CLI Server Reboot Tool
Build a command-line interface tool that allows field technicians to reboot remote servers via REST API calls. Implement basic functionality, error handling, concurrent operations, and discuss testing strategies.
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Late January, 2026
Mid-level
Format: 60 min CoderPad, Python, 4 parts Scenario: Build a CLI tool for field technicians to reboot remote servers via API. Setup they provide: Backend service running on http://localhost:3000 Endpoint: /reboot (POST) Request: {"serial": "<server_id>"} Response: {"result": "success/failure", "reason": "..."} Part 1: Basic reboot client Send POST request to reboot endpoint Parse response, print result Part 2: Error handling Handle timeouts, connection errors, invalid JSON Print meaningful output on failures Part 3: Concurrent fleet reboot Reboot multiple servers in parallel They noted async + requests is a common trap (blocks event loop) ThreadPoolExecutor + requests works cleanly Part 4: Unit testing (verbal) Explain how you'd test this Mocking requests, testing error cases, etc. Good luck to whoever uses this. The ThreadPoolExecutor pattern is clutch for part 3
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