Code Review Exercises That Actually Work: Java Edition (Junior to Senior)

In Part 1 of this series, we explored a practical, respectful approach to engineering interviews - focusing on real-world skills like code reviews, GitHub project walkthroughs, and collaborative coding. In this post, we'll dive deeper into the code review portion of the interview. You'll get: A neutral Java code style guide to use during interviews Three code review examples, tailored for junior, mid-level, and senior candidates Tips for interviewers on how to run this part effectively Why Code Reviews Belong in Interviews Code reviews aren't just about syntax or formatting. They uncover how a candidate: Thinks about design and readability Communicates technical feedback Prioritizes bugs, maintainability, and best practices Balances tradeoffs and pragmatism It's one of the most real-world ways to assess software engineers - and works across all levels of experience. Java Style Guide for Code Review Exercises This is a neutral guide to share with candidates during the exercise. It helps structure their review without giving away the "answers." ✅ Code Style & Structure Use descriptive class and method names Break down large methods into smaller, testable pieces Follow consistent indentation and spacing

May 6, 2025 - 16:06
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Code Review Exercises That Actually Work: Java Edition (Junior to Senior)

In Part 1 of this series, we explored a practical, respectful approach to engineering interviews - focusing on real-world skills like code reviews, GitHub project walkthroughs, and collaborative coding.

In this post, we'll dive deeper into the code review portion of the interview. You'll get:

  • A neutral Java code style guide to use during interviews
  • Three code review examples, tailored for junior, mid-level, and senior candidates
  • Tips for interviewers on how to run this part effectively

Why Code Reviews Belong in Interviews

Code reviews aren't just about syntax or formatting. They uncover how a candidate:

  • Thinks about design and readability
  • Communicates technical feedback
  • Prioritizes bugs, maintainability, and best practices
  • Balances tradeoffs and pragmatism

It's one of the most real-world ways to assess software engineers - and works across all levels of experience.

Java Style Guide for Code Review Exercises

This is a neutral guide to share with candidates during the exercise. It helps structure their review without giving away the "answers."

✅ Code Style & Structure

  • Use descriptive class and method names
  • Break down large methods into smaller, testable pieces
  • Follow consistent indentation and spacing