Of course, this question is only valid for applicants in their twenties. I don't think anyone in their right minds would expect someone in their 30s+ to be programming since they were teenagers!
If your interview involves you asking different questions to people based on their age, you are treading dangerous ground, for dubious gain.
Why not go with something safe - like asking people to implement fizzbuzz and merge-sort on a whiteboard, or something else that has nothing to do with their age, gender, or ethnic background?
Re:Hire people who aren’t proven
by stallmanite on Friday September 28, 2018 @08:55AM
(#18092909)
But the 80's were an excellent time for kids to learn programming. I'm almost 40 and was immersed in programming the TI-99/4a, C64, Apple II, and Trash 80 for a significant part of my childhood.
My father grew up, went to school, and finished university in the 70s and 80s, in the Soviet Union, where none of those things were within the reach of an average person. He's only started programming towards the end of his physics PHD. Since moving to Canada, he's done ~20 years of programming.
Biasing hiring towards people who programmed in high school is incredibly ageist.
Sure, a computer is within the reach of most teenagers now. No, a computer was not within the reach of most teenagers 30 years ago - or even 20 years ago.