Do you wanna build a redirect
Wow, this actually was a really fun final problem. Not sure if my solution was the intended one, but I think it should be at the very least approved methodology. :) I am LOVING the flexablity of the _redirects file. There are SO many ways to play with this! However, to not pen another essay, I’ll get right to the task given: (optional/bonus) Can you set up a redirect from “/netlify/anything” to https://www.
So your site won't build?
Good day, and thanks for reaching out to us! I know I’ve run into a few cases in the past where my site wouldn’t build for me. I have some questions for you so that I can get a better handle on your issue, but first let me give you some ammo to try while you’re getting back to me (it might even take care of it for you!). Firstly, have you checked your deployment logs?
Two Major DNS Complications
Speaking as someone who has dealt with enough quizzical looks when I bring up the subject of DNS records with colleagues, there are a few common issues one could run into. First is the fact that DNS is NOT instant. It can take a while for changes to propagate across the web. This can lead to a user making a change, seeing it NOT work, and then thinking THEY did something wrong.
Why is encryption critical
Your original question was only in regards to SSL/HTTPS, but I’m going to open this up a bit more to encryption in general, if you don’t mind. I’ve been sending money to the EFF since… 2008 (I think?). I do this because I believe they (or rather, the mission they are undertaking) are of the utmost importance to nothing less than the safety & security of the people of the United States of America (and likely the wider world, by extension).
Best. Documentation. Ever.
First off, the title MAY be a misnomer - it’s more like the best documentation I’ve been exposed to. But that didn’t sound as good. Anyway… As someone who often stuffs things into Wolfram Alpha (sometimes just to see what can come out), I find myself referencing the Wolfram docs. I don’t generally do anything too crazy with it, but for the times that I can’t figure out why my input isn’t working (or what input should I be using), it’s been a great help.
How I would improve either the test or the job posting
This is actually one of the more interesting tests I’ve dealt with while job searching, so I’m not sure if I could pinpoint anything wrong with it. I guess, my one and only gripe, is I kind of wish it came after the interviews (so that, should something go wrong there, I wouldn’t be spending the time to make the site). That said, I completely understand why it came first (or at least one of the reasons), and I don’t blame you for it - I’m sure people passing and failing the test save you from a LOT of wasted interview time.
How I made this site - You won't believe the challenge I faced!
I will not lie - I come from a background of dynamic site gen. Somehow, the Static Site Generator craze seems to have missed me until recently (I’m SO EXCITED about what I’ve discovered here in terms of future projects!). Which is a long-winded way to say that I came into building this site a little blind. That said, after a bit of research, I settled on Hugo as the correct choice for me.
My thoughts on the netlify service
The short answer is: “I like it!” The ability to deploy DIRECTLY from a git repo is CRAZY to me (I come from a background of WordPress, Drupal, etc.), with builds coming as I perform commits. I don’t mean to sound like a barbarian, but seeing it pop to life upon syncing to the master was almost like magic to me. At the very least, whether you hire me or not, I’ll be back to take advantage of that sweet free CDN-based hosting.
What's my favorite thing about tech support?
My favorite thing about providing technical support is the feeling I get when my client’s blocks fall into place, and their problem dissolves. There is little as potent as the “contact high” one gets from a grateful customer (which granted, sounds cheesy, but I’m sure you know what I’m talking about).
My 5 Most & Least Favorite Activities
The List https://gist.github.com/fool/b0f254ff8c72a5765b6a9138249789d6 My Five Most Favorite Activities Deliver a talk to many people you don’t know at a conference or meetup This was an easy choice for #1 - I have whatever the opposite of stage fright is. :) Receive occasional phone calls requesting support from our highest-value customers I always enjoy helping people, but these calls usually have the best chance to make a major impact for a client.