Junior Developer Coding Exercise

📋 Exercise Overview

Project Name: "Smart Task Helper"

Objective: Create a single HTML file that helps users break down vague tasks into actionable steps using AI.

⏰ Time Limit: 1 Hour

Problem Understanding: Can you comprehend requirements and break down a problem?
AI Integration: Can you effectively use AI tools to assist your development process?
Communication: Can you clearly explain your solution and learning process?
Technical Skills: Can you build a working solution with web technologies?

Create a single HTML file that opens in any browser
Include an input field for vague tasks (e.g., "get healthier", "learn programming")
Use a free AI API (OpenAI, Anthropic, or Groq) to generate 3-5 specific actionable steps
Display the AI-generated results in a clean, readable format
Include basic error handling for API calls
Style it to look professional and user-friendly

User Input: "improve my cooking skills"

AI Output:

Record your screen demonstrating:

Problem explanation (30 seconds): What you understood the task to be
Live demo (2 minutes):
- Open the HTML file in browser
- Test with 2-3 different vague tasks
- Show the AI-generated actionable steps
- Demonstrate error handling (if time permits)
Development insights (1 minute):
- How you used AI to help build this solution
- One challenge you faced and how you solved it
Code walkthrough (30 seconds): Briefly show the HTML file structure

API Options: Consider OpenAI (GPT-3.5), Anthropic (Claude), or Groq for free tiers
Screen Recording: Use built-in tools (macOS QuickTime, Windows Game Bar) or free options like OBS
Time Management: Spend ~40 minutes coding, ~20 minutes on video
Keep it Simple: Focus on functionality over fancy styling

Email both files to: phillip@arka.com

Subject Line: "Junior Developer Exercise - [Your Name]"

If you have any technical questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out to:
phillip@arka.com

Good luck! We're excited to see your solution.