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by aaronrc 5535 days ago
You really want them to be able to show you some reference sites and get them to talk you through how those sites operate at a high level. If what they saying doesn't make sense then they either don't know what they are talking about or do but aren't good communicators. If what they are saying does make sense then they are more likely to be a good developer.

If I was you I'd also further filter the potential good developers by asking for some sample code either from an open source project or some other means and get a trusted developer you know to give you an opinion on it.
2 comments
veb 5535 days ago
"... get a trusted developer you know to give you an opinion on it"

That's the only way I can see it working. I also suggest in looking around for a test you can hand them, i.e. the FizzBuzz test. If their answer looks the same as your answer they're competent.

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hansy 5535 days ago
I really like your litmus test based on the clarity of a developer's explanations...I will definitely try that.

So for example, discussing the merits of a competitor's site in terms of how they are or are not achieving results in the background is a good start to understanding what the developer may be able to bring to the team?

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