Just wrapped up a 2-hour interview marathon for a Senior Frontend role, and honestly? It was a reality check on why "knowing React" is never just about React. The process was heavily focused on machine coding and core JavaScript internals. Here’s a quick breakdown for anyone currently in the interview loop: The Rounds Machine Coding (90 mins): I was tasked with building a Star Rating Component from scratch. It sounds simple, but the focus was on reusability, handling half-stars, and ensuring keyboard accessibility. JS Deep Dive: We spent a lot of time on the Event Loop and Promises. I had to predict the output of a nested setTimeout and async/await block—it’s easy to trip up when you're under pressure. React Patterns: Discussing when to use useMemo versus useCallback and the cost of premature optimization. What they were actually looking for: It wasn’t just about making the code work. The interviewer pushed on Edge cases: What happens if the API fails during a debounced search? Code Quality: Clean naming conventions and folder structure. Optimization: Reducing unnecessary re-renders in the UI. A Realistic Mistake: I initially struggled with a closure-based question involving a useEffect cleanup. I had to take a step back, talk through my confusion, and refactor. It’s okay not to be perfect—they wanted to see how I debug when I'm stuck. Key Takeaway: Don't ignore the fundamentals. Frameworks change, but the Event Loop is forever. If you’re prepping for frontend roles and want to chat about these specific rounds, feel free to reach out. Happy to share what worked for me! #FrontendDevelopment #Javascript #ReactJS #InterviewPrep
This really resonates, thanks for sharing such an honest breakdown.I completely agree, knowing React on its own is rarely enough. Interview like these bring you back to the importance of core JavaScript fundamentals, especially concepts like the event loop, closure, etc.Also, in today's AI driven world, it is still so important to understand the basics and how things actually work under the hood. Tools can support you, but they cannot replace strong fundamentals. A good reminder to keep revisiting the basics. They really do make all the differences.
Scary.. due to recent use of cursor and AI dependent ide, It's been a year I haven't touched code part. I was very good in writing component from scratch but now first thing come into my mind, if cursor copilot can do this thing by telling one line why should I take efforts of writing code on my own. And I am sure this is condition of 90% Devs. Thing is this forced use of cursor to increase productivity is hampering core knowledge of developer. Now I have started writing code in sublime without any support to regen my powers. By reading this simple star rating assignment I got scared. This AI shit is deep.