Answer Front-end, Back-end, Full-stack, Mobile Developer, and Generative AI Assessments

HackerRank assessments for Front-end, Back-end, Full-stack, Mobile developer, and Generative AI roles offer the flexibility to use either the HackerRank-provided VS Code IDE or your local Git-based IDE to solve project-type problems. However, we recommend using the HackerRank IDE for a seamless and integrated testing experience.

Code Repositories and Project questions

Code Repositories and Project questions are multi-file, real-world coding problems that simulate actual development work. They offer a more realistic experience compared to traditional Coding questions on the platform.

The table below compares regular Coding questions with Code Repositories and Project Questions.

Feature

Code Repository questions

A Code Repository is a reusable codebase (For example, React application, Express server) that contains multiple project-based questions. It serves as the base scaffold or application template for real-world coding tasks.

Each project includes one or more tasks. You can use the same repository to complete all tasks. For example:

• Task 1: Fix a bug in UserService.js

• Task 2: Add a feature in Dashboard.jsx

Project questions

Project questions are a question type on the HackerRank platform that allows candidates to work in a real-world development environment. These questions simulate job-related tasks, such as building a feature, fixing a bug, or improving an existing codebase.

Why choose the HackerRank IDE?

The HackerRank IDE allows you to:

• Access built-in features offered by the latest VS Code: The HackerRank IDE includes built-in tools and features specifically designed for assessments, such as IntelliSense, making it easier to run tests and view real-time changes.

• Simplify the setup process: You do not need to configure a local environment or manage dependencies. Everything is preconfigured.

• Seamless Integration: The IDE saves your code automatically and lets you submit your solution without the hassle of managing local repositories.

Prerequisites for a project test

To ensure a smooth test experience, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Latest browser versions: Use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance.

• Disable browser extensions: Disable all browser extensions that might interfere with the test environment.

• Enable third-party cookies: Allow third-party cookies in your browser settings to ensure the editor loads successfully.

• Network requirement: Your network should meet the following conditions to ensure a smooth experience.

For more information on the necessary configurations, refer to the Cookie settings for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Projects Questions.

Answering project assessments

To answer a project assessment:

1. Open your invitation email and click Start Test to launch the assessment portal.

2. Read the instructions carefully. Try the sample test to get familiar with the interface and tools.

3. Choose your IDE.

   

   • For the best experience, use the HackerRank IDE.

   • If you prefer using your local environment, ensure you meet all the software requirements.

4. Click Continue.

5. Wait for the environment to initialize. This may take up to 2 minutes.

6. Click Start Test after the setup is complete.

Using the HackerRank IDE

The following details help you use the HackerRank IDE effectively:

• Environment setup and execution

  • For project-based questions:

    

    • When a question loads, the IDE automatically starts the installation process. Do not close or interrupt it. If the process stops, select Run dropdown and click Install Dependencies to install them manually.

    • Click on Run to run the application.

    • Click on Run Tests to execute test cases against your code.

  • For mobile developer questions, the setup works for both Android and iOS.

    

    •  Click on Build & Run Project to preview the mobile application.

    • Click on Run Test to execute test cases against your code.

• Preview panel

  

  • For mobile projects, click Build & Run Project to open the preview.

  • For other project types, click Run to open the preview.

  • Alternatively, click Toggle Secondary Sidebar Visibility next to the Run button to display the preview panel.

    Note: You may need to allow pop-ups for the application to launch in a new tab, enabling you to see changes in real time.

• AI Assistant (If applicable): The AI Assistant tab in the preview pane lets you ask questions and receive quick guidance. This feature applies only to AI-supported tests. For more information, see 📄 AI Assistant in Tests.

• IDE Layout: You can hide the question description to expand the coding space further.

  

• Terminal: To open the terminal, click Terminal in the menu bar.

• Debugging: You can use the built-in debugger in the IDE to trace errors and inspect variables to debug the code and resolve issues efficiently. For more information, see 📄 Debugging in Projects and Code Repositories .

  

• Submit: To submit your solution, click Submit in the bottom right corner.
  You can revise and resubmit your answers as many times as needed before the test ends.

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Question

When attempting a RAG question, you receive a limited number of Large Language Model (LLM) resources. These resources are allocated based on the expected complexity and requirements of the question.

You can manage your LLM resources in the following ways:

• First-time login: When you log in for the first time, a notification appears indicating the total number of LLM resources available for the question.

  

• Track usage: Use the status bar at the bottom of the screen to monitor your remaining resources. Each interaction with the AI Assistant reduces your available resource count.

  

• Request additional resources: If you use all available resources, select the link near the usage indicator to request more.

  

Using the Local IDE

You can use your local IDE by clicking Switch to Offline IDE in the top right corner of the assessment interface. To return to the browser-based IDE, click Switch to Online IDE. This option allows you to work in your preferred development environment and code as you like.

1. Set up your local environment: Before you begin, ensure your local setup includes all the necessary dependencies. This step is crucial to ensure compatibility with the HackerRank platform and to avoid any issues when running your project. 

2. Clone Git repository:

   

   1. Locate the Clone Git Repository section in the interface.

   2. Copy the Git URL provided for the project.

   3. Open your terminal and use the Git clone command to download the project onto your local machine. 

3. Manage your commits:

   • After you make changes to your project, you can view your commit history and browse files in a read-only view within the HackerRank interface.

   • The commit section refreshes automatically each time you push a new commit, so you can track your latest changes in real time.

4. Test your code: To ensure your code functions as expected, click the Run Tests button in the bottom right corner. 

5. Submit your code:

   • When you are ready to submit your solution, click Submit.

   • You can submit your code multiple times before the deadline. However, only the code in the master branch is evaluated in the final submission.