# Whiteboard interview

A whiteboard interview asks a candidate to solve a coding or system design problem by writing it out, by hand, on a physical or virtual whiteboard in front of the interviewer, usually without compiling or running the code.

The format emphasizes explaining the thought process out loud over producing code that actually executes.

**Whiteboard interview** — A whiteboard interview asks a candidate to solve a coding or design problem by writing it out, by hand, on a physical or virtual whiteboard, usually without compiling or running the code. The interviewer watches the process unfold in real time, asking questions as the candidate writes, rather than reviewing a finished submission.

The format has been standard for evaluating algorithmic thinking under observation, but it's also been widely criticized, since writing syntax-perfect code by hand while being watched has little in common with how engineers actually work, with an IDE and the ability to run their code. A live coding test has become a common alternative for companies moving away from the pure whiteboard format.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a whiteboard interview the same as a live coding test?

No. A whiteboard interview typically has a candidate write code by hand without running it, testing communication more than syntax. A live coding test uses a real environment where the candidate writes and executes actual code.

### Why do some companies still use whiteboard interviews?

They're a fast, low-setup way to see how a candidate breaks down a problem, without configuring a shared coding environment. Critics argue this doesn't outweigh how unrealistic the format is compared to real engineering work.

### How can a candidate prepare for a whiteboard interview?

Practicing writing syntax by hand, rather than only in an IDE with autocomplete, helps close the gap. Talking through the approach out loud while writing also matters, since the interviewer often evaluates the reasoning as much as the final code.

## Related pages

- [Browse open roles](/jobs)

## Practice explaining your reasoning out loud

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