How to Answer: Many of the projects we develop here at Palo Alto Networks start small, but grow quickly. What methodologies do you use to ensure that your program will scale?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Palo Alto Networks job interview.
2. Many of the projects we develop here at Palo Alto Networks start small, but grow quickly. What methodologies do you use to ensure that your program will scale?
How to Answer
Creating programs that scale is a critical skill in today's fast-changing business environment. Businesses like Palo Alto Networks need appropriate applications for their current size and activity level but can grow as the business grows. Developing scalable programs saves the business money during the initial development cycle. Also, it prevents them from reprograming the applications or adopting new ones when the business activity increases beyond the capability of the current program. Your answer to this question should discuss the specific techniques and methodologies you use to accomplish this objective.
Answer Example
"The first step in a software development lifecycle process is to define the requirements for an application. During this phase, I inquire about the possibility of the operation related to the program expanding or growing and the need for the program to scale. Once I confirm this need, I'd then go about developing a program with scalable features. The methodologies I use to accomplish this include using microservices instead of a monolithic architecture, assigning the appropriate caching, queues, databases, and selecting the appropriate development language and deployment platform. Languages I prefer for scalable programs include Ruby and Django if it is a web application. I'm also more inclined to develop the application to run on a cloud platform which provides the greatest flexibility and scaling."