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QuickBASIC is a high-level programming language developed by Microsoft Corporation in the mid-1980s. It is an extension of the BASIC programming language that combines the features of procedural programming with powerful tools for creating applications on MS-DOS and Windows platforms. QuickBASIC is known for its Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which provides an editor, debugger, and compiler all in one package. This allows developers to write, test, and execute their code within the same environment. QuickBASIC supports a variety of data types and has built-in functions for handling files, graphics, and user input. Despite being considered outdated today, it played a significant role in introducing many programmers to the world of coding.

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

First 20 minutes

General QuickBASIC app knowledge and experience

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

How would you declare a variable in QuickBASIC?

You can declare a variable in QuickBASIC using the DIM statement. For example, 'DIM x AS INTEGER' declares x as an integer variable.

What are the different data types available in QuickBASIC?

QuickBASIC supports several data types including INTEGER, SINGLE, DOUBLE, STRING, and BOOLEAN.

How would you implement a loop in QuickBASIC?

You can implement a loop in QuickBASIC using the FOR...NEXT or DO...LOOP statements. For example, 'FOR i = 1 TO 10: PRINT i: NEXT i' prints numbers 1 to 10.

What is the purpose of the DEF FN statement in QuickBASIC?

The DEF FN statement is used to define a function in QuickBASIC. It specifies the name, parameters, and the code that forms the body of the function.

Describe the difference between the WHILE...WEND and DO...LOOP statements in QuickBASIC.

Both are used to create loops, but the difference lies in when the condition is checked. In WHILE...WEND, the condition is checked before the loop is executed. In DO...LOOP, the condition can be checked either at the start or at the end of the loop.

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of QuickBASIC language?

Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?

Is the candidate able to communicate effectively?

Does the candidate have experience with similar projects?

Next 20 minutes

Specific QuickBASIC 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 errors in QuickBASIC?

You can handle errors in QuickBASIC using the ON ERROR GOTO statement. This statement redirects the program flow to a specific line or label when an error occurs.

What are the different types of arrays in QuickBASIC and how would you declare them?

QuickBASIC supports one-dimensional and multi-dimensional arrays. You can declare them using the DIM statement. For example, 'DIM x(10) AS INTEGER' declares a one-dimensional array and 'DIM x(10, 10) AS INTEGER' declares a two-dimensional array.

How would you read and write data from a file in QuickBASIC?

You can use the OPEN statement to open a file, the INPUT# or LINE INPUT# statements to read data, and the PRINT# statement to write data. The CLOSE statement is used to close the file.

What is the purpose of the RANDOMIZE statement in QuickBASIC?

The RANDOMIZE statement is used to initialize the random number generator in QuickBASIC. It ensures that the sequence of random numbers produced by the RND function is different each time the program is run.

Describe the difference between the CALL and GOSUB statements in QuickBASIC.

Both are used to call a subroutine, but the difference lies in how they are defined. A subroutine called by CALL is defined using the SUB...END SUB statements, while a subroutine called by GOSUB is defined by a label and ends with the RETURN statement.

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

What does this simple QuickBASIC code do?
PRINT "Hello, World!"
This code prints the string 'Hello, World!' to the console.
What will be the output of this QuickBASIC code?
DIM A AS INTEGER
A = 5
PRINT A * 2
This code declares an integer variable 'A', assigns it the value 5, and then prints the result of 'A' multiplied by 2. So, the output will be 10.
What does this QuickBASIC code do?
DIM ARRAY(5) AS INTEGER
FOR I = 1 TO 5
ARRAY(I) = I * 2
NEXT I
FOR I = 1 TO 5
PRINT ARRAY(I)
NEXT I
This code declares an array of integers with 5 elements. It then assigns each element in the array a value that is twice its index. Finally, it prints each element in the array. So, the output will be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
What does this QuickBASIC code do?
SUB Delay (X)
FOR I = 1 TO X
NEXT I
END SUB
PRINT "Start"
CALL Delay(5000)
PRINT "End"
This code defines a subroutine 'Delay' that causes a delay proportional to the input parameter 'X'. It then prints 'Start', calls the 'Delay' subroutine with an argument of 5000, and then prints 'End'. So, it simulates a delay between the print statements.

Wrap-up questions

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

How would you implement recursion in QuickBASIC?

You can implement recursion in QuickBASIC by creating a function or subroutine that calls itself. However, you need to ensure that there is a base case to prevent infinite recursion.

What are the different ways to pass parameters to a subroutine in QuickBASIC?

You can pass parameters to a subroutine in QuickBASIC by value or by reference. Passing by value means that a copy of the variable is passed, while passing by reference means that a reference to the original variable is passed.

How would you create a user-defined type in QuickBASIC?

You can create a user-defined type in QuickBASIC using the TYPE...END TYPE statements. This allows you to group related variables together into a single data structure.

QuickBASIC application related

Product Perfect's QuickBASIC development capabilities

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

QuickBASIC Consultive assessments

QuickBASIC Application Conversion Assessment QuickBASIC Application Integration Assessment QuickBASIC Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom QuickBASIC development projects

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

Hiring guide for QuickBASIC Engineers

QuickBASIC Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

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

QuickBASIC Consultive assessments

Custom QuickBASIC development projects