Unmanned Pair Programming: Mr. Purple

Pair programming can a huge benefit to any development shop. It can reduce bugs, and reduce the overall cost of software development. We here are huge believers in this practice. However, there aren’t always developers available to pair with. So we’ve developed: Mr. Purple. He works great. Stuck on a bug? Discuss it with Mr. Purple. Unsure about your test coverage? Talk with Mr. Purple. Need reassurance? Just look at his knowing grin.

In all seriousness, Mr. Purple could work. As my coworker Randy (pictured) pointed out, pairing sometimes nets only “rubber ducking” and the act of verbalizing the problem often leads you to think of a solution. If you ask Mr. Purple any of the questions listed earlier, its likely you already know the answer

Ever wanted to call me on my BS? Now’s your chance! Interview Me

As many of you know, I quit my fantastic, stable, Engineering Manager job in the healthcare industry to hop on board the startup gravy train. Unfortunately, the startup was unable to receive funding in time, and I am back on the hunt! </sobstory>

Now, I anticipate many grueling, multi-hour technical interviews heading my way.  I want to be absolutely prepared. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be doing my best to refresh my knowledge of the fundamentals of computer science (algorithms, data structures, basically the stuff that gets hazy as you grow your reliance on Google and Stack Overflow over the years), and get my head back into brain teaser mode. As of late I’ve been in “Produce as much software as possible” mode, so I need a bit of a push.

What do I want from you?

I want you to interview me. I want you to ask me every stereotypical, gut-checking, thought stumping, “uh uh uh ” interview question you know. Beat me up. I want to be as best prepared as possible.

I’ve interviewed tons of Software Devs, so in exchange I can interview you as well, and give you the best feedback I can.  I’ll also give you my feedback from interviews out there in the wild, and help you along the process when needed.

Rules:

• Avoid framework specific questions (ex: In Spring, what would the XML Configuration look like for declarative transactions [yes, I know this one though]. Exceptions: Rails specific questions. Hopefully my focus will be here, and I need to make sure I’m solid.
• You can ask any brainteaser you want. However, in the likely event that I get it wrong you need to be able to explain the solution to me, or in the case of an open ended question, the flaw(s) in my logic.
• Non-technical questions are allowed, but I feel pretty strong there, so ask away if you feel they’re unique enough/could produce dealbreaking answers.

That’s it! If you’re local to Seattle, we can meet at a coffee shop. If not, I’m totally open to Skype/Cell phone interviews! I also welcome tips, suggestions, and wishes of godspeed!

98 Red Balloons

I had quite a surprise when I walked into my office this morning.  Let me start from the beginning.

Monday, one of my devs was singing “99 Red Balloons”. It, like any other earworm, was stuck in my head, well past  Tuesday morning.

Tuesday afternoon, after humming it for two days, I banned anything involving 99 Red Balloons. I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want to see it. Nothing that matched the pattern /99(.+)balloons/i

This morning, I walked into my office filled with 98 Red Balloons.  Oye.