Backend development assessment

Assessment

What is it?

The backend development assessment evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in server-side programming, database management, and API development. Covering areas such as database queries, authentication, performance optimization, and software architecture, this test ensures candidates have both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills. Through 20 timed, progressively challenging questions, it serves as an early knockout criterion for roles in backend engineering, API development, and cloud-based solutions.

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How it works

The backend development assessment begins with fundamental programming concepts and progresses to more advanced backend systems. In a 20-question format, this might look like:

  • basic level: questions assess knowledge of database queries, HTTP protocols, and authentication methods.
  • intermediate level: questions focus on API development, caching strategies, and security principles.
  • advanced level: questions assess knowledge of server performance, scalable architectures, and cloud solutions.

The test is timed, requiring candidates to demonstrate efficiency and accuracy in real-world backend development scenarios where performance and scalability are crucial.

Results and Benefits

The results of the backend development assessment provide employers with a clear understanding of a candidate’s ability to design and optimize backend systems. High-performing candidates showcase expertise in API development, database management, and security best practices, ensuring that only knowledgeable individuals progress in the selection process. This improves hiring decisions and enhances software reliability.

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When to use it

The backend development assessment is best used early in the recruitment process for roles in backend engineering, cloud solutions, and API development. By using this test as a knockout criterion, employers can ensure that only candidates with strong backend development skills move forward. This assessment is particularly valuable in industries such as fintech, SaaS, and enterprise software, where robust backend solutions are essential.

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Example

basic level: Which HTTP method is used to retrieve data from a server?

a) POST
b) GET
c) PUT
d) DELETE

Which database operation is used to retrieve only distinct records?

a) SELECT DISTINCT
b) SELECT UNIQUE
c) FILTER DISTINCT
d) QUERY DISTINCT

intermediate level: Which of the following is an advantage of using indexing in a database?

a) Faster query performance
b) Increased storage requirements
c) Reduced security risks
d) Slower update operations

What is a common caching mechanism used to reduce database load?

a) Redis
b) REST API
c) WebSockets
d) Load balancer

advanced level: Which technique is commonly used to scale a backend system horizontally?

a) Adding more CPU cores
b) Using multiple database replicas
c) Increasing thread count
d) Reducing API endpoints

What is the purpose of JWT (JSON Web Token) in backend authentication?

a) Securely transmit user credentials
b) Store session data in a database
c) Encrypt entire API responses
d) Improve website loading speed