Re:Ask HN: How would you react to this programming test?
by buro9 on Wednesday October 05, 2011 @02:41PM
(#3076923)
This depends on whether that language was consistent with my experience of other languages.
I've no problem learning a new language, and having TCL, PERL, C, C#, Java, Python and JavaScript in my arsenal I wouldn't be intimidated by having something new presented and being expected to pick it up.
The real issue for me would be the question: What motivated you to create a new language? What problem set did you feel that you have that isn't addressed by existing languages? And if this language is a domain-specific one, I would want to know what made your domain so special?
I would basically fear that a "Not Invented Here" mentality led to the creation of the language, and that would strongly discourage me from going further.
On a secondary point, it would also depend on the type of position it was. If it was a startup, language would not be an issue. But for a contract position the language may well limit future opportunities and so it would matter.
I've no problem learning a new language, and having TCL, PERL, C, C#, Java, Python and JavaScript in my arsenal I wouldn't be intimidated by having something new presented and being expected to pick it up.
The real issue for me would be the question: What motivated you to create a new language? What problem set did you feel that you have that isn't addressed by existing languages? And if this language is a domain-specific one, I would want to know what made your domain so special?
I would basically fear that a "Not Invented Here" mentality led to the creation of the language, and that would strongly discourage me from going further.
On a secondary point, it would also depend on the type of position it was. If it was a startup, language would not be an issue. But for a contract position the language may well limit future opportunities and so it would matter.