I still think the best way to interview a programmer is to just talk to them. Ask them about their experiences. I&#x27;ve known a bunch of programmers in my time, and I feel I can tell if someone is the real deal within a few minutes of them speaking.<p>I&#x27;m happily employed at the moment (knock on wood) but when that day comes where I have to go back out an interview, I don&#x27;t plan on wasting any time doing these kinds of interviews where they make you spend hours doing some kind of programming challenge. To me it&#x27;s an indicator that the company doesn&#x27;t have anybody knowledgeable to actually pick out the best programmers.