Front-End Live Coding Interview

What Live Coding Really Tests

In outsourcing interviews, live coding sessions are not about catching syntax errors. They test how you approach a task under time pressure, break it down, and explain as you go.

A common exercise might be:

• Build a small component from a mockup.
• Fetch and display data from a fake API.
• Handle loading, empty, and error states.
• Add a small piece of interactivity (sorting, filtering, toggling).

The focus is on your process, not just the end result.

Typical Flow of a Live Coding Interview

Most sessions last 30-60 minutes and follow a predictable pattern:

1. The interviewer describes the problem.
2. You ask clarifying questions (e.g., “Should I handle pagination?”).
3. You sketch out an approach (even a quick list in your editor).
4. You code step by step, explaining your choices.
5. You test the solution and handle at least one edge case.

If you run out of time, a clean partial solution with good structure and communication is far better than messy code that “works.”

How to Deliver Under Pressure

The key to live coding is to work in small, visible increments. Write the skeleton of a component, render some mock data, then wire up the API. Every step is a chance to show progress and reassure the interviewer that you are systematic.

Narrate your reasoning as you go:

• Why you chose a particular hook.
• Why you handle errors before success cases.
• Why you keep the code modular.

This makes the interviewer feel like they are working alongside you, not just watching silently.

Common Pitfalls

Candidates often fail live coding not because they can't code, but because they:

• Stay silent and only present the result at the end.
• Forget obvious states like loading and error handling.
• Panic when they hit a bug instead of debugging calmly.

Avoid these by practicing out loud and treating the session as if you were pair-programming.

Wrapping Up a Live Coding Task

When you think you're done, don't just say “finished.” Instead:

1. Run through test cases, including edge cases.
2. Summarize your approach in one or two sentences.
3. Mention what you would improve with more time (tests, refactoring, accessibility).

This shows professionalism and gives the interviewer confidence that you know what “production quality” means.