I agree with the author that Fizzbuzz is about the modulo operator if you present it to the candidate like that.
What I would simply do is :
"Write fizzbuzz test for language ... use the modulo operator, which is ... for that language"
By doing this it's all about the loop.
On top of that I think the author is right, because the pressure of the candidate is sometimes huge.
I prefer giving a task that they can do at home. For example if it's a front-end position, it would be a small landing page. When I interview I usually tell the candidate :
"I really enjoyed the conversation so far. Just to let you know, the management wants from us to get from every candidate a code sample, so I will have to give you a small task that you can do at home. I'm really sorry about that, but I think it will be also helpful for you to check out what exactly you will be doing here. Do it whenever you want, just make sure you have something by the end of the week. You can also ask me anything at ..."
This sentence makes miracles. The candidate is motivated. The code is cleaner and though-trough. Then you can actually see if the person will be able to do the job.
I can second the value of the take-home assignment. My last company, Appstem, gave them out, and it never once failed. It additionally succeeded in weeding out people who were not motivated enough to want the job.
What I would simply do is :
"Write fizzbuzz test for language ... use the modulo operator, which is ... for that language"
By doing this it's all about the loop.
On top of that I think the author is right, because the pressure of the candidate is sometimes huge.
I prefer giving a task that they can do at home. For example if it's a front-end position, it would be a small landing page. When I interview I usually tell the candidate :
"I really enjoyed the conversation so far. Just to let you know, the management wants from us to get from every candidate a code sample, so I will have to give you a small task that you can do at home. I'm really sorry about that, but I think it will be also helpful for you to check out what exactly you will be doing here. Do it whenever you want, just make sure you have something by the end of the week. You can also ask me anything at ..."
This sentence makes miracles. The candidate is motivated. The code is cleaner and though-trough. Then you can actually see if the person will be able to do the job.