[mmcnickle]

I've always thought the simple coding interview questions was like asking a chef to prepare a very simple meal; they should be able to do it without any problem. Though it's apparent that coders, like chefs, can choke on even these simple tasks. You only need to watch the "skills tests" on "Masterchef: The Professionals" to see a dozen professional cooks fail to fry schnitzel or fillet a fish. The same chefs go on the create some fantastic dishes in less stressful challenges.

[nawitus]

One additional difference is that interview coding questions don't have a realistic working environment. Programmers utilize tools like search engines, IDEs and documentation, but these may be not available in a coding interview question, which might mandate a programmer to work on a whiteboard or using unfamiliar software.

[mfringel]

It's like asking a chef to prepare a very simple meal, but what most bad tech interviewers actually ask is "prepare it exactly the way my mom used to make it for me, which I'm not going to tell you."