But I can't help feeling that you're needlessly limiting your applicant pool to only those who got a CS degree (and paid attention during the process). Why is

But I can't help feeling that you're needlessly limiting your applicant pool to only those who got a CS degree (and paid attention during the process). Why is so much emphasis placed on the theory of how linked lists work (for example) instead of the practical application of where they'd be used? Edit: Big O notation is great and all, but shouldn't the emphasis be more on shipping than optimizing? You can optimize your MVP to death, but if you never finish it what good does that do? I feel the third paragraph here conflicts with the second one. In effect, understanding Big O would help you identify where linked lists are applicable. You seem to want to be given an exhaustive list of where they should be used. Sorry, but that's not how programming works. Secondly, I take issue with the "limiting your applicant pool to only those who got a CS degree". If you're going to work in the CS field, I think its only normal you are asked question to see if you've got a grasp of the foundations of your job. You don't need a CS degree for that, there exists such a thing as self-study, and I think its a very reasonable thing to require if you're trying to transition between fields.