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Debugging task

Fix failing tests in an unfamiliar codebase.

Assessment format

Overview

A debugging task hands you broken code to diagnose and fix. It measures how methodically you read unfamiliar code, form hypotheses, isolate the fault, and verify the fix without breaking other cases.

How it works

Assessment format
ReproduceIsolateFixVerifyBugreproBisectlogsPatchdiffTests
ClientServiceEdgeData

Step by step, with examples

  1. 1

    Bug

    • Confirm the failing case.
  2. 2

    Bisect

    • Narrow down to the cause.
  3. 3

    Patch

    • Make the minimal correct change.
  4. 4

    Tests

    • Add a regression test.
    • Example: green suite

About this format

Fix failing tests in an unfamiliar codebase.

Sample task

A function returns wrong totals on empty input.

Solution approach

Reproduce with the failing test, read the stack/inputs, fix the smallest root cause, and re-run all tests.

Tips

  • Reproduce before fixing
  • Change the minimum needed
  • Re-run the full suite

Where this content comes from

For full transparency, this content is curated and verified from these sources:

Timed online-assessment format referencesTake-home assignment templatesOppZen-authored evaluations & solutions