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Just to state the obvious but all fizzbuzz really tests for is whether someone is familiar with the modulo operator or not. Arguably any good programmer should
by calebgilbert 17y ago
Just to state the obvious but all fizzbuzz really tests for is whether someone is familiar with the modulo operator or not. Arguably any good programmer should know about it, but I think it's not a very comprehensive check on the knowledge of any one particular individual. Suppose for instance, that the only bit of code someone has ever written was something which required them to get very familiar with the modulo operator, but virtually nothing else. They could pass fizzbuzz, but not much else.
Note: The author of the 'non-programming programmer post' saw took my comment down when I had posted it there (which is why I posted it here). Guess there's no knocking of the fizzbuzz test allowed... :p
- pavel_lishin 17y agoThe first interview's purpose - whether in person, over the phone, or via e-mail - should be to weed out the obvious idiots. If you don't know what the modulo operator is, door is right this way, operate it by placing your hand around the knob, turning clockwise, and pushing forward.
- calebgilbert 17y agoI've been programming for 3-4 years now, have memorized tons of functions and operators, across a variety of languages, and have never once needed to use the modulo operator for anything, so I personally don't place it at the top of list of priorities for what someone should know. As an employer and interviewer I'm more concerned the person has a grasp on general programming issues and the ability to problem solve than testing their knowledge of narrow subjects.