The interface of Mercer | Mettl's backend programming environment (CodeLysis) includes many key components such as a coding window for writing and editing code, a compiler for compiling and running the code, test cases for evaluating the code's functionality and various other features which make it easier for the test takers to adapt to the interface and focus on solving the coding problems at hand.  

The problem statement contains a scenario wherein the test taker must identify the approach/algorithm which can be used to give a solution for the question.  

The provided input and acceptable output types are also mentioned, along with examples. 

In the programming section of the simulator, test takers are provided with a designated area where they can write, edit and test their solution to the coding question. 

The code template comes pre-equipped with a set of methods and variables which are pre-written code snippets that the test taker must utilize to solve the question.  

 

The use of these predefined methods and variables is considered a crucial element in the successful grading of the test taker's solution. 

The main () method is already defined in the system, so there is no need for the test taker to define it. Instead, their focus should be on writing the code that can produce the desired output within the defined function.

The desired output must be returned from the pre-defined function using a return statement. More functions can also be written in the editor window, but the final return should be from the mentioned function only. The return type of the function has been defined in the provided function definition and the problem statement.  

 

After a test taker is done writing the code, the next step is to click on the Compile and Test button, which will result in either of the two scenarios: 

a. The Code Compiles: In this scenario, the value returned in the code is checked against the default test cases. The test case(s) will either pass or fail against the expected output.  

To submit their code, test takers need to click on the Submit Code button which will run the test taker’s code against all the weighted testcases. All the test cases hold a grade that will be awarded to the test taker on the passing of that test case. The sum of all the grades awarded from the passing of different test cases is considered the final grade for that question. The test taker has the option to make edits to their code and execute it as many times as they wish and finally submit their code.  

(i) Walkthrough: This section gives a guided tour to the test taker on how to use the platform.  

It starts automatically as soon as a coding question appears, and test-takers can revisit it anytime by clicking on the How to attempt button on the left side of the page, above the problem statement.

(ii) IntelliSense / Code Complete: Provides suggestions while coding. It helps developers to write code faster and more accurately by providing context-aware suggestions for datatypes, variable names, function names, and other code elements as they type.

(iv) Code History: Another distinct feature of this simulator is that it shows the entire code history of a particular question. It shows the total test cases passed, compilation time, code execution details and the entire code of all the versions of the solution submitted by the test taker. 

(v) Editor Features: There are various features around the editor that the test-taker can access such as Fullscreen, Editor Modes, Editor Tab Spaces, Reset Editor, Switch Editor Theme etc. Test-takers can leverage these options and create an environment that lets them code more efficiently.