Algorithm interviews are the norm in software engineering. They provide a good enough approximation on whether an engineer makes good architecture and design decisions. As example, let’s do a quick study of whether to use DynamoDB or RDBMS to store data for a project. DynamoDB Fact(s) Implemented as a distributed hashtable. Distributed by design Pros Very little operational overhead. There’s no need to create multiple DB users; No need to study query plans; No need to think about how much disk space, RAM, or CPUs to assign to your DB; Only one option for table design (flat tables).

Code review can be an important part of a team’s culture, so it is worth thinking about. If you asked me about code review two years ago, I would’ve said its key to maintaining code quality and mentoring less experienced programmers. Now I know better. Code review is much about making the code better as it is about making the team happier. How the team runs code reviews should be based on the team’s values and culture.