TLDR Web Dev · OPINIONS & ADVICE

LIVE CODING SUCKS

hadid.dev7 min read

Summary from the TLDR Web Dev newsletter

Live coding interviews are unfair because the stress induced by being watched reduces cognitive function, specifically working memory, which is necessary for solving coding problems. A study by Microsoft showed a large decrease in performance when candidates were observed during coding. Live coding measures stress response more than actual coding ability and may lead to the rejection of qualified engineers.