Product Perfect

W-Language is a computer programming language that was primarily used in the dBase database management system. Developed by Ashton-Tate, this procedural language was integral to the dBase software, which dominated the market in the early 1980s. It allowed users to manipulate and manage data stored in relational databases. With its command-driven interface, W-Language made it easier for non-programmers to work with databases. However, with the rise of more user-friendly and powerful languages like SQL, W-Language has largely fallen out of use today.

Ask the right questions secure the right W-Language (dBase) talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General W-Language (dBase) app knowledge and experience

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

What are the basic data types in W-Language (dBase)?

The basic data types in W-Language (dBase) are Character, Numeric, Logical, Date, and Memo.

How would you create a new table in dBase?

To create a new table in dBase, you use the CREATE TABLE command followed by the name of the table and the fields with their respective data types.

What is the purpose of the USE command in dBase?

The USE command in dBase is used to open a database file for use.

Describe the difference between the PACK and ZAP commands in dBase.

The PACK command is used to permanently remove records marked for deletion from the database, while the ZAP command is used to remove all records from the database.

What is the function of the REPLACE command in dBase?

The REPLACE command in dBase is used to replace the value of a field in the current record.

The hiring guide has been successfully sent to your email address.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of W-Language (dBase)?

Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?

Does the candidate have experience with other relevant technologies and programming languages?

Is the candidate able to communicate effectively?

Next 20 minutes

Specific W-Language (dBase) 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 perform a conditional search in dBase?

To perform a conditional search in dBase, you use the LOCATE FOR command followed by the condition.

What is the purpose of the INDEX ON command in dBase?

The INDEX ON command in dBase is used to create an index file based on a specific field of the database.

How would you sort records in dBase?

To sort records in dBase, you use the SORT ON command followed by the field you want to sort by.

What is the difference between the SKIP and GO commands in dBase?

The SKIP command in dBase is used to move the record pointer forward or backward by a specified number of records, while the GO command is used to move the record pointer to a specific record number.

How would you handle errors in dBase?

To handle errors in dBase, you can use the ON ERROR command to specify a procedure to be executed when an error occurs.

The hiring guide has been successfully sent to your email address.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

At this point, a skilled W-Language (dBase) engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in W-Language (dBase) 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 W-Language (dBase).

What does this simple W-Language code do?
MyString is string = 'Hello, World!'
Info(MyString)
This code declares a string variable named 'MyString', assigns the value 'Hello, World!' to it, and then displays this value in an information box.
What is the purpose of this W-Language code snippet?
PROCEDURE DivideNumbers(Num1, Num2)
IF Num2 = 0 THEN
Error('Cannot divide by zero')
ELSE
RETURN Num1 / Num2
END
This code defines a procedure named 'DivideNumbers' that takes two parameters. It checks if the second parameter is zero, and if so, it throws an error message 'Cannot divide by zero'. Otherwise, it returns the result of the division of the first parameter by the second parameter.
What does this W-Language code do to the array?
MyArray is array of int = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
FOR EACH ELEMENT OF MyArray DO
Info(MyArray[CurrentSubscript()])
END
This code declares an array of integers named 'MyArray' and assigns five values to it. It then iterates over each element in the array and displays the value of the current element in an information box.
What does this W-Language code do with threads?
MyThread is Thread
MyThread.Start('MyProcedure')
MyThread.Wait()
This code declares a thread named 'MyThread', starts the thread with a procedure named 'MyProcedure', and then waits for the thread to finish execution before proceeding with the rest of the code.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for W-Language (dBase) 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 W-Language (dBase) application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

What is the function of the SET FILTER TO command in dBase?

The SET FILTER TO command in dBase is used to set a condition that records must meet to be included in the current work area.

How would you create a procedure in dBase?

To create a procedure in dBase, you use the PROCEDURE command followed by the name of the procedure and the commands to be executed.

What is the difference between the STORE and @...GET commands in dBase?

The STORE command in dBase is used to assign a value to a memory variable, while the @...GET command is used to create a data entry field on the screen.

W-Language (dBase) application related

Product Perfect's W-Language (dBase) development capabilities

Beyond hiring for your W-Language (dBase) engineering team, you may be in the market for additional help. Product Perfect provides seasoned expertise in W-Language (dBase) projects, and can engage in multiple capacities.

W-Language (dBase) Consultive assessments

W-Language (dBase) Application Conversion Assessment W-Language (dBase) Application Integration Assessment W-Language (dBase) Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom W-Language (dBase) development projects

Custom W-Language (dBase) App Conversion W-Language (dBase) Custom App Development Process App UI Design for W-Language (dBase) Facelifts

Hiring guide for W-Language (dBase) Engineers

W-Language (dBase) Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the W-Language (dBase) engineer at this point.

W-Language (dBase) Consultive assessments

Custom W-Language (dBase) development projects