55 Python Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Many computer programming careers require the employee to be fluent in one or more programming languages. One of the most common languages in Python. Anyone interested in a job that uses Python will need to answer questions about the language in their job interview. One of the best ways to prepare for a Python interview is to study common questions and answers. In this article, we discuss the typical structure of a Python interview, technical questions, general questions and example answers.

What does a Python interview look like?

Your Python interviews will most likely be conducted by hiring managers or senior programming engineers. They will ask about your education, your practical experience, your familiarity with coding and your technical expertise. You will need to prepare for traditional interview questions, but you will also have to answer a wide range of technical questions and perhaps solve several practical Python problems.

Below are some examples of the different types of questions your interviewer might ask.

General questions

Not every question the interviewer asks will be technical. They will most likely ask you about your work history, your specific skill set and your professional goals. General questions include:

What is Python?
What are the pros of using Python?
What are the drawbacks of using Python?
Why are you interested in Python?
What kind of experience do you have with Python?
How did you learn Python?
What do you like about Python?
What do you not like about Python?
Why do you want to work in the computer coding industry?
What skills do you think you will bring to our team?

Technical questions

For most people, the technical questions an interviewer might ask in a Python interview might sound like a foreign language. In some respects, they would be right. Technical questions test your knowledge of Python-related terminology, require you to prove your proficiency in the language and ask you to demonstrate your expertise by solving practical problems. Here are some possible technical questions, sorted by type:

Definition questions

What is Pep8?
What are the key features of Python?
What are functions?
What is a lambda function?
What is self in Python?
What is unittest?
What are Python iterators?
What is slicing?
What are generators?
What is docstring?
What is namespace?
What is a module and package in Python?
What are local variables and global variables?
What are Dict and List comprehensions?
What is pass in Python?
What is negative index?
What is Flask and its benefits?

Proficiency questions

What are your top three benefits of using Python?
Is Python an interpreted or uninterpreted language? What does that mean?
How does Python manage memory?
What is the difference between list and tuple?
How is Python executed?
How is code checking done in Python?
How are instance variables different from class variables?
Is Python case sensitive?
Is indentation required?
How do you generate random numbers in Python?
What is the difference between range and xrange?
How do you copy an object in Python?
How can you convert a number to a string?
How can you make a Python Script executable on Unix?
How do you write comments in Python?

Demonstrative questions

Illustrate the correct method for Python error handling
When would you use a continue statement in a loop? When would you use a break statement?
Demonstrate how to delete a file in Python.
How would you access a module written in Python from C?
How would you convert a string to all lower case?
Give an example showing MVC pattern for your application.
Explain how you can minimize the Memcached server outages in your Python Development.
Show what len() does.
How would you import modules in Python?
Write a program to produce the Fibonacci sequence in Python.

Questions with example answers

Planning your answers before an interview can help you feel more confident and prepared. Here are three possible interview questions and some things you should consider before answering them:

Why are you interested in Python?

This question allows you to share your personal connection with Python. Something influenced you to pursue a career working with Python, and your answer will help the interviewer get to know you. Possible explanations could involve your background with the language, your education or your future career goals.

Example: “One of my computer science classes in college introduced me to Python. The professor told us it was one of the most diverse programming languages, and I was intrigued. Python has so much potential to be used in a variety of areas, so I was originally interested in the exciting career options that often come with knowing Python.”

What is Python?

This might seem like an oddly basic question, but answering it well gives the interviewer information about your communication skills and your familiarity with the language. A good answer would be sufficiently detailed but also concise. The interviewer will be looking for an accurate answer but also one that shows your practical experience with Python.

Example: “Python is an interpreted computer programming language. It is high-level, general-purpose and very versatile. It is object-oriented and has an impressive standard library. It is used for a wide variety of tasks and programs, including system scripts and mobile applications.”

What skills do you think you would bring to our team?

This question helps the interviewer know how valuable you would be in their workplace. This is your chance to share information about your specific skill set and your strengths. Use this opportunity to talk about your technical, communication, organization or problem-solving skills. Make sure to share things about yourself that show your worth as a potential employee.

Example: “I think I would bring a balance of hard and soft skills. I am known to have a logical and analytical mind, but I am also very much a creative and innovative type. I also pride myself on working well with computers and other people. I would use my technical and organizational skills to make sure I handle every project I am assigned both proficiently and efficiently.”

How to prepare for your Python interview

As you have likely realized, most Python interviews are quite technical in nature. Preparing for your interview will include familiarizing yourself extensively with the language. There are many resources available to help you learn Python. You can find books, online courses and college classes that can teach you much of what you need to know.

If you are already proficient with the language, find some practice interview questions online. Many of these questions will quiz you on your vocabulary, level of fluency and problem-solving skills. Regardless of your level of expertise, practice is the best path to success.

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