and Simula, designed specifically for networked multi-user interaction. The first implementation of LPC was used in LPMud, a popular MUD game server. Over time, LPC has evolved into several dialects and has been instrumental in the development of interactive online environments. Its influence can be traced in modern game development and virtual reality applications.

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

First 20 minutes

General LPC app knowledge and experience

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

How would you define LPC?

LPC, or Lars Pensjö C, is a high-level, object-oriented programming language primarily used for creating interactive applications such as MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons).

What are the basic data types in LPC?

The basic data types in LPC include integers, floats, strings, arrays, mappings, and objects.

Describe the difference between a function and an efun in LPC?

A function is a block of code defined by the programmer that performs a specific task, while an efun, or external function, is a built-in function provided by the LPC driver.

How would you handle errors in LPC?

In LPC, errors can be handled using catch and throw statements. The catch statement is used to catch any runtime errors that occur within its argument, while the throw statement is used to throw an error.

What is the purpose of the 'inherit' keyword in LPC?

The 'inherit' keyword in LPC is used to inherit the properties and methods of another object. This allows for code reuse and the implementation of hierarchical class structures.

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of LPC programming language?

Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?

Does the candidate have experience with version control systems?

Can the candidate work well in a team?

Next 20 minutes

Specific LPC 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 create an array in LPC?

In LPC, an array can be created using the array keyword followed by the array name and its elements enclosed in brackets. For example: array myArray = ({1, 2, 3});

What is the difference between a mapping and an array in LPC?

An array in LPC is an ordered collection of elements, while a mapping is an unordered collection of key-value pairs. Mappings allow for faster access to elements based on their keys.

How would you implement inheritance in LPC?

Inheritance in LPC can be implemented using the 'inherit' keyword followed by the filename of the object to be inherited. For example: inherit '/path/to/object';

What are the different types of loops in LPC and how do they work?

LPC supports several types of loops including for, while, and do-while loops. A for loop is used when the number of iterations is known, a while loop is used when the number of iterations is unknown but the condition is known, and a do-while loop is similar to a while loop but it executes at least once.

How would you define a function in LPC?

A function in LPC can be defined using the 'void' keyword followed by the function name and its parameters enclosed in parentheses. The function body is enclosed in braces. For example: void myFunction(int a, int b) { // function body }

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

What does this simple LPC code do?
void create() {
  set_name("apple");
  set_id(({ "apple", "fruit" }));
  set_short("A shiny red apple");
  set_long("This is a perfectly ripe apple, ready to be eaten.");
  set_weight(1);
  set_value(10);
}
This code defines a create() function that sets up an object representing an apple in an LPC environment. It sets the name, id, short description, long description, weight, and value of the apple.
What will be the output of this LPC code snippet?
int add(int a, int b) {
  return a + b;
}

write(add(5, 10));
The output will be 15. The function 'add' receives two integers, adds them and returns the result. The 'write' function then prints this result.
What does this LPC code snippet do?
mixed *arr = ({ "apple", "banana", "cherry" });
arr -= ({ "banana" });
This code creates an array with three strings: 'apple', 'banana', and 'cherry'. The second line removes the string 'banana' from the array.
What does this LPC code snippet do?
void start() {
  call_out("say_hello", 5);
}

void say_hello() {
  write("Hello, world!");
}
This code schedules a delayed call to the function 'say_hello' in 5 seconds after the 'start' function is called. The 'say_hello' function will then print 'Hello, world!' to the output.

Wrap-up questions

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

What is the purpose of the 'this_object' function in LPC?

The 'this_object' function in LPC returns a reference to the current object. This is useful when you need to refer to the current object within its own methods.

How would you handle exceptions in LPC?

Exceptions in LPC can be handled using the catch statement. The catch statement is used to catch any runtime errors that occur within its argument. If an error occurs, the catch statement returns a non-zero value.

What is the difference between 'call_out' and 'call_other' in LPC?

'call_out' is a function in LPC that schedules a function to be called after a specified delay. 'call_other', on the other hand, is used to call a function in another object.

LPC application related

Product Perfect's LPC development capabilities

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

LPC Consultive assessments

LPC Application Conversion Assessment LPC Application Integration Assessment LPC Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom LPC development projects

Custom LPC App Conversion LPC Custom App Development Process App UI Design for LPC Facelifts

Hiring guide for LPC Engineers

LPC Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

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

LPC Consultive assessments

Custom LPC development projects