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SQL Challenge

Overview​

SQL Challenges evaluate a candidate's proficiency in writing queries, optimizing performance, and managing relational data models. These challenges are executed against live database instances.

Configuration Process​

Creating an SQL challenge involves defining the data environment and the specific tasks candidates must perform.

Step 1: Define Purpose​

Determine the primary objective of the challenge:

  • Hiring Purpose: Used in Assessments and Contests to evaluate external candidates.
  • Learning Purpose: Used in Courses for internal employee upskilling and knowledge validation.

Select Purpose

Step 2: Basic Details​

Provide the core metadata and session constraints:

  • Name and Description: These details are visible to candidates during the assessment.
  • Difficulty and Duration: Set the expected complexity level and the total time allowed for the challenge.
  • Tags: Assign appropriate tags for easy categorization in the library.

Basic Details

Step 3: Database Selection​

Link the challenge to a pre-configured database environment. This database provides the schema and initial data the candidate will query against.

  • Custom Databases: Use a database created by your organization in the Library.
  • CoderScout Databases: Select from a range of expert-curated database environments.

Database Selection

Step 4: Script Configuration​

Define the operational and validation scripts for the challenge:

  • Setup Script (DML): (Optional) Provide SQL scripts that the candidate must run before writing the final SELECT query.
  • Evaluation Script: (Mandatory) Write the "Truth Query" (typically a SELECT statement). The system executes this query and compares its results with the result of the candidate's query to determine correctness and scoring.

Script Configuration​

Next steps​