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Visual C++ is a powerful programming language developed by Microsoft for Windows platforms. It's an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that includes a code editor, debugger, compiler and other tools used for developing applications. Visual C++ supports both C and C++ programming languages but it has numerous built-in features that make it more suitable for Windows application development. One of the key features of Visual C++ is its support for object-oriented programming which allows developers to build reusable components, making the development process more efficient. It also provides extensive support for developing graphical user interfaces through its Windows API and .NET Framework libraries. Visual Studio, the IDE in which Visual C++, operates offers debugging tools, IntelliSense (a code suggestion tool), syntax highlighting and other utilities that streamline coding tasks. The platform also enables developers to build programs ranging from simple console applications to complex web services and windows applications. Despite being a proprietary product of Microsoft, there are free editions available known as Express Editions aimed at students or amateur programmers who want to learn about this language without making significant financial investments.

Ask the right questions secure the right Visual C++ talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General Visual C++ app knowledge and experience

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

How would you define the role of a Visual C++ developer?

A Visual C++ developer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications using the Visual C++ programming language. They often work with other developers and stakeholders to understand the requirements of the software, create efficient and reliable code, debug and solve problems, and ensure the software meets the needs of the end users.

What are the key features of Visual C++?

Visual C++ includes features like a powerful integrated development environment (IDE), a strong compiler, debugging capabilities, code editing and navigation features, libraries for building Windows applications, support for parallel programming, and tools for profiling and testing code.

Describe the difference between C++ and Visual C++.

C++ is a general-purpose programming language, while Visual C++ is Microsoft's implementation of the C++ language, along with libraries and tools for developing Windows applications. Visual C++ includes a powerful IDE, which is not available in standard C++.

How would you handle memory leaks in Visual C++?

To handle memory leaks in Visual C++, I would use tools like the C++ Standard Library's smart pointers, which automatically manage memory and help prevent leaks. I would also use Visual C++'s built-in debugging and profiling tools to detect and fix memory leaks.

What are the benefits of using the Standard Template Library (STL) in Visual C++?

The STL provides a set of common classes for C++, such as containers and algorithms, that can save development time and help ensure code reliability. It also promotes code reuse and generic programming.

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate demonstrate a strong understanding of Visual C++?

Has the candidate shown problem-solving skills?

Is the candidate able to communicate effectively?

Does the candidate have experience with the full software development life cycle?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Visual C++ 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 class and a structure in Visual C++.

In Visual C++, both classes and structures can have data members and member functions. The main difference is the default access level: in a class, members are private by default, while in a structure, they are public.

How would you use multithreading in Visual C++?

Visual C++ supports multithreading through the use of the thread class in the C++ Standard Library. To use multithreading, I would create thread objects and pass them a function to execute in a separate thread. I would also use synchronization mechanisms like mutexes and condition variables to ensure threads cooperate correctly.

What is the role of the 'this' pointer in Visual C++?

The 'this' pointer in Visual C++ is an implicit parameter to all nonstatic member functions. It points to the object for which the member function is called. 'this' can be used to access the object's members and to pass the current object to other functions.

Describe the difference between overloading and overriding in Visual C++.

Overloading in Visual C++ is when multiple functions have the same name but different parameters. Overriding is when a derived class provides a new implementation for a function that is already provided by its base class. Overloading is resolved at compile time, while overriding is resolved at runtime.

How would you use exception handling in Visual C++?

In Visual C++, I would use try-catch blocks to handle exceptions. I would write potentially problematic code inside a try block and then catch any exceptions that are thrown with a catch block. I can also use the throw keyword to throw exceptions when certain conditions are met.

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

What does this simple C++ code do?
int main() {
	int a = 10;
	int b = 20;
	int c = a + b;
	return 0;
}
This code declares two integer variables 'a' and 'b', assigns them the values 10 and 20 respectively, then adds them together and assigns the result to a third integer variable 'c'. The main function then returns 0, indicating successful execution.
What will be the output of this C++ code snippet?
#include
int main() {
	std::cout << "Hello, World!";
	return 0;
}
This code will print the string 'Hello, World!' to the console.
What does this C++ code do with the array?
#include
int main() {
	int arr[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
	for(int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
		std::cout << arr[i] << ' ';
	}
	return 0;
}
This code initializes an array of five integers, then uses a for loop to print each element of the array to the console, separated by a space.
What does this C++ code do with threading?
#include
void function_1() {
	std::cout << "Thread 1";
}
int main() {
	std::thread t1(function_1);
	t1.join();
	return 0;
}
This code creates a new thread 't1' that runs a function named 'function_1', which prints 'Thread 1' to the console. The main thread then waits for 't1' to finish execution with 't1.join()' before returning 0.

Wrap-up questions

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

What are the benefits of using namespaces in Visual C++?

Namespaces in Visual C++ help prevent naming conflicts by grouping related code under a specific name. This allows the same identifier to be used in different namespaces without conflict. Namespaces also make code easier to read and maintain by indicating the context in which identifiers are used.

Describe the difference between a pointer and a reference in Visual C++.

In Visual C++, a pointer is a variable that holds the memory address of another variable, while a reference is an alias for another variable. Pointers can be null or can change to point to different variables, while references cannot be null and cannot be changed to refer to different variables after they are initialized.

How would you use templates in Visual C++?

Templates in Visual C++ allow for generic programming by letting functions and classes operate on different data types without having to rewrite code for each type. I would use templates to write code that can be reused with any data type, reducing code duplication and improving code maintainability.

Visual C++ application related

Product Perfect's Visual C++ development capabilities

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

Visual C++ Consultive assessments

Visual C++ Application Conversion Assessment Visual C++ Application Integration Assessment Visual C++ Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom Visual C++ development projects

Custom Visual C++ App Conversion Visual C++ Custom App Development Process App UI Design for Visual C++ Facelifts

Hiring guide for Visual C++ Engineers

Visual C++ Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the Visual C++ engineer at this point.

Visual C++ Consultive assessments

Custom Visual C++ development projects