Coding: Debugging Test

The Coding: Debugging Test evaluates a candidate's ability to identify and fix errors in code. It assesses skills in using debugging tools, analyzing code, interpreting error messages, and applying problem-solving strategies. Through MCQs and coding questions, the test examines proficiency in various debugging techniques, logical reasoning, and troubleshooting across different programming scenarios.

Covered skills:

Debugging Techniques
Error Identification
Troubleshooting Strategies
Code Analysis
Debugging Tools
Logical Reasoning
Problem-Solving Skills
Error Messages Interpretation
Breakpoints and Stepping
Memory Debugging
Performance Debugging
Version Control Debugging

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About the Coding: Debugging Assessment Test

The Coding: Debugging Test helps recruiters and hiring managers identify qualified candidates from a pool of resumes, and helps in taking objective hiring decisions. It reduces the administrative overhead of interviewing too many candidates and saves time by filtering out unqualified candidates at the first step of the hiring process.

The test screens for the following skills that hiring managers look for in candidates:

Able to systematically identify and isolate bugs in code through effective debugging techniques
Capable of analyzing error messages and stack traces to pinpoint the source of issues
Skilled at using breakpoints and step-through debugging to trace program execution
Proficient in utilizing various debugging tools and integrated development environments (IDEs)
Adept at applying logical reasoning to deduce the root cause of software defects
Competent in implementing effective troubleshooting strategies to resolve complex coding issues
Capable of conducting thorough code reviews to identify potential bugs and vulnerabilities
Skilled at optimizing code performance through targeted debugging techniques
Proficient in using version control systems to track and resolve bugs across different code versions
Able to effectively debug memory-related issues such as leaks and corruption
Capable of interpreting and resolving compiler and runtime errors efficiently

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Non-googleable questions

We have a very high focus on the quality of questions that test for on-the-job skills. Every question is non-googleable and we have a very high bar for the level of subject matter experts we onboard to create these questions. We have crawlers to check if any of the questions are leaked online. If/ when a question gets leaked, we get an alert. We change the question for you & let you know.

How we design questions

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Why you should use Pre-employment Coding: Debugging Test?

The Coding: Debugging Test makes use of scenario-based questions to test for on-the-job skills as opposed to theoretical knowledge, ensuring that candidates who do well on this screening test have the relavant skills. The questions are designed to covered following on-the-job aspects:

Identifying and fixing syntax errors in code
Understanding and interpreting error messages
Using breakpoints to step through code execution
Analyzing code logic to find logical errors
Implementing basic debugging techniques
Utilizing print statements for debugging
Debugging simple loops and conditional statements
Identifying common coding mistakes and antipatterns
Using basic features of integrated development environments
Applying systematic approaches to isolate bugs

Once the test is sent to a candidate, the candidate receives a link in email to take the test. For each candidate, you will receive a detailed report with skills breakdown and benchmarks to shortlist the top candidates from your pool.

What topics are covered in the Coding: Debugging Test?

Debugging Techniques: Debugging techniques involve systematic methods used to identify and fix bugs within a codebase. This skill encompasses various approaches like backtracking, rubber duck debugging, and binary search to efficiently isolate issues.

Error Identification: Error Identification is the ability to detect coding errors and exceptions in software applications. Recognizing these issues is crucial for maintaining code quality and ensuring the application functions as intended.

Troubleshooting Strategies: Troubleshooting strategies refer to the processes and methodologies utilized to diagnose and resolve problems in software systems. This skill is important for quickly finding and fixing issues that may disrupt normal operations.

Code Analysis: Code Analysis involves examining source code to identify potential bugs, performance bottlenecks, and adherence to coding standards. By analyzing code, developers can prevent defects and improve overall software quality.

Debugging Tools: Debugging Tools are software utilities that help developers test and debug their code. Familiarity with tools like GDB, LLDB, and IDE-based debuggers is critical for effective and efficient bug resolution.

Logical Reasoning: Logical Reasoning allows developers to approach debugging systematically by following logical sequences and rules. This skill aids in forming hypotheses and validating them to pinpoint the root cause of issues.

Problem-Solving Skills: Problem-Solving Skills are essential for finding and fixing software defects. This entails understanding the problem, devising a plan, implementing a solution, and assessing its effectiveness to ensure issues are resolved optimally.

Error Messages Interpretation: Error Messages Interpretation is the skill of reading and understanding error messages produced by the system or application. Accurate interpretation guides the debugging process by providing clues to the underlying problem.

Breakpoints and Stepping: Breakpoints and Stepping involve pausing code execution at specific points and stepping through the code line-by-line to inspect variables and control flow. This technique is invaluable for identifying the exact location and cause of a bug.

Memory Debugging: Memory Debugging focuses on identifying and resolving issues related to memory usage, such as leaks and buffer overflows. Effective memory debugging ensures efficient resource utilization and system stability.

Performance Debugging: Performance Debugging aims to detect and mitigate performance bottlenecks in software applications. This is crucial for optimizing code to provide a smooth and efficient user experience.

Version Control Debugging: Version Control Debugging involves using version control systems to track changes and identify when and where bugs were introduced. This aids in understanding the evolution of the codebase and restoring previous stable states.

