Hiring guide for Legoscript Engineers

Legoscript Developer Hiring Guide

LegoScript is a computer programming language developed by the LEGO Group, primarily for its Mindstorms robotics product line. Introduced in 1998, it was designed to be user-friendly, allowing even young children to program complex robotic systems. The language is icon-based, making it easy to understand and use. It has since been succeeded by newer languages like NXT-G and EV3, but LegoScript remains a significant milestone in educational programming. This information is sourced from the official LEGO Group website and various robotics education resources.

Ask the right questions secure the right Legoscript talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General Legoscript app knowledge and experience

The first 20 minutes of the interview should seek to understand the candidate's general background in Legoscript application development, including their experience with various programming languages, databases, and their approach to designing scalable and maintainable systems.

How would you define Legoscript?
Legoscript is a programming language that is used to program Lego Mindstorms robots. It is a visual, block-based language that is designed to be easy to use and understand, even for beginners.
What are the basic components of a Legoscript program?
A Legoscript program is made up of blocks, which represent different actions or commands. These blocks are connected together to form a sequence of instructions for the robot to follow.
Describe the difference between a loop block and a switch block in Legoscript.
A loop block is used to repeat a sequence of instructions a certain number of times or until a certain condition is met. A switch block, on the other hand, is used to choose between different sequences of instructions based on a condition.
How would you use variables in Legoscript?
Variables in Legoscript can be used to store and manipulate data. You can create a variable block, set its value, and then use it in other blocks to perform calculations or make decisions.
What are the different types of data that can be stored in a Legoscript variable?
Legoscript variables can store different types of data, including numbers, text, logic values (true or false), and arrays of these types.
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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of Legoscript?
Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?
Is the candidate able to communicate effectively?
Does the candidate have experience with other programming languages?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Legoscript development questions

The next 20 minutes of the interview should focus on the candidate's expertise with specific backend frameworks, their understanding of RESTful APIs, and their experience in handling data storage and retrieval efficiently.

Describe the difference between a data wire and a block parameter in Legoscript.
A data wire is used to pass data from one block to another, while a block parameter is a setting that determines how a block behaves. For example, a motor block might have parameters for power and direction, and it might use a data wire to receive a speed value from another block.
How would you use a sensor in a Legoscript program?
You can use a sensor block to read data from a sensor, such as a touch sensor or a color sensor. This data can then be used to control the behavior of the robot, for example by making it stop when it touches something or follow a line based on color.
What are the different types of loops in Legoscript and how do they work?
Legoscript has two types of loops: count loops and sensor loops. A count loop repeats a sequence of instructions a certain number of times, while a sensor loop repeats until a certain sensor condition is met.
Describe the difference between a sequence beam and a data wire in Legoscript.
A sequence beam is used to control the order in which blocks are executed, while a data wire is used to pass data from one block to another. Blocks connected by a sequence beam are executed in the order they are connected, while blocks connected by a data wire can pass data back and forth.
How would you use arrays in Legoscript?
Arrays in Legoscript can be used to store multiple values of the same type. You can create an array block, set its size and values, and then use it in other blocks to perform calculations or make decisions.
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The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the Legoscript engineer at this point.

At this point, a skilled Legoscript engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in Legoscript programming language, and knowledge of software development methodologies. Red flags include lack of hands-on experience, inability to articulate complex concepts, or unfamiliarity with standard coding practices.

Digging deeper

Code questions

These will help you see the candidate's real-world development capabilities with Legoscript.

What does this basic LegoScript code do?
{
  'build': [
    'brick1',
    'brick2',
    'brick3'
  ]
}
This code creates a simple build sequence with three bricks: brick1, brick2, and brick3.
What will be the output of this LegoScript code?
{
  'build': [
    'brick1',
    'brick2',
    {'rotate': 90},
    'brick3'
  ]
}
This code creates a build sequence where brick1 and brick2 are placed normally, then the build is rotated 90 degrees, and then brick3 is placed.
What does this LegoScript code do with the collection of bricks?
{
  'build': [
    'brick1',
    'brick2',
    {'repeat': 2, 'bricks': ['brick3', 'brick4']}
  ]
}
This code creates a build sequence where brick1 and brick2 are placed normally, then brick3 and brick4 are placed twice in a row.
What does this LegoScript code do that's related to threading or concurrency?
{
  'build': [
    'brick1',
    {'concurrent': ['brick2', 'brick3']}
  ]
}
This code creates a build sequence where brick1 is placed first, then brick2 and brick3 are placed concurrently.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for Legoscript Developer role questions

The final few questions should evaluate the candidate's teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, assess their knowledge of microservices architecture, serverless computing, and how they handle Legoscript application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

What are the different types of blocks in Legoscript and what do they do?
Legoscript has several types of blocks, including action blocks (which control the robot's motors and other outputs), flow control blocks (which control the order of execution and looping), sensor blocks (which read data from sensors), and data operation blocks (which perform calculations and manipulate data).
Describe the difference between a My Block and a standard block in Legoscript.
A My Block is a custom block that you create by grouping together a sequence of other blocks. This allows you to create reusable chunks of code that can be used in multiple places in your program. A standard block, on the other hand, is a pre-defined block that comes with the Legoscript software.
How would you debug a Legoscript program?
Debugging a Legoscript program involves identifying and fixing errors or problems. This can be done by carefully examining the program, testing it step by step, and using the software's debugging tools, such as breakpoints and variable watchers.

Legoscript application related

Product Perfect's Legoscript development capabilities

Beyond hiring for your Legoscript engineering team, you may be in the market for additional help. Product Perfect provides seasoned expertise in Legoscript projects, and can engage in multiple capacities.