Hiring guide for Linden Scripting Language Engineers

Linden Scripting Language Developer Hiring Guide

The Linden Scripting Language (LSL) is a proprietary computer programming language developed by Linden Lab for use in their virtual world platform, Second Life. First introduced in 2003, LSL allows users to create and control new objects in the Second Life environment, enhancing interactivity and immersion. The language's core functionality includes the ability to control object behavior, manipulate objects' properties and respond to user interactions or environmental changes. LSL is primarily event-driven, with scripts being activated by specific triggers or actions within the virtual world. As a unique aspect of Second Life's architecture, LSL has significantly contributed to the platform’s longevity and continued popularity among users for creative expression.

Ask the right questions secure the right Linden Scripting Language talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General Linden Scripting Language app knowledge and experience

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

Can you briefly describe Linden Scripting Language?
Linden Scripting Language, or LSL, is a language developed by Linden Lab used to script objects in a 3D virtual world called Second Life.
What are the basic data types in Linden Scripting Language?
The basic data types in LSL are integer, float, string, key, vector, rotation, and list.
How would you declare variables in LSL?
In LSL, variables are declared in the following format: 'type variableName;'. For example, an integer variable can be declared as 'integer count;'.
What are states in LSL and how would you define one?
States in LSL are blocks of code that dictate how an object behaves at a certain time. They are defined using the 'state' keyword followed by the state name.
How would you use loops in LSL?
Loops in LSL can be used through the 'while', 'do-while', and 'for' statements, similar to other programming languages.
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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of Linden Scripting Language?
Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?
Does the candidate have experience with 3D modeling software?
Has the candidate shown the ability to work independently?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Linden Scripting Language 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 list and an array in LSL.
In LSL, an array is a fixed-size, single-type data structure, while a list is a dynamically sized, multi-type data structure.
What are the main control structures in LSL?
The main control structures in LSL are conditional statements (if-else), loops (while, do-while, for), and jump statements (return, state).
How would you handle errors in LSL?
LSL does not have built-in error handling mechanisms. However, you can use conditionals to check for possible errors and handle them accordingly.
What are the key considerations when optimizing LSL scripts for performance?
Key considerations include minimizing the number of scripts, reducing state changes, avoiding unnecessary loops, and optimizing list operations.
How would you communicate between scripts in LSL?
Communication between scripts in LSL can be achieved using link messages, which can be sent using the 'llMessageLinked' function.
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The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the Linden Scripting Language engineer at this point.

At this point, a skilled Linden Scripting Language engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in Linden Scripting Language 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 Linden Scripting Language.

What does this simple LSL script do?
default {
  state_entry() {
    llSay(0, 'Hello, Avatar!');
  }
}
This script says 'Hello, Avatar!' in the local chat when it's loaded into an object.
What does this LSL script do?
integer x = 10;
default {
  state_entry() {
    if (x > 5) {
      llSay(0, 'x is greater than 5');
    }
  }
}
This script checks if the variable 'x' is greater than 5. If 'x' is greater than 5, it says 'x is greater than 5' in the local chat.
What will be the output of this LSL script?
list myList = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
default {
  state_entry() {
    integer sum = llList2Integer(myList, 0) + llList2Integer(myList, 4);
    llSay(0, (string)sum);
  }
}
This script will output '6' in the local chat. It adds the first and the last elements of the list 'myList'.
What does this LSL script do?
default {
  touch_start(integer total_number) {
    llSetTimerEvent(1.0);
  }
  timer() {
    llSay(0, 'One second passed.');
    llSetTimerEvent(0.0);
  }
}
This script is set to say 'One second passed.' in the local chat one second after an object it's loaded into is touched.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for Linden Scripting Language 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 Linden Scripting Language application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

What is the event-driven model in LSL and how does it work?
The event-driven model in LSL means that scripts respond to events, such as user input or timer events. When an event occurs, the corresponding event handler is executed.
How would you manage memory in LSL?
Memory management in LSL is mostly automatic, as garbage collection is performed by the LSL interpreter. However, it's good practice to nullify variables that are no longer needed.
Describe the difference between using 'llSay' and 'llShout' in LSL.
'llSay' and 'llShout' are both used to communicate in LSL. The difference is in their range: 'llSay' has a range of 20 meters, while 'llShout' has a range of 100 meters.

Linden Scripting Language application related

Product Perfect's Linden Scripting Language development capabilities

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