Describe a time you modernized part of a legacy PHP application without disrupting production.I would first map the affected workflows, dependencies, and failure modes, then introduce the change behind a small, testable interface. I would add regression coverage, release incrementally, monitor error and performance signals, and retain a clear rollback path until the new implementation is proven stable.
How would you design a PHP API to support both an existing web application and a new React Native client?I would define versioned, resource-oriented endpoints with consistent authentication, validation, error responses, and pagination. I would avoid duplicating business logic in clients by keeping rules in backend services, document contracts clearly, and add automated integration tests for the core web and mobile flows.
How do you investigate an intermittent production defect involving application logic, SQL, and a third-party integration?I would begin by collecting request identifiers, logs, error reports, affected records, timestamps, and integration responses to establish a reproducible pattern. I would trace the request across layers, validate database state and retry behavior, isolate the likely failure point, then deploy a targeted fix with observability and regression tests.
What practices would you establish for a new React Native application before its first release?I would establish project structure, navigation, environment configuration, API client conventions, error handling, state management, testing expectations, and CI/CD early. I would also define release procedures, crash monitoring, secure credential handling, offline behavior where needed, and a repeatable App Store and Google Play deployment process.
How do AI-assisted coding tools fit into your development workflow without reducing code quality?I use them to accelerate scaffolding, test generation, documentation, refactoring ideas, and investigation, but I treat their output as untrusted draft work. I validate generated code against requirements, security expectations, project conventions, automated tests, and code review before it is merged.
