Testing Programmers: Puzzles Or Mini Web-Apps?

As you know, I like to sponsor web application programming contests, for example, thisthis, and this

In a recent conversation with an Android programmer, he asked why I don't follow Google's practice of asking people to solve puzzles. According to him, people who can solve programming puzzles can definitely build webapps, but many people who build webapps can't solve programming puzzles. I asked why these programming puzzle solving geniuses can't learn Python to write simple webapps for cash, and I think he said it's because basic webapps are not cool enough to interest them.

What do you think? If interviewing a programmer for a role on your team, would you ask the programmer to solve programming puzzles or would you ask them to develop something simple but complete like a mini webapp? Which approach will result in the best, most productive hire? 

17 comments :: Testing Programmers: Puzzles Or Mini Web-Apps?

  1. Seun Please how do I contact you, I got this big idea and dream and I think we can make it happen.

    Tommy Oke
    CEO GistCrunch
    www.gistcrunch.co.cc
    twitter: www.twitter.com/gistcrunch

    personal: www.twitter.com/tommyzizah

    Thanks,
    Hope to hear from you soon.

  2. Thanks for the sharing of such information we will pass it on to our readers.
    iPad Application Development

  3. Hi Seun,

    it is great to know about this medium of reaching you.

    I work with a media agency in Lagos.

    One of my client is interested in reaching Architects in Nigeria and i came across your this Nairaland page (Properties) i feel it will be great place to reach my target audience.

    Is it possible to place ads directly on this page without going through Google, ie having a slot placement from Nairaland for a period of the campaign.

    If it is possible, how much will it cost? if i will place a dimension of 720x90.

    Please let me know as soon as possible.

    Best Regards,

  4. Pls i'm having a litle problem in editing my blog.I wana know if it's good to use a free web domain to open a website.Thanks(ugochukwuduru88@yahoo.Com

  5. Hi Seun. Do you design websites? If yes please I need to contact you ASAP. Please send me an email on ikeolumbankiru@gmail.com.

    Thanks!

  6. Hi Oluwaseun:

    I had a question for you about your site. Would you be able to contact me at ari_strauch@hotmail.com as soon as possible?

    Thanks so much.

    Ari

  7. Hi Oluwaseun:

    Posted a comment over here yesterday and just wanted to make sure it was received as I had a question for you. Would you be able to contact me at ari_strauch@hotmail.com as soon as possible?

    Thanks so much.

    Ari

  8. Thanks man for giving out this info. I appreciate the good work u'r doing. I'm the ceo of http://uchubilo.blogspot.com and I hope to get to the point u are some day.

  9. Hello Seun.
    Im Sunkanmi, and I run a digital advertising agency in Lagos here with a number of global clients.
    We have considered executing a series of digital campaigns on your forum and would like to discuss with you.
    Kindly mail us your contact information:
    ola.olasunkanmi@syracuseng.com.
    Will be expecting. Thanks

  10. good morning,please are you the admin of naira land,pleas i wanna discuss somrthing with you.How do i get or mail addy or please kindly send me a mail via trendyrammy@gmail.com.. thnks.looking forward to seeing your mail.rammy

  11. please i just read my comment and noticed the errors in them,pls kindly ignore as they are all typographical errors.thanks rammy

  12. This comment has been removed by the author.
  13. Seun How are yo?

    I have never been motivated after reading blogs like yours before.
    I just graduated from the university, its been 8 months now, and i have thought of nothing but to develop a social network www.fliqin.com getting ckicken to lay eggs is a big deal for me, but after reading your post i think i'm good to go.

    please email me if you have any suggestions
    support@fliqin.com
    ositaegeonu@gmail.com

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  15. Oga Seun, please un ban me. U blocked my account for no good reason. All I did was to place my Doggs Ad's. Is it a wrong thing to do that. Abeg that's where I make my daily bread oh. Am just a graduate trying to earn a legitimate living. If I indulge in something fraudulent now, ur website will be the first to broadcast. I beg u in the name of God to unban my accounts: Doggshaven, Trip4romeo. Thank U. Ur doing a good job anyway. Keep it up! Cheers!

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  17. whats your contact? i need to know how much you charge for twitter promotion.. i need to get traffic on my new company's website ... feel free to contact me at alowonlejnr@yahoo.com or twitter.com/mistablood pls reply ..

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