How to test a struts 2.1.x developer?

Question

We employ a test to filter out candidates who should not be applying for a position. The tests are designed to be very low effort for those who should be applying and too much effort for those who are not experienced.

Here is an example of a test we give to a candidate applying for a job of “java web application developer on an Oracle project”:

We only work with contractors who can use the tools we use, to determine if you can use the tools we have devised some very simple tests.

Instructions

If you are prepared and knowledgeable this will take you about 2-5 minutes.

Suggested knowledge and tools:

* subversion 1.6 see http://subversion.tigris.org/ or http://cygwin.com/setup.exe
* java 1.6 see http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp
* oracle >=10g see http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/products/jdev/index.html
* j2ee server see http://tomcat.apache.org/download-55.cgi or http://www.jboss.org/jbossas/downloads/

Steps
1. check out svn://statics32.pdinc.us/home/subversion/guest
2. deploy the war file found at trunk/test.war
3. browse to the web application you installed from the war file and answer the one SQL question: How many rows are in the table 'testdata' where column 'value' ends with either an 'A' or an 'a'? The login credentials are in trunk/doc/oracle.txt
4. make a RESULTS HASH by submitting your answer to the form.
5. create a file in tmp/YourUserName.txt and put the RESULTS HASH in it, not the answer.
6. check in your file (don't forget to add the file first).
7. message me with the revision number of your check in.

As such I am looking for ideas on how to test for someone to be a struts 2.1 w/ annotations.

Answer 1

First of all:

If you are prepared and knowledgeable this will take you about 2-5 minutes.

makes real pressure. Setting up a develop environment needs: user logins, password,jdbc-urls and should be basic coaching for a job. In my opinion it's highly unfair. I think since I faced no problems with cvs or subversion I could do this with any VCS. Having experience with lot's of databases I should have the time to google how this URL looks like. And btw tomcat isn't a j2ee server. You should rather find out whether the applicants are motivated and get them in line. If you don't have the time to explain project structure or do coaching (since you can't provide any documentation) you probably have a different problem.