Ruby (on Rails) Interview Flashcards
(26 cards)
How do you explain a complex technical issue to a non-technical client?
I first ask what their goal is, then translate the tech in terms of impact. For example, instead of “We hit a database index issue,” I’d say, “Right now the site slows down when too many people search — we’re reworking how it stores and fetches results.”
Tell us about a time you had to handle a high-urgency production issue.
During a release at my current role, a Splunk dashboard for an enterprise client went blank (old way to create dashboards, unsupported code). I coordinated rollback with the team, found out how expansive the bug was, and fixed all around.
What does great communication look like on a dev team with producers and PMs?
Proactive updates, translating blockers into business impact, asking clarifying questions early, and looping everyone in when priorities shift.
What do you do when a client changes the brief mid-way?
I clarify what’s changing, re-estimate based on effort, and offer options — e.g., what can be de-scoped or delayed to accommodate the change.
How do you prioritize bugs and tasks when everything feels urgent?
I triage based on user impact, platform stability, and business needs. I often propose a quick fix + long-term plan, especially if downtime is involved.
How do you handle unclear requirements?
I draft my understanding, confirm with the producer or client, and suggest a low-effort prototype or diagram to verify we’re aligned.
Tell us about a time you had to “speak client” instead of “developer.”
I once had to explain why a backend performance fix was essential even though the config looked good. They badly didn’t want another Splunk restart. I said, “It’s like fixing the pipes under your house. Everything flows better, even if the taps look the same.”
How do you make sure producers and PMs aren’t blindsided by issues?
I give early heads-ups even if I’m unsure — “This may become a blocker” (no presence of malware but documentation expects). I also recap risks in daily updates or stand-ups.
How do you keep a project on track when the scope keeps expanding?
I push for scope control through MoSCoW (Must, Should, Could, Won’t) or raise the risk and suggest milestone-driven deliverables.
How do you prepare for client demos?
I check for edge-case behavior, set up fresh data, and write a short demo script. I try to have talking points ready for each feature’s value.
How do you handle feedback that’s vague like “this feels off”?
I ask specifics — “Is it speed, layout, content?” Then I offer targeted fixes or alternative suggestions to guide them.
Describe your project management style as a developer.
I use task breakdowns, time-boxing, and always deliver in increments. I track status in tools (e.g., Jira, Trello) and close the loop with PMs on blockers and ETAs.
How do you avoid over-promising during sprint planning?
I add buffer for unexpected edge cases and unknowns, especially when dealing with legacy platforms like Camaleon or Solidus.
Tell us about a project where communication was key to success.
In a data migration project, clear coordination between devs, data analysts, and onboarding, saved us from costly misalignment. I initiated a shared doc and ran daily syncs.
How do you handle client disappointment (missed deadline, bug, etc.)?
I own the issue, avoid blame-shifting, and propose how we’ll fix it and prevent a repeat. Transparency builds trust.
How do you deliver bad news to a client?
Quickly and calmly. I present the issue, why it happened, what’s already been done, and the fix timeline. I show I’m on it, not hiding it.
What do you do if the client is pushing for a feature that might cause performance issues?
I gently flag risks, simulate or test if needed, and suggest alternatives. For example, “Real-time filtering is resource-heavy — what if we cached results every 5 minutes?”
Why do you think you’re a good fit for a client-facing development role?
I’ve worked cross-functionally in pressured environments, I’m empathetic with clients, and I enjoy making tech understandable and useful to non-tech people.
What do you understand about Camaleon CMS?
A Ruby on Rails-based content management system. It’s flexible like WordPress but uses Rails under the hood. It offers widgets, multi-language support, and custom post types.
How is Camaleon CMS different from WordPress?
It’s written in Ruby, uses Rails conventions, and integrates better into Ruby-based platforms. It’s also more dev-focused and easier to extend programmatically.
What’s Solidus and what problems does it solve?
A Rails-based open-source eCommerce platform forked from Spree. It provides a full suite of shopping, checkout, inventory, and admin tools.
How do you explain to a client what Camaleon CMS or Solidus gives them “out of the box”?
Camaleon = custom content management + user-friendly admin; Solidus = scalable eCommerce platform without needing Shopify fees or custom infrastructure.
Tell us about a time you had to learn a new platform quickly.
When I joined my current role, and my previous role, I hadn’t used Python, Splunk or SPL. I built TA plugins within weeks by self-studying and pairing with senior devs.
How do you evaluate whether a platform (like Solidus) fits a client need?
I check for match in business features, ability to customize, community support, and performance at the expected scale.
