[napo]

why opting for an "home assignment" instead of doing that as part of the interview?

[Aurornis]

In my experience, most candidates prefer it. They get to use their own computer and own environment and nobody is pressuring them while they code.

It’s also most similar to the job, where I won’t be standing over their shoulder doing live coding.

[osigurdson]

Possibly because many quality candidates work / think better when not being watched. It is also likely far more natural for most people.

[shortrounddev2]

Better simulates the conditions of the job. I never have to write code on-demand in front of my boss with my job on the line. I get assignments and I do them asynchronously. Less pressure that way and I can do it right.