Hey everyone! I'm new to the whole live coding interview scene, especially for DevOps engineering roles. I've heard that they won't focus on algorithm questions like you see on LeetCode, but I'm curious about what types of questions to expect instead. If anyone has been through this process, I'd really appreciate any insights you could share!
4 Answers
It really varies; since the definition of DevOps and related roles is so broad, you could be asked anything from basic Terraform tasks to even some simple algorithm challenges. Just plan for a wide range of topics!
Typically, companies or recruiters should provide some guidance on what to expect during these interviews. Don’t hesitate to ask them directly for specifics like whether the focus is on Linux, Git, Terraform, or something else. It’s perfectly fine to clarify what you should prepare for.
In my experience, the live coding interview consists of three main parts that last up to two hours: 1) **Architecture discussion** where you describe a stack or application you’ve worked on, dive into network routing and deployment, and show your knowledge of security practices and scaling. It can help to draw diagrams here. 2) **Live troubleshooting** where you might fix a broken app using tools like Terraform or Docker. This tests your CLI navigation, problem-solving skills, and how you handle logs during crashes. 3) **Programming** where you’ll write a simple script in any language involving loops and conditionals. Remember, it’s not just about tech skills; communication matters too. Feeling comfortable asking questions is key!
I was once asked to implement a cache using a circular linked list with both previous and next references. It was less about syntax and more about design thinking. Other times, I got easier LeetCode problems, which I preferred!
Thanks for sharing that! I hadn’t thought about the communication aspect, that’s good to keep in mind.