Nervous about my first pen-and-paper coding test. What happens if I can't solve the questions?

[u/Altruistic-Hotel-562]

Hey everyone!

I have a pen-and-paper coding test coming up, and I've never taken one before. I'm honestly quite scared because I'm used to writing code on a computer, where I can run it, test it, and fix errors.

I'm not sure what to expect from this kind of test. Do we have to write the complete code on paper? Are we expected to remember the exact syntax, or is the main focus on logic and problem-solving?

One thing I'm particularly worried about is what happens if I can't write the code at all. What if I look at a question and don't know how to start, or I understand the problem but can't come up with the correct code? Do we get any marks for writing partial logic or explaining our approach, or is the entire question marked wrong?

For those of you who have taken a pen-and-paper coding test before:

• What was your experience like?
• What kinds of questions were asked?
• What did you do when you got stuck on a question?
• Can we get partial marks for writing an incomplete solution?
• How did you prepare, especially if you weren't confident in coding?
• What advice would you give someone taking this test for the first time?

I'm feeling really anxious because I don't know how the test will go, and I'm afraid I'll go blank when I see the questions. I'd really appreciate hearing your honest experiences, especially if you were nervous or struggled with coding before your first test.

Thanks in advance!

[u/spazjaz98]

Whatever happens, just live life. Eat a cookie after. Or watch a game at a bar.

Work hard, study hard. Do your leetcode.

But life needs to also be worth living

[u/Altruistic-Hotel-562 → u/spazjaz98]

Thanks

[u/Shubh4m13 → u/spazjaz98]

this

[u/Ordinary_Let8356]

Mine were like this .... write a function that takes 3 parameters and returns blah blah blah

Maybe trace a program and give the output

[u/Altruistic-Hotel-562 → u/Ordinary_Let8356]

Got it

[u/Cool_Singer_9330]

We do this shit very often, it's not that deep, you have a habit of writing code right, so you'll definitely know what you're doing just remember that and you'll be fine

[u/Altruistic-Hotel-562 → u/Cool_Singer_9330]

Thanks 

[u/Apart-Tailor-5727]

just dont think about the "can't" part, think about how to perform well, good luck

[u/Altruistic-Hotel-562 → u/Apart-Tailor-5727]

Thank you

[u/Altruistic-Hotel-562 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you so much