Syntax > Logic ?

Hello devs,

A few weeks ago, I was invited to join a company in a similar role the one I have but using a different programming language (python). The recruiter decided to give it a try and see if I would be a good fit for the position, even after I told him I hadn't worked that much with python although I know it's relatively easy to learn once you know another programming language.

The client team was looking for a person with strong knowledge of python and a lot of experience working with it, as per what he told me. Anyway, he sent my profile and schedule an interview with the client.

Before the interview, I got contacted by the recruiter to do a screen test. He sent me a couple of problems to be solved in python so I could be aware of what type of questions I should expect in the interview, it was a technical test after all. By this time I was concerned about not having all the specific functions to work with python in a live whiteboard exam.

So I decided to do my best and see what happened. In the interview, there were two people, one for the technical side and the project manager to ask about business processes, soft skills and methodologies.

Before starting the process I got asked if I had used python which I answer that not much (yes, I was honest) and added that most of my experience is Java related.

I believe I got it right in the non technical part but for the actual test I have to admit I messed up. I knew how to solve the problems they asked me to but I forgot which specific functions in python to make my program efficient to get a simpler solution.

I mainly started by solving it with Java code and then I tried to translate it to python but I found out I wasn't sure about the name of the functions or if there was any at all (I assumed there should be one, I also added that probably there is a module in Google that can help me with an operation I need).

So after all, I know the first impression wasn't that good, at least that's what I perceived. And after finding out I need to learn python and continue practicing I also thought about what's really important in candidates, to know the programming language syntax or the logic behind the resolution of a problem.

I actually started to believe that I didn't really know how to code, but then I remembered that there will be many new modules and additions to the existing programming languages and even new ones maybe, and it's impossible to know it all but you can access how-to articles with one click.

At the end, I got notified I was not selected for the project but that let me thinking how many good programmers are being rejected just for not knowing a specific technology.

I don't think it's possible to remember everything and then add more information without getting a few things wrong and messing up a little. Even while writing this post I'm looking at how to format text in Markdown. 😆

So, for you what's more important, syntax or logic?