"This code reminds me of a simple server-side scripting language such as JSP or ASP that’s used to fill HTML templates with database content. These languages have their place in the web development stack — but on the server, not in the browser."
What is the problem? I make isomorphic apps and I really like this. DRY
If you use react.js and rcss you will be able to build your whole app with just js. Well organized and modular. No html, no css (not directly, of course. You still have to fix css issues).
>They care because they are selecting applicants to a programming boot camp and want to select the ones more likely to be successful.
Just make a programming test. IMO is more certain than relying on knowing algebra well or not. But I don't have any data to show you, is just me thinking about it.
>Prove it.
I can't, you are right. I just said what I was thinking.
Why do you care about it in the first place? Also what is your definition of good programmer? Just make a function? Make a class? Make a big app?
IMO you don't need to learn too much math before programming to be a good programmer. Basic operations are good enough, if you need more you learn as you go, you'll never know what you need. Lazy learning, like lazy variable loading.
The test you are making are more like problem solving which is closer to what programming is and not math. Of course basic math (+, -, /, *), but what it really matters is knowing what operations to do. The operation itself is the easier part.
A better test would be to make a chose between which approach to take to solve a problem and explain the rational behind. That is what will define a good programmer.
Also what better indicator you want than programming itself? You'll never make a choice based on this.
Also one thing is to figure out how to solve "here are 3 consecutive integers with a sum of 69. What are they?" than solving "here are X consecutive integers with a sum of Y. What are they?". Same in "Adriana’s age is 1/3rd of her dad’s age. If her dad is 36 years old, how old is Adriana?" vs "W’s age is X of Y’s age. If Y is Z years old, how old is W?". The complexity increases a lot.
What is the problem? I make isomorphic apps and I really like this. DRY