The setup itself took a chunk of time and the interviewer made it clear that finishing early didn't roll over into extra coding time.
Start by quickly scanning the repository structure and README to understand the build system and dependencies, then prioritize environment setup to get a working build within the first 5-7 minutes. Identify the specific issue, reproduce it, and implement the smallest viable fix, testing incrementally while communicating your progress and trade-offs aloud.
Pro tip: Timebox aggressively: if environment setup exceeds 10 minutes, switch to a simpler workaround (e.g., using a pre-configured Docker container or skipping non-essential tests) and clearly explain the trade-off. This shows pragmatism and prioritization under pressure.
Spend 2-3 minutes scanning the repo structure, README, and issue description to identify the build system, dependencies, and the exact problem. Decide on the fastest path to a working environment.
Install dependencies and build the project, using scripts or Docker if available. If setup stalls, pivot to a minimal reproduction or pre-built binary to save time.
Run the relevant tests or a small script to reproduce the issue. Use debugging tools or logging to pinpoint the root cause quickly, avoiding deep dives into unrelated code.
Write the smallest possible fix, then run targeted tests to confirm it resolves the issue without breaking existing functionality. If time permits, run the full test suite.
Summarize your approach, the fix, and any trade-offs or unfinished work. Highlight what you would do with more time and how you prioritized.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.