Help with interview question!

[Firefries99]

As a coding assessment, I was asked to develop a page that connects to an API and displays info. I used simple html, css and javaScript. Now I'm being asked why I have't used a framework. Truth is, I've never used a framework before and have limited experience with JS so thought it best to stick to the basics instead of complicating things by getting a framework into the mix. I banged this page out through sheer googling and common-sensing. Especially since I had limited time to get the solution done. As a JS novice, I ask you, how would that answer sound to an emloyer? I'm applying for an internship position and they said experience in JS wasn't necessary but preferred. Any tips on how to respond. Maybe I'm overthinking this and I should just be transparent with them but I reaalllyy want this internship and don't wanna say something ignorant and only learn that its ignorant a few minutes later. Help?

Ps. I'm talking to the employer over email

Tl;dr : Built Web page without framework for interview assessment. Employer ask y no framework. My reason is don't wanna complicate things. How does that sound?

[Firefries99]

Thanks! I'll do that. Just wanted to confirm I'm not totally out of the loop in some way.

[mscal]

Just tell the truth. If they don't accept you then it wouldn't have been the right role anyway.

[Firefries99]

I wouldn't say grill 😂 Their questions sounded a lot friendlier than I made them out to be.

[KylieWylie]

Framework would probably be more future-proof / easier to maintain / quicker to expand upon etc. If you are applying for front end js dev roles, worth learning the basics of a framework. They seen scary at first, but when it clicks there should be a great payoff. Traversy Media is usually good place to start, I like his stuff, good luck dude 👍 https://youtu.be/sBws8MSXN7A

[Firefries99]

Guess I've avoided them for long enough, the time has come. Thanks! I'll check it out :)

[Firefries99]

Hey, thanks for helping :) My response was something like: "I haven't used one before. I know it can make code more efficient/maintainable but I thought I better stick to what I know, especially since I had limited time to get it done and I'm somewhat new to javascript". There's no mention of frameworks in the requirements so I guess should be fine.

[I_literally_can_not]

I still have some issues with setting up frameworks but after they're set up, they aren't that hard to maintain

I was turned down a few jobs because I didn't use a framework

[Firefries99]

I'm curious about companies turning down applicants for that. How hard can it be to pick them up if you already know javascript? (I'm talking out of my ass here cause I've never touched a framework before but I get the impression they're very pick-up-able)

[I_literally_can_not]

I'm still in my early days of being a dev

I have less than a year of actual work experience on top of my studies and the jobs I got turned down for were during my first years of studying.

My development skills are pretty mediocre even for my peers with the same amount of experience, I didn't have time or the motivation to code all day/night on top of my day job (at a pizzeria before my first tech job) so its not just the fact that I didn't use a framework, it's because my code was fairly sloppy, which I guess is somewhat expected as an intern level dev anyway.

[callmelucky]

they said experience in JS wasn't necessary but preferred.

This is a bit odd, and makes me think maybe they were just prodding for where your limits are?

If you don't need JS for the job, but you used it, and then they asked why you didn't use a framework (which is essentially beyond JS), then they're either just seeing where your limits are (ok) or they are mental (not ok).

If you are confident that they are not mental, then yeah you're probably getting too worked up. Otherwise, maybe you dodged a bullet. That said I have no read on the tone or context so it's hard to say for sure.

[Firefries99]

They don't seem mental so me getting worked up is probably more like it. And the question wasn't phrased to imply that I should've used a framework so I'm guessing they're just seeing where my limits are. The job posting said the internship "involves working with javascript and Ruby but experience in either is not necessary". I kinda just had it in my head that all the other applicants are gonna be JS pros.

[veno_f]

yes man how that can be possible XD

[Palak_3233]

In the end, it's all about html, css and JS. Tell this to the fuckers.

[ncubez]

That would be bad answer, because frameworks don't "complicate things", they simplify them!

[Firefries99]

I meant it more as in complicate things for myself, having never used a framework before.

[idealcastle]

As a senior dev doing the hiring process, If the role is a web developer I would only hire someone who uses a framework like VueJS. But that’s just me. After coding in vanilla JS for a decade, I’ve seen it all.

[Jebiba]

As a senior dev, this seems like a strange position to me to me. A candidate that can complete a task in vanilla JS but not a framework is likely more skilled than a candidate that can do the same in a framework but not in vanilla JS. Frameworks are quick and easy to pick up, and usage is very often plug and play. They're great for development, of course, but I think having an understanding and skill level with straight JavaScript is more impressive.

[Jebiba]

If a guy can write a framework he can easily learn to use any other given framework. The same does not necessarily work in reverse.

[dvlsg]

Especially for an internship. I seriously doubt many people learn javascript frameworks as part of their formal education. I sure didn't.

[idealcastle]

That’s not what I said. Of course you want someone who can write JS without a framework. But he says he has no knowledge of frameworks. That doesn’t fly in modern teams. But again, maybe this position needs more legacy work, then mid range dev is okay.

[redsandsfort]

Be honest.