Re: MFC Interview Tests
I agree some of the others. I've been programming in MFC since 1993 and
I've never written an application using the database interface. I could do
it, I'd just have to look up the parameters since I would not have them off
the top of my head. I've grown so accustomed to tools like Intellisense
that I can't even remember the calling sequence to common functions any
longer (like CFileDialog). I don't have to. Instead I can concentrate on
solving the problem and let the tools do the dictionary work. It's not like
it used to be by any means, but I get a lot more done these days.
IMO you may be better off giving candidates a real life example and putting
them at a computer for an hour with access to the internet and see how they
approach the problem. It might tell you more about them. Most of the
questions you have here are easy, but I couldn't do the DB question without
looking it up <blush>. I have written some pretty sophisticated code over
the years. If it were me I'd be looking for a programmer, not an MFC
programmer. Anyone can learn syntax, but the skills to define and develop
the solution are more talent based.
Tom
"Tony Montana" <drpazz@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:B1A5F0CB-AAA7-4AEA-82A8-5AEFB926C6E6@microsoft.com...
I imagine this would be the right place to test my tests. I appreciate any
feedback on the following.
I'm interviewing for an MFC position and I use the following to test
candidates. Unfortunately, just about all candidates cannot pass the test,
so I wonder if the tests are appropriate or I'm just not getting the right
candidates. The position is for an MFC programmer who can take
requirements and create applications mostly that connect to SQL and or do
some file manipulations.
1. I ask to correct and complete the following:
void swap(int* a, int b)
{
}
2. Next, complete and explain why this function is useless as is.
void Parse(const CString& strText, CStringArray straLines)
{
// strText contains comma-delimited text
}
3. Fill in the blanks
void ....
{
C_______ db;
db.Open(...);
C_______ tmp(&db);
tmp.Open(__________::forwardOnly, C_________::executeDirect);
C______ value;
tmp.GetFieldValue( ________________, value);
}
4. I hand a document with requirements to write an SDI Text Editor. This
editor is basically what you get when you complete the new application
wizard and select CEditView as the base class.
Shockingly, candidates seem to do ok with "swap" - anything else, they're
stumped. I help them along the way, explaining the tests in details as
they need. I do wonder, however, the validity of the test.
I appreciate any feedback, or perhaps, a test that you think would serve
better during an interview. Thanks!