Hiring guide for QtScript Engineers

QtScript Developer Hiring Guide

QtScript is a scripting language developed by the Qt company. It is based on ECMAScript, which is the standard upon which JavaScript is also built. QtScript allows developers to use JavaScript code in their Qt applications, making it easier to design complex user interfaces and enhancing the overall functionality of the application. It provides seamless integration with Qt-based C++ objects and can be used for simple tasks like input validation to more complex ones like scripting a complete application.

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

First 20 minutes

General QtScript app knowledge and experience

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

How would you describe the purpose of QtScript?
QtScript is a scripting language that is based on ECMAScript, allowing developers to write scripts that can interact with Qt applications. It is used to automate tasks, extend application functionality, and develop new features without having to recompile the entire application.
What are some of the key features of QtScript?
Some key features of QtScript include: ECMAScript compliance, integration with Qt, garbage collection, dynamic typing, exception handling, and support for object-oriented programming.
Describe the difference between QtScript and JavaScript.
While both QtScript and JavaScript are based on ECMAScript, they serve different purposes. JavaScript is primarily used for web development, while QtScript is used for scripting in Qt applications. Additionally, QtScript has access to the Qt framework, which is not available in JavaScript.
How would you use QtScript to automate a task in a Qt application?
To automate a task in a Qt application using QtScript, you would first need to expose the necessary Qt objects to the script environment. Then, you would write a script that uses these objects to perform the task. The script can be loaded and executed at runtime.
What are the steps to expose a Qt object to a QtScript environment?
To expose a Qt object to a QtScript environment, you would first need to create an instance of the object. Then, you would use the `newQObject` function of the `QScriptEngine` class to wrap the object. The resulting `QScriptValue` can be added to the script environment.
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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a deep understanding of QtScript?
Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?
Is the candidate familiar with other related technologies?
Has the candidate shown good communication skills?

Next 20 minutes

Specific QtScript 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.

Describe the difference between a QScriptValue and a QScriptEngine.
A QScriptValue represents a script object or primitive value, while a QScriptEngine represents a script execution environment. The QScriptEngine is used to evaluate scripts and manage script resources, while QScriptValues are used to manipulate script data.
How would you handle exceptions in QtScript?
Exceptions in QtScript can be handled using the `try-catch` statement. If an error occurs in the `try` block, execution is transferred to the `catch` block, where the error can be handled. The `throw` statement can be used to raise exceptions.
What are the steps to evaluate a script using QScriptEngine?
To evaluate a script using QScriptEngine, you would first create an instance of QScriptEngine. Then, you would call the `evaluate` method of the QScriptEngine instance, passing the script as a string. The result of the script evaluation can be obtained from the returned QScriptValue.
How would you use QtScript to extend the functionality of a Qt application?
To extend the functionality of a Qt application using QtScript, you would first expose the necessary Qt objects to the script environment. Then, you would write scripts that use these objects to implement new features. The scripts can be loaded and executed at runtime, allowing the application's functionality to be extended without recompiling.
Describe the difference between using QtScript and C++ to develop a Qt application.
While both QtScript and C++ can be used to develop a Qt application, they have different strengths. C++ is a statically-typed, compiled language that offers high performance and control, making it suitable for developing the core of the application. On the other hand, QtScript is a dynamically-typed, interpreted language that offers flexibility and ease of use, making it suitable for scripting and extending the application.
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The ideal back-end app developer

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

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

What does this simple QtScript code do?
var myObject = new Object();
myObject.name = 'QtScript';
print(myObject.name);
This code creates a new object, assigns the string 'QtScript' to its 'name' property, and then prints the value of the 'name' property.
What will be the output of the following QtScript code?
var x = 10;
var y = '20';
print(x + y);
The output will be '1020'. The '+' operator concatenates the string '20' to the number 10, resulting in the string '1020'.
What does this QtScript code do with the array?
var arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
arr.push(6);
print(arr);
This code declares an array with five elements, adds the number 6 to the end of the array using the push method, and then prints the updated array.
What does the following QtScript code do in terms of threading?
var worker = new Worker('worker.js');
worker.postMessage('Hello, Worker!');
This code creates a new Worker object, which spawns a new thread to run the 'worker.js' script. It then sends a message 'Hello, Worker!' to the worker thread using the postMessage method.

Wrap-up questions

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

How would you debug a QtScript program?
QtScript provides a debugger that can be used to debug scripts. The debugger allows you to set breakpoints, step through code, inspect variables, and so on. To use the debugger, you would need to create an instance of QScriptEngineDebugger and attach it to a QScriptEngine.
What are the steps to expose a custom C++ class to a QtScript environment?
To expose a custom C++ class to a QtScript environment, you would first need to make the class a QObject by inheriting from QObject and using the Q_OBJECT macro. Then, you would use the `newQObject` function of the `QScriptEngine` class to wrap an instance of the class. The resulting `QScriptValue` can be added to the script environment.
Describe the difference between using `newQObject` and `newQMetaObject` to expose a Qt object to a QtScript environment.
`newQObject` is used to wrap an instance of a QObject, while `newQMetaObject` is used to wrap a QMetaObject. The difference is that `newQObject` allows you to manipulate a specific object instance in the script, while `newQMetaObject` allows you to create new instances of a class and access static members in the script.

QtScript application related

Product Perfect's QtScript development capabilities

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