[it_learnses]

Thanks, this was exactly my point. I used to like doing these kinds of problems when I was a second year comp-sci student. I was also a C purist. But then I grew up and learned that there are far bigger problems in software development world than some puzzle or making 100 line programs as efficient as possible in C.

Now I think about usability, design, etc. of a system and wonder what the trade-offs are when choosing one design over another, not to mention time and cost trade-offs.

Isn't this what any respectable client submitting projects on Toptal should look for? I don't think I'd want a junior dev diving head first into my project without first understanding the requirements and presenting me with different trade-offs, etc. Unless ofcourse Toptal wants to be a platform for lazy college kids asking help on their assignments.

I know you understand these points, but I'm just adding this for future readers.