Python OOPs Interview Questions (With Answers And Tips)

Updated 30 September 2022

OOPs is an abbreviation of object-oriented programming system, and Python is a computer language that you may characterise under the OOP methodologies. OOPs is a programming concept that uses objects to develop a system, where these objects can perform certain actions and have many attributes. Learning in detail about interview questions on OOPs in Python can help you prepare better for a job interview. In this article, we explore different python OOPs interview questions and their example answers to help you model your own.

Python OOPs Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Here are some important Python OOPs interview questions with example answers that you may consider preparing for your upcoming job interview:

1. What is OOPs?

This is the first question interviewers may ask during the Python OOPs interview. Through this question, they intend to test a candidate's broad understanding of the subject. While answering this question, clearly define what OOPs is and explain it with the help of an example.

Example: 'OOPs stands for object-oriented programming system and you can develop many computing languages using this concept. When a programmer uses objects to develop a system, it is object-oriented programming. These objects are just like any object in the physical world. For example, a car that can perform actions, like start and acceleration and has attributes, like colour and torque. Methods and fields or properties in programming language represent actions and attributes.

An object does not show the implementation and only reveals the functionalities. For example, a driver may not know how the manufacturer developed the car but knows all the functions the car has and actions it can perform.'

2. What are the various elements of OOPs?

This question helps the interviewer to assess if a candidate knows about the various elements of OOPs. Ensure that you include all the elements in your answer. Some interviewers may ask you to only list the elements, while others may ask you to explain each of them.

Example: 'The various elements of OOPs are object, class, method, encapsulation, information hiding, inheritance and polymorphism.'

3. What are classes in Python?

This question allows the interviewer to know if you understand the characteristics of the objects. Based on your answer, they can know if you possess knowledge of attributes, actions or behaviours of the objects. Support your answer with an example to better explain what are classes in Python.

Example: 'A class is a data type that is defined by the user and contains variables, properties and methods. A programmer can use classes in Python to find the properties of an object. For example, if you try to represent a rectangle cube in Python, you can assign a specific value for its length, breadth and height. You also define its properties, like volume and area. The classes can help define these properties.'

4. What are the different types of variables in Python?

The answer to this question lists the different variables in Python. Through this question, the interviewer can understand if you know the different elements in Python that can hold information to judge your proficiency. You may support your answer with a simple example.

Example: 'In Python, there are various types of variables. These variables are string, numbers, tuple, list and dictionary. The names that store the value are variables. For example, if you want to store the number of employees in a class, use it as a variable to store the value of the count.'

5. Define an object.

Through this question, the interviewer wants to know how structured your approach is to programming. The answer determines your understanding of an object's identity and behaviour. Consider ending your answer with a real-world example to present a simple explanation.

Example: 'An object is an entity of a class and has its own behaviour and identity. An example of a real-world object, like a laptop, can help explain the object better. The colour of the laptop is its identity while its functions like start and power off are its behaviours.'

6. What is a method?

A method helps a programmer to understand a program and its code easily. The answer to this question shows how well you understand the structure, planning and controlling of a program's development process. Support your answer with a simple example.

Example: 'When an object behaves in a certain way, that behaviour becomes its method. For example, there is a bear and its behaviours are to roar, hunt for food, walk and sleep.'

7. What is the encapsulation concept in OOP?

Through this question, the interviewer assesses how well you know about the bundling of data into single units. Ensure that you mention how encapsulation allows the programmer to hide the implementation from a client. Use an example in your answer to clearly explain it.

Example: 'Encapsulation is one of the most essential concepts in object-oriented programming. Encapsulation means grouping actions and attributes together and placing them under a single unit. To understand it better, take a smartphone as an example. It has actions like flashlight and camera, while its attributes are its colour, finish, size and weight. When you pack all these actions and attributes together, it becomes a single unit, which is the smartphone. One of the advantages of encapsulation is that a client cannot access the implementation process. They can only see the functions or the information the programmer provides to them.'

8. Enumerate some differences between procedural programming and OOP.

In the answer, mention the points that differentiate the two types of programming systems. List some top features of both the programming systems and how they work. Ensure that you mention how coding in one differs from another.

Example: 'Object-oriented programming focuses on objects based on the real world while procedural programming comprises functions. OOP has the encapsulation concept which hides the data, but in procedural programming, the entire data is available to the program. Editing the code in procedural programming is a lengthy procedure, in contrast to the advantage of easy code modification in OOP.'

9. What do you think are the merits of object-oriented programming?

Think about the major benefits that object-oriented programming offers over other programming languages. Explain why OOP is a great tool that helps programmers build simple program structures. In your answer, you may also include aspects of its maintenance and strong framework.

Example: 'OOP is a great tool that delivers a simple structure of the program. This helps the programmer map the problems of the real world easily. With this, it is easier to find solutions. Its maintenance is undemanding and the ability to perform modifications allows changing the existing code. OOP helps the programmer make a modular program, which one can also change without disorganising the existing code. Its robust framework of libraries offers components that a programmer can easily modify and its code reusability is instrumental.'

10. What is inheritance?

A comprehensive answer to the question includes the process of inheritance. The interviewer asks this question to understand how well you are familiar with classes, like the child class and the parent class. You may take the help of an example to explain how the child class inherits properties from the parent class.

Example: 'The process of deriving one class from another is inheritance. A child class can inherit from the parent class, including methods and properties. The child class can also possess its distinct properties and methods. For example, a large vehicle manufacturer uses an existing technology platform in the new version of its cars. These new cars are inheriting an old-generation platform but also come with their own set of modern features. This approach helps the manufacturer save time, money and expenses.'

11. What is information hiding in OOP?

With this question, the interviewer intends to know how clearly you understand the importance of concealing the program data. In the answer, mention why it may be essential to hide the information. You may include an example to explain the significance of hiding the information in OOP.

Example: 'Information hiding in OOP allows the programmer to conceal the data and limit its exposure. For example, if a washing machine brand allows its user to access the spinning mechanism of the machine, then it may cause a disaster.'

Tips To Answer Python OOPs Questions

Here are a few top tips you may keep in mind while answering these questions:

Have a coherent conversation with interviewers and maintain an enthusiastic tone.
Take your time to organise your thoughts before you give answers.
Focus on your strengths and ensure they align with your answers.
Carefully choose examples that augment your problem-solving skills.
Provide examples that are related to the role for which you are appearing for the interview.

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