First start with work that they've written. Ask for a Github project or even schoolwork. Get them to describe the steps that they took. Approach them humbly, si

First start with work that they've written. Ask for a Github project or even schoolwork. Get them to describe the steps that they took. Approach them humbly, since they might not be great at communicating under pressure and may not properly express a consideration (like a prof mandating that they use ZMQ, say). The code doesn't need to be perfect, but well written and hopefully tested, especially if it's in a dynamic language. After that, do some basic hash map vs sorted array questions, some "how does the internet work" questions, and maybe get them to code up some solutions on a laptop that you get them to bring ahead of time (provide one as a backup though, since some people only develop on a desktop at home).