Product Perfect

Topspeed is a high-performance computer programming language developed by JRTwine Software, LLC. It was first introduced in the 1980s as part of the Clarion programming language's professional development system. Topspeed is known for its speed and efficiency, often used for creating database-oriented applications. Its unique feature is the template-driven code generation, which significantly reduces coding time. As a result, it has been widely adopted by software developers across various industries.

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

First 20 minutes

General Topspeed app knowledge and experience

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

How would you define Topspeed?

Topspeed is a high-level programming language that is primarily used for creating database applications. It's known for its speed and efficiency in managing large databases.

What are some common uses for Topspeed?

Topspeed is often used for creating business applications, especially those that require handling and managing large databases. It's also used in creating software for various industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.

Describe the difference between Topspeed and other programming languages.

Topspeed is specifically designed for database management, making it more efficient for such tasks compared to general-purpose languages. It also has a unique syntax and structure, which allows for faster execution of commands.

How would you handle errors in Topspeed?

Topspeed has built-in error handling mechanisms. I would use the TRY and CATCH statements to catch exceptions and handle them appropriately.

What are some of the key features of Topspeed?

Topspeed has several key features, including its speed and efficiency, its ability to handle large databases, and its unique syntax and structure that allows for faster execution of commands.

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a deep understanding of Topspeed development?

Can the candidate demonstrate problem-solving skills?

Is the candidate familiar with the latest Topspeed development tools and technologies?

Is the candidate able to communicate effectively?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Topspeed 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 optimize a Topspeed application for better performance?

Optimization in Topspeed can be achieved through various ways, such as efficient database design, proper indexing, and using the language's features to their full potential.

Describe the difference between Topspeed's TRY and CATCH statements and those in other languages.

While the concept is similar, Topspeed's TRY and CATCH statements are designed to work more efficiently with the language's unique structure and syntax, allowing for faster and more efficient error handling.

What are some challenges you might face when developing with Topspeed and how would you overcome them?

Some challenges might include understanding the unique syntax and structure of Topspeed, optimizing applications for performance, and handling errors. These can be overcome through practice, learning, and using the language's features effectively.

How would you test a Topspeed application?

Testing a Topspeed application involves creating test cases, running them, and analyzing the results. It's also important to test the application under different conditions to ensure its robustness and reliability.

Describe the difference between Topspeed's database management capabilities and those of other languages.

Topspeed is specifically designed for database management, making it more efficient for such tasks compared to general-purpose languages. It also has features that allow for faster and more efficient handling of large databases.

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

What does this simple Topspeed code do?
PROGRAM
  INCLUDE('windows.inc')
  MESSAGE('Hello, World!')
END
This code displays a message box with the text 'Hello, World!' on the screen.
What will be the output of this Topspeed code?
PROGRAM
  INCLUDE('windows.inc')
  STRING sName = 'John'
  MESSAGE('Hello, ' & sName)
END
This code will display a message box with the text 'Hello, John'.
What does this Topspeed code do with arrays?
PROGRAM
  INCLUDE('windows.inc')
  ARRAY aNames[3] = 'John', 'Doe', 'Smith'
  MESSAGE(aNames[2])
END
This code creates an array with three elements and then displays a message box with the second element of the array, which is 'Doe'.
What does this Topspeed code do with threading?
PROGRAM
  INCLUDE('windows.inc')
  THREAD t1
    MESSAGE('Thread 1')
  END
  THREAD t2
    MESSAGE('Thread 2')
  END
END
This code creates two separate threads. Each thread displays its own message box. The first thread displays 'Thread 1' and the second thread displays 'Thread 2'.

Wrap-up questions

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

How would you handle a situation where a Topspeed application is not performing as expected?

I would first try to identify the cause of the performance issue, which could involve analyzing the code, checking the database, or looking at the system resources. Once the cause is identified, I would take appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

What are some advanced features of Topspeed that you have used in your projects?

Some advanced features of Topspeed that I have used include its powerful database management capabilities, its efficient error handling mechanisms, and its unique syntax and structure that allows for faster execution of commands.

Describe the difference between Topspeed's syntax and that of other languages.

Topspeed's syntax is unique and designed to work efficiently with the language's structure and features. It's different from other languages in that it allows for faster execution of commands and more efficient handling of databases.

Topspeed application related

Product Perfect's Topspeed development capabilities

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

Topspeed Consultive assessments

Topspeed Application Conversion Assessment Topspeed Application Integration Assessment Topspeed Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom Topspeed development projects

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

Hiring guide for Topspeed Engineers

Topspeed Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

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

Topspeed Consultive assessments

Custom Topspeed development projects