Hiring guide for Lucid Engineers

Lucid Developer Hiring Guide

Lucid is a computer programming language designed by Alan Kay and Dan Ingalls at Xerox PARC in the 1970s. It was one of the first object-oriented programming languages. Lucid was never widely adopted, but it influenced the development of later object-oriented languages such as Smalltalk and Java.

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

First 20 minutes

General Lucid app knowledge and experience

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

How would you describe Lucid?
Lucid is a visual collaboration suite that allows users to create, edit, and share diagrams and flowcharts. It includes Lucidchart for diagramming and Lucidspark for brainstorming and whiteboarding.
What are some key features of Lucidchart?
Lucidchart includes features like real-time collaboration, data linking, powerful template library, and integrations with popular platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, and GitHub.
Describe the difference between Lucidchart and Lucidspark.
While both are part of the Lucid suite, Lucidchart is more focused on creating professional diagrams and flowcharts, while Lucidspark is designed for brainstorming and collaboration with features like sticky notes, freehand drawing, and voting.
How would you use Lucidchart to create a flowchart?
To create a flowchart in Lucidchart, you would start by selecting a flowchart template or starting from scratch. You can then drag and drop shapes from the toolbox onto the canvas, connect them with lines, and add text. You can also customize the colors, fonts, and line styles.
What are some use cases for Lucidspark?
Lucidspark can be used for a variety of purposes, including brainstorming sessions, project planning, design thinking, agile ceremonies, and remote team collaboration.
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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of Lucid's software and its applications?
Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills during the interview?
Is the candidate able to communicate effectively about technical concepts?
Has the candidate shown a willingness to learn and adapt?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Lucid 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 Lucidspark for a brainstorming session?
In a brainstorming session, you can use Lucidspark to create a shared board where participants can add their ideas using sticky notes, drawings, or text. You can also use voting and grouping features to prioritize and organize ideas.
Describe the difference between a template and a custom document in Lucidchart.
A template in Lucidchart is a pre-designed document that you can use as a starting point for your own work, while a custom document is one that you create from scratch. Templates can save time and provide design inspiration, while custom documents offer more flexibility and creativity.
What are some ways to collaborate in real-time using Lucid?
Lucid offers several ways to collaborate in real-time, including shared editing of documents, in-app chat, comments, @mentions, and live cursors that show where others are working.
How would you use data linking in Lucidchart?
Data linking in Lucidchart allows you to connect your diagrams to live data from other sources. You can use it to automatically update your diagrams when the underlying data changes, visualize complex data in an easy-to-understand format, and make your diagrams more dynamic and interactive.
Describe the difference between sharing a Lucid document via link and via email.
When you share a Lucid document via link, anyone with the link can access the document. When you share via email, only the specific people you invite can access the document. Both methods allow you to set permissions for viewing, commenting, and editing.
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The ideal back-end app developer

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

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

What does the following Lucid code do?
Schema.table('users', (table) => {
  table.increments()
  table.string('username', 80).notNullable().unique()
  table.string('email', 254).notNullable().unique()
  table.string('password', 60).notNullable()
  table.timestamps()
})
This code creates a 'users' table with the fields 'id', 'username', 'email', 'password', and timestamps. The 'id' field is auto-incremented. The 'username' and 'email' fields are unique and cannot be null. The 'password' field cannot be null.
What will be the output of the following Lucid code?
const user = await User.find(1)
console.log(user.toJSON())
This code will output the details of the user with an id of 1 in JSON format.
What does the following Lucid code do?
const users = await User.query().where('account_status', 'active').fetch()
This code fetches all users from the database where the 'account_status' field is 'active'.
What does the following Lucid code do?
const Database = use('Database')
const affectedRows = await Database.table('users').where('username', 'john').delete()
This code deletes all records from the 'users' table where the 'username' is 'john'. It also returns the number of rows affected by the delete operation.

Wrap-up questions

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

What are some ways to customize the appearance of a Lucidchart diagram?
You can customize a Lucidchart diagram in many ways, including changing the colors, fonts, and line styles, adding images and icons, using themes and templates, and adjusting the layout and alignment of shapes.
How would you use Lucidspark to facilitate a remote team meeting?
In a remote team meeting, you can use Lucidspark to create a shared board where participants can add their input in real-time. You can use features like sticky notes for brainstorming, timers for time-boxed activities, and voting for decision-making.
Describe the difference between a public and a private document in Lucid.
A public document in Lucid is one that anyone can view and possibly edit, depending on the permissions you set. A private document is one that only you and the people you specifically invite can access.

Lucid application related

Product Perfect's Lucid development capabilities

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