Top 10 job interview technical question and answer for python developer
Top 10 job interview technical question and answer for python developer
1. What is the difference between a list and a tuple in Python?
Answer: Lists and tuples are both sequence types in Python, but the main difference lies in mutability. Lists are mutable, meaning their elements can be changed, added, or removed. Tuples, on the other hand, are immutable and cannot be modified once created.
2. What is the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) in Python and how does it affect multi-threaded programs?
Answer: The GIL is a mechanism in Python that ensures only one thread executes Python bytecode at a time. This effectively limits the parallel execution of threads, making multi-threaded Python programs perform poorly when it comes to utilizing multiple cores. However, tasks like I/O-bound operations can still benefit from threading.
3. Explain the concept of duck typing in Python.
Answer: Duck typing is a principle in Python where the suitability of an object for a particular role is determined by its behavior rather than its type. If an object walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it can be considered a duck. Python emphasizes this flexibility, allowing objects of different types to share common methods or attributes.
4. How does Python's garbage collection work?
Answer: Python uses automatic garbage collection to free up memory occupied by objects that are no longer referenced. The garbage collector periodically identifies and reclaims memory occupied by unreferenced objects, making memory management automatic and convenient for developers.
5. What is the difference between "==" and "is" operators in Python?
Answer: The "==" operator is used to compare the values of two objects, ensuring their equivalence. On the other hand, the "is" operator checks whether two variables refer to the same memory location, essentially testing for object identity.
6. Can you explain lambda functions in Python?
Answer: Lambda functions, also known as anonymous functions, are small, anonymous functions defined inline without the need for a function name. They are typically used when a small function is needed for a short period of time. Lambda functions are created using the "lambda" keyword.
7. How do you handle file I/O in Python?
Answer: Python provides built-in functions and methods for file I/O operations. To read from a file, we use the "open()" function and the "read()" or "readlines()" method. For writing to a file, we use "open()" with the mode set to "w" or "a", and then utilize the "write()" or "writelines()" methods.
8. How are exceptions handled in Python?
Answer: In Python, exceptions are handled using try-except blocks. The code within the try block is executed, and if an exception occurs, it is caught by the except block. Multiple except blocks can be used to handle different types of exceptions, allowing for fine-grained error handling.
9. Explain the concept of recursion in Python and provide an example.
Answer: Recursion is the process of a function calling itself. It allows a problem to be solved in smaller, simpler steps. A classic example is the factorial function:
def factorial(n):
if n == 0:
return 1
else:
return n * factorial(n-1)
This function recursively calculates the factorial of a given number by repeatedly calling itself with smaller values until the base case (n == 0) is reached.
10. Can you explain the concept of decorators in Python and their use cases?
Answer: Decorators in Python are functions that wrap other functions, modifying their behavior or extending their functionality. They are denoted with the "@" symbol and can be used for tasks like logging, timing, caching, or access control. Decorators provide a way to add functionalities to existing functions without modifying their code, promoting code reusability and maintainability.