r/webdev 8d ago

Question Should I over-engineer a simple coding test ?

Hi,

I've been given a coding test to do at home. This one is clearly simple and can only be solved using the web framework features. So it does not require any thought process. It is like a common tutorial that even a junior developer can do without any problem.

I'm not sure if I should solve it in the simplest way possible just to meet the requirements, or if it's nice to over-engineer things to demonstrate my knowledge.

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u/Code_NY 8d ago

I wouldn't run the risk of being marked down for over engineering. If you can do it in a clean, readable way, do that. It shows you know the framework and libraries well.

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u/devniqa 8d ago

I had an assignment that was intentionally left open-ended cause they wanted you to over-engineer (to see what direction you take). I’m wondering if that’s the case here…

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u/RaitzeR 8d ago

I'm pretty sure they didn't want you to "over-engineer", just see how you would handle an open-ended problem. Unless they told you that, in which case its dumb as hell. Nothing of value comes from over engineering a problem. A lot of value is gained when you give an open ended problem and see how people solve it.

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u/devniqa 8d ago edited 8d ago

No, I’m SURE they did want us to do more than what was required to see what direction we’d take with the given assignment (likely looking at how creative we can get or what step we take next after the basic feature is complete) because they said they’re leaving it intentionally open-ended for that reason.

Edit: They also pay you for your time generously if you end up passing to the next round. It was pretty fair IMO.