Python (debugging) online test: Screening assessment to hire the best candidates
Summary of the Python (coding): debugging test
This Python debugging test evaluates candidates’ ability to interpret Python code and debug it according to a set of given requirements. The test gives candidates 30 minutes to read through requirements and fix a partially working script.
Covered skills
Debugging
Use the Python (coding): debugging test to hire
Developers with practical experience using Python.
About the Python (coding): debugging test
Python is a high-level, general-purpose language that can be used in anything from web development to data science and machine learning. As an open-source programming language with a strong community, Python offers an expansive library of resources such as web frameworks, testing instruments, and data analysis tools.
The ability to understand and debug code is a critical skill for successful Python developers. As new features are being developed for an application, bugs may be introduced into the code, and t is important that developers be able to identify and fix them. Given the collaborative nature of software development, it is also critical for developers to be able to work with and correct the code of others.
This test gives candidates a small script that contains one or more bugs. The description clarifies the objective of the code and provides examples to illustrate how it should function. Candidates must identify and fix the bugs.
We recommend combining this coding test with other programming tests such as Django, React, or SQL, as well as our tests on critical thinking and numerical reasoning.
The test is made by a subject-matter expert
Alfred W.
Alfred is an experienced software engineer with deep expertise in Python development, data engineering, and cloud solutions architecture. He has built out a cloud native data platform for a $16B hedge fund that systematically ingested TBs/PBs of data to drive quantitative trading strategies.
Alfred is also a certified AWS Solutions Architect and DevOps Engineer at the Professional. In his free time, he enjoys reading about personal psychology and new trends in technology.
Crafted with expert knowledge
TestGorilla’s tests are created by subject matter experts. We assess potential subject-matter experts based on their knowledge, ability, and reputation. Before being published, each test is peer-reviewed by another expert, then calibrated using hundreds of test takers with relevant experience in the subject. Our feedback mechanisms and unique algorithms allow our subject-matter experts to constantly improve their tests.
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The Python (coding): debugging test will be included in a PDF report along with the other tests from your assessment. You can easily download and share this report with colleagues and candidates.
Why you should hire the best with a Python Code Debugging test
The Python Code: Debugging test helps you to evaluate your candidates and their ability to work in Python, interpret code in Python, and successfully debug code in accordance with a set of given requirements. Before we go into why you should use a pre-employment assessment like our Python Debugging test in your hiring process, let’s see why Python matters in today’s work environment.
Why Python is important to businesses
Python is one of the most widely used programming languages, often tied with JavaScript as the most popular. It’s a high-level, general-purpose programming language with various uses, from web development and data science to machine learning and automation.
It’s an open-source tool with a massive community around it because of its popularity. Moreover, it offers an extensive library of resources to aid developers with issues such as web frameworks, testing instruments, and data-analysis tools.
Data analysis and machine learning
Python slowly became a staple in data science. Python allows data analysts to calculate complex statistics, create data visualizations, build machine-learning algorithms, and complete other data-related tasks.
From bar and pie graphs to 3D plots and charts, programmers use Python for a variety of data visualizations. In addition, the language is linked to libraries such as TensorFlow and Keras, which enable coders to write programs for data analysis and machine learning.
Easy to read, learn, and write
Python has an English-like code syntax, making the code easy to read and understand for many. It’s beginner-friendly, so even someone without much coding experience can pick it up quickly. Although the code you write in Python has the same functions and commands as C++ or Java, it requires less code. This is one of the reasons why Python became so popular – it’s easier to learn than Java or C, and you can do more with less code.
How Python improves productivity by simplifying tasks
Python is versatile, and you can use it to develop both desktop and web apps. This versatility combined with its quick learning curve means that even beginner software developers can use plenty of its functions.
With Python, you can simplify complex tasks, writing functions with less code than it would take in C++ or Java. So Python allows for simplicity and increases productivity in the workplace since it is quicker and less complex to write a function.
Hundreds of Python libraries and frameworks
Because of Python’s popularity, there’s a huge number of developers using it to code. That created a big community that shares frameworks and libraries, creating an even easier coding process. Python even has libraries for NLP (natural language processing), such as TextBlob, and machine learning applications, such as NumPy.
There are hundreds of libraries available for Python, and here are just a few of the most popular:
• Matplotlib, for charts and graphs• SciPy, for engineering applications• BeautifulSoup, for XML• Django, for server-side web development
The flexibility of the Python language
Python can be hard to master, but it is easy to learn and flexible. Python enables flexibility so the software developer isn’t limited by the programming language. On the contrary, programmers can write code for desktop applications or machine learning apps – the only limitation is their skill set. Python is so versatile that it can be considered an all-round programming language.
Compatible with major platforms and systems
Python supports many operating systems, and since it’s an interpreted programming language, you can write the code on the platform and then transfer it to another platform without recompilation. This is a time-saver when creating a code for multiple platforms, making the developer’s job easier.
Use a test to evaluate candidates’ ability to debug Python code
We’ve seen how important Python is in the workplace. Now you need to make sure that you get the right candidate in your hiring process because a lot will depend on their ability to debug Python code.
That’s why you should use a pre-employment test like this Python code debugging test. It will help you assess your candidates’ skills in debugging and target their practical Python knowledge instead of theoretical learning.
Our Python code debugging test will help you see if the candidate knows how to debug code effectively. Candidates will receive 30 minutes to read through the instructions and partially fix a script with several bugs. It’s up to candidates to find the bugs and fix them so that the script works as intended.
Candidates who score well on the test will have practical experience and skills to debug Python code.
How can the Python Code Debugging test help recruiters?
Using the Python (Coding): Debugging test will improve your hiring process for developers – here are three of the most significant benefits of using our pre-employment tests:
• Bias-free hiring process: The Python Debugging test will be sent to all your candidates, so they get the same opportunity to show their abilities. Evaluating applicants according to their test results helps eliminate the bias that usually happens during CV screening.
• Objective scoring: All candidates will receive the same test with the same questions. Moreover, since the results you receive are numerical, you can easily compare the candidates’ performance, identifying the highest scoring individuals.
• Easy and simple to use: Your hiring manager simply sends the pre-employment assessment with a single click to all your candidates – it doesn’t matter if there are 10 or 250 applicants.
Hiring a Python developer can be tricky, but with TestGorilla you can make sure that you hire the right person who can debug Python code. Use our Python Code Debugging test to ensure a bias-free and objective assessment, finding a top professional for your vacant role.
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