10 Python Interview Questions With Example Answers

Updated 28 November 2022

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If you appear for an interview for a role that uses Python, you will have to answer technical questions about the language. To answer these questions, you would require extensive practical knowledge. One of the best ways to prepare for a Python interview is to study common questions and their sample answers. Planning your answers before the interview can help you feel more confident and prepared. In this article, we discuss some of the most common python interview questions, along with example answers and a few tips to help you prepare better for your interview.

Python Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Here are some common python interview questions and their example answers:

1. What is Python?

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

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

2. 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 can 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 am interested in the exciting career options that come with knowing Python.”

3. What are the benefits of using Python?

This question helps the interviewer gauge whether you understand the benefits of using Python and its different applications. List as many advantages as you can and explain each one briefly.

Example: “Some of the advantages of using Python are that it is an object-oriented programming language and an interpreted language. It executes the instructions directly, so it does not need any prior compilation of code. Python is free to download, open-source and available for reuse publicly. Python programs can run across various platforms without affecting the performance. It is extensible with various modules and has a built-in data structure. List, Set, Tuple and Dictionary are the built-in data structures offered by Python.”

4. What are functions in Python?

This question tests your understanding of the basic Python terminology. To answer this question, define what a function is and briefly touch upon the different types of functions. You can name a few functions in your answer to exhibit your understanding of the concepts effectively.

Example: “A function is a section in a program or a block of Python code that is required to be written once and can then be used and executed multiple times whenever required throughout the program. It is a block of statements that are self-contained with a parameters list, valid name and body. Functions make coding with Python modular. Python provides many built-in functions and also offers coders the functionality to create new functions.

There are two types of functions in Python. The first type is built-in functions. len(), copy(), count() are some examples of built-in functions. The second type of functions are user-defined functions. These functions need to be defined by the users.”

5. What are the different parameter passing mechanisms in Python?

This question tests your coding-based knowledge. To answer this question, name the two mechanisms. You may briefly explain each of these mechanisms as part of your answer to this question or if the interviewer asks follow-up questions asking for these details.

Example: “Python offers two parameter passing mechanisms. These are 'pass by reference' and 'pass by value'.”

6. What is the difference between remove() function and del statement?

In programming, many functions and statements are often used incorrectly in place of each other by coders because of their similar applications. Understanding the correct application of such functions and statements is very important for writing good code.

This question is directed towards understanding your knowledge of such functions and statements. To answer this question well, clearly explain the application of each.

Example: “The remove() function offers the users the capability to delete a specific object in a list. On the other hand, if the requirement is to delete an object at a specific location/index in a list, the del statement needs to be used.”

7. Why do we use join() function in Python?

Such questions test your knowledge of the basic Python functions. To answer this question, clearly explain the application. You may also provide a simple example to highlight your understanding of the concept.

Example: “The join() function is a string method. This method returns a string value. This function offers the users a way to concatenate strings.”

8. What is a tuple in Python?

This question tests your knowledge of the Python built-in functionality. This question is one of the more important questions in a Python interview and also the most likely one to be asked. While answering this question, explain what a tuple is and also explain a few of its properties. You may also name a few methods that are supported to substantiate your answer.

Example: “A tuple is one of the built-in data types in Python. It allows the users to store multiple items in a single variable. It is unchangeable. A tuple uses () brackets instead of the [] brackets. It is not possible to remove an element from a tuple; however, it is possible to find an element in a tuple. A tuple is ordered, so we can use indexing to retrieve elements. A tuple also lets users traverse elements in the reverse order. This can be done by using negative indexing. Some methods that are supported by tuple are max(), sorted(), sum(), len() etc.”

9. What are the different file processing modes supported by Python?

This is a basic technical question that tests your knowledge of the various file processing modes. To answer this question, list all the modes and explain each one briefly.

Example: “Python provides four modes to process files. These are read-only, read-write, write-only and append mode. 'r' is used to process a file as read-only, 'w' is used to process a file as write-only, 'rw' is used to process a file as read-write and 'a' is used to process a file in the append mode. The default file processing mode, if any mode is not specified, is the read-only mode. The read-only mode opens a file for reading only. The write-only mode opens a file for writing. In the write-only mode, if the file has any data, that data would be lost and a new file would be created. In the read-write mode, a file is opened for updating. The append mode opens the file for writing. In the append mode, for an existing file, any new data gets appended to the end.”

10. What are the types of operators in Python??

Understanding operators is essential for any aspiring Python coder. While answering this question, make sure you list all the different types. You may briefly explain these types or may wait for follow-up questions to do so.

Example: “Python offers a variety of operators to handle different types of operations. These are arithmetic operators, relational operators, assignment operators, logical operators, membership operators, identity operators and bitwise operators”

Tips To Prepare For Your Python Interview

Below are a couple of important tips to improve your chances of success in a Python interview:

Improve your technical knowledge of Python

Python interviews are quite technical in nature. Your Python interview will most likely be conducted by someone proficient in programming. They will ask about your education, practical experience, familiarity with coding and technical expertise. To perform well in a Python interview, you will need to prepare for both traditional interview questions and a wide range of technical questions. You will also have to solve several practical Python problems to gain an in-depth understanding.

Preparing for your interview will include familiarising 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 everything from basics to the most advanced concepts.

Practice mock interviews

If you believe you are 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. You can then practice these questions in a mock interview setting with your friends or family members' help.