Full list of covered topics

The actual topics of the questions in the final test will depend on your job description and requirements. However, here's a list of topics you can expect the questions for Coding: Debugging Test to be based on.

Breakpoints

Watch Variables

Step-through Debugging

Stack Traces

Error Messages

Exception Handling

Logging

Unit Testing

Code Reviews

Static Analysis

Dynamic Analysis

Memory Profiling

Performance Profiling

Assertions

Rubber Duck Debugging

Print Statements

Debugger Commands

Conditional Breakpoints

Remote Debugging

Core Dumps

Heap Analysis

Thread Debugging

Race Conditions

Deadlocks

Memory Leaks

Buffer Overflows

Null Pointer Exceptions

Syntax Errors

Logic Errors

Runtime Errors

Compiler Warnings

Code Refactoring

Git Bisect

Code Coverage

Fault Localization

Error Reproduction

Bug Tracking

Root Cause Analysis

Debugging Patterns

Code Instrumentation

Time Travel Debugging

Delta Debugging

Crash Analysis

Stress Testing

Fuzz Testing

Regression Testing

Debugger Scripting

Live Debugging

Post-mortem Debugging

Symbolic Debugging

What roles can I use the Coding: Debugging Test for?

Software Developer
Quality Assurance Engineer
Backend Developer
Full Stack Developer
DevOps Engineer
Systems Analyst
Technical Support Specialist
Data Scientist
Mobile App Developer
Game Developer

How is the Coding: Debugging Test customized for senior candidates?

For intermediate/ experienced candidates, we customize the assessment questions to include advanced topics and increase the difficulty level of the questions. This might include adding questions on topics like

Debugging complex data structures and algorithms
Utilizing advanced debugging tools and techniques
Optimizing code performance through debugging
Debugging multi-threaded applications
Implementing memory leak detection strategies
Debugging network-related issues in distributed systems
Utilizing version control systems for debugging
Applying root cause analysis techniques
Debugging asynchronous and event-driven code
Implementing automated testing for regression debugging

The coding question for experienced candidates will be of a higher difficulty level to evaluate more hands-on experience.

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Have questions about the Coding: Debugging Hiring Test?

What is Coding: Debugging Test?

The Coding: Debugging Test is designed to assess a candidate's debugging skills critical for resolving software issues. Employers use this test to evaluate a candidate's ability to identify and fix code errors.

Can I combine Coding: Debugging Test with Critical Thinking Test questions?

Yes, you can request a custom test that includes both Coding: Debugging and Critical Thinking assessments. For more details on how we assess critical thinking skills, check out the Critical Thinking Test.

What topics are evaluated in the Coding: Debugging Test?

Topics evaluated include Debugging Techniques, Error Identification, Code Analysis, Troubleshooting Strategies, Breakpoints and Stepping, Log Analysis, Exception Handling, Memory Leaks, Performance Optimization, Debugging Tools, Version Control for Debugging, and Unit Testing for Bug Detection.

How to use Coding: Debugging Test in my hiring process?

Use this test at the pre-screening stage. Add a link to the assessment in your job post or invite candidates via email. It helps find skilled candidates faster.

Can I test JavaScript and Node.js together in a test?

Yes, you can test both JavaScript and Node.js together. This provides a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's front-end and back-end skills. Check out the JavaScript & Node.js Test for more information.

What are the main debugging tests?

Can I combine multiple skills into one custom assessment?

Yes, absolutely. Custom assessments are set up based on your job description, and will include questions on all must-have skills you specify. Here's a quick guide on how you can request a custom test.

Do you have any anti-cheating or proctoring features in place?

We have the following anti-cheating features in place:

Hidden AI Tools Detection with Honestly
Non-googleable questions
IP proctoring
Screen proctoring
Web proctoring
Webcam proctoring
Plagiarism detection
Secure browser
Copy paste protection

Read more about the proctoring features.

How do I interpret test scores?

The primary thing to keep in mind is that an assessment is an elimination tool, not a selection tool. A skills assessment is optimized to help you eliminate candidates who are not technically qualified for the role, it is not optimized to help you find the best candidate for the role. So the ideal way to use an assessment is to decide a threshold score (typically 55%, we help you benchmark) and invite all candidates who score above the threshold for the next rounds of interview.

What experience level can I use this test for?

Each Adaface assessment is customized to your job description/ ideal candidate persona (our subject matter experts will pick the right questions for your assessment from our library of 10000+ questions). This assessment can be customized for any experience level.

Does every candidate get the same questions?

Yes, it makes it much easier for you to compare candidates. Options for MCQ questions and the order of questions are randomized. We have anti-cheating/ proctoring features in place. In our enterprise plan, we also have the option to create multiple versions of the same assessment with questions of similar difficulty levels.

I'm a candidate. Can I try a practice test?

No. Unfortunately, we do not support practice tests at the moment. However, you can use our sample questions for practice.

What is the cost of using this test?

You can check out our pricing plans.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, you can sign up for free and preview this test.

I just moved to a paid plan. How can I request a custom assessment?

Here is a quick guide on how to request a custom assessment on Adaface.

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Along with scorecards that report the performance of the candidate in detail, you also receive a comparative analysis against the company average and industry standards.

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