Product Perfect

Zope is an open-source web application server and framework, written in Python. It is primarily used for building complex web applications that require a scalable and versatile system. Zope stands for "Z Object Publishing Environment" and it provides the functionality to build applications such as content management systems, portals, intranets, or e-commerce platforms. It features a built-in object database (ZODB) that supports transparent persistence of Python objects for secure storage of data. Its strong through-the-web development model allows developers to implement products using only a web browser on any platform with an internet connection.

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

First 20 minutes

General Zope app knowledge and experience

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

What are the essential components of Zope?

The essential components of Zope are ZODB (Zope Object Database), ZPublisher (HTTP server), Bobo (Object Request Broker), and Document Template Markup Language (DTML).

How would you create a new Zope instance?

You can create a new Zope instance using the 'mkzopeinstance.py' script. You just need to specify the directory and the administrator's username and password.

What is the purpose of the ZODB in Zope?

ZODB, or Zope Object Database, is a database system used for storing and retrieving Python objects. It provides ACID-compliant transaction features and allows for versioning and conflict resolution.

Describe the difference between DTML and ZPT in Zope.

DTML (Document Template Markup Language) and ZPT (Zope Page Templates) are both templating languages used in Zope. DTML is older and more complex, while ZPT is newer and uses XML syntax, making it more user-friendly and easier to learn.

How would you implement security in Zope?

Zope has a built-in security model that can be implemented by defining roles and permissions. You can assign roles to users and groups, and define what actions (permissions) each role can perform.

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What you’re looking for early on

Has the candidate demonstrated a solid understanding of Zope?

Does the candidate have experience with Python?

Can they articulate how they have used Zope in previous projects?

Has the candidate shown problem-solving skills?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Zope 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.

What are the roles and permissions in Zope?

In Zope, roles are assigned to users and groups to define their level of access. Permissions are the actions that a role can perform. For example, a role could be 'Editor' and a permission could be 'Edit Content'.

How would you handle errors in Zope?

Zope provides an error log object that can be used to log errors. You can also use try/except blocks to catch and handle errors. Additionally, Zope has a debug mode that can be used during development to provide more detailed error information.

What is the use of ZPublisher in Zope?

ZPublisher is the component of Zope that handles HTTP requests and responses. It maps URLs to objects in the Zope application and calls the appropriate methods on those objects.

How would you create a custom product in Zope?

You can create a custom product in Zope by creating a new Python package in the Products directory of your Zope instance. The package should contain a class that inherits from the Product class and implements the required methods.

What are the steps to install an add-on product in Zope?

To install an add-on product in Zope, you would typically download the product, extract it into the Products directory of your Zope instance, and then restart Zope. Some products may also require additional installation steps, such as running a setup script.

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

What does this simple Zope code do?
from zope.interface import Interface

class IMyInterface(Interface):
    """This is my interface"""
    def myMethod(arg1, arg2):
        """This method does something"""
This code defines an interface in Zope. Interfaces in Zope are a way of defining the contract or public API of an object. This specific code defines an interface 'IMyInterface' with a method 'myMethod' which takes two arguments.
What is the output of this Zope code?
from zope.interface import implementer
from zope.interface import Interface

class IMyInterface(Interface):
    def myMethod(arg1, arg2):
        pass

@implementer(IMyInterface)
class MyClass:
    def myMethod(self, arg1, arg2):
        return arg1 + arg2

obj = MyClass()
print(obj.myMethod(5, 7))
The output of this code is 12. It creates an interface 'IMyInterface' with a method 'myMethod'. Then, it creates a class 'MyClass' that implements the interface and defines the 'myMethod' to return the sum of the two arguments. Finally, it creates an object of 'MyClass', calls the method with arguments 5 and 7, and prints the result.
What does this Zope code do with the list?
from zope.interface import implementer
from zope.interface import Interface

class IMyInterface(Interface):
    def addToList(self, list, item):
        pass

@implementer(IMyInterface)
class MyClass:
    def addToList(self, list, item):
        list.append(item)
        return list

obj = MyClass()
myList = [1, 2, 3]
print(obj.addToList(myList, 4))
This code adds an item to a list. It defines an interface 'IMyInterface' with a method 'addToList'. Then, it creates a class 'MyClass' that implements the interface and defines the 'addToList' method to append an item to the end of the list and return the list. Finally, it creates an object of 'MyClass', calls the method with a list and an item, and prints the result.
What does this Zope code do related to threading?
from zope.interface import implementer
from zope.interface import Interface
import threading

class IMyInterface(Interface):
    def runInThread(self, func):
        pass

@implementer(IMyInterface)
class MyClass:
    def runInThread(self, func):
        thread = threading.Thread(target=func)
        thread.start()

obj = MyClass()
obj.runInThread(lambda: print('Hello, World!'))
This code runs a function in a separate thread. It defines an interface 'IMyInterface' with a method 'runInThread'. Then, it creates a class 'MyClass' that implements the interface and defines the 'runInThread' method to create a new thread that runs the given function and start the thread. Finally, it creates an object of 'MyClass' and calls the method with a function that prints 'Hello, World!'.

Wrap-up questions

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

How would you handle session management in Zope?

Zope provides a session management mechanism called 'Transient Object Container' (TOC). You can use TOC to store and retrieve session data. You can also use cookies or URL rewriting for session management.

What is the use of the 'Bobo' component in Zope?

'Bobo' is an Object Request Broker in Zope. It is responsible for mapping URLs to objects and calling methods on those objects. It also handles the conversion of method return values into HTTP responses.

How would you implement caching in Zope?

Zope provides a caching mechanism through the 'RAM Cache Manager'. You can configure it to cache the results of methods or page templates to improve performance. You can also use HTTP caching headers for client-side caching.

Zope application related

Product Perfect's Zope development capabilities

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

Zope Consultive assessments

Zope Application Conversion Assessment Zope Application Integration Assessment Zope Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom Zope development projects

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

Hiring guide for Zope Engineers

Zope Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

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

Zope Consultive assessments

Custom Zope development projects