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We use questions like this (actually, significantly simpler - basically, can you drive a loop and an array) as a screener test to see if you actually write a tr

We use questions like this (actually, significantly simpler - basically, can you drive a loop and an array) as a screener test to see if you actually write a trivial program. If you succeed, it's a chance to add constraints and talk about how data structures and algorithms would change given these changes, or how it could be more optimal, etc. But a surprising number of applicants fail to pass a simple coding test, not even getting a naive solution.

perl4ever 8y ago
There exist people who can't code in an interview, period. Now, you might react to this with doubt that they are employable. But the reason such people exist is because interviews that do not require even trivial coding exist, and thus they are hired and proceed to code just fine in their actual job. One thing that really helps with perspective, whichever side of an interview you are usually on, is to have seen how radically differently different companies do things. That doesn't necessarily mean that you should change your practices, but diversity in behavior exists because there are niches that can be exploited and trade-offs to doing so.