Basic Python Interview Questions with Answers
1. What is Python?
Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its clear syntax and ease of use. It supports multiple programming styles, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming.
2.What is PEP 8, and why is it significant in Python development?
PEP 8 is a Python Enhancement Proposal that outlines best practices for writing clean and consistent Python code. Adhering to PEP 8 improves code readability and maintainability, particularly in collaborative projects.
3.What are the primary data types in Python?
Python includes several built-in data types, such as integers, floating-point numbers, strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets, and booleans.
4.What are the key features of Python?
Python is valued for its simplicity, readability, dynamic typing, automatic memory management (garbage collection), rich standard library, and support for various programming paradigms.
5.How do you add comments in Python, and why are they important?
Comments in Python are added using the #
symbol. They help document the code, making it easier for others (or your future self) to understand its purpose and functionality.
6.How do lists and tuples differ in Python?
Lists and tuples are both used to store collections of items, but the key difference is that lists are mutable, meaning their elements can be modified, whereas tuples are immutable, meaning their contents cannot be changed after creation. Additionally, lists are typically slower but more flexible, while tuples are faster and better suited for fixed data structures.
7.How do you create a function in Python?
In Python, a function is defined using the def
keyword, followed by the function name and optional parameters. For example:
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8.How do ==
and is
differ in Python?
The ==
operator compares the values of two objects, whereas the is
operator checks whether two variables refer to the same object in memory. For example
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9. What is a Python module?
A module in Python is a file that contains Python code, including functions, classes, and variables. Modules allow code reuse and can be imported into other programs using the import
statement.
10. How do you manage exceptions in Python?
In Python, exceptions are handled using try
, except
, else
, and finally
blocks. The try
block contains code that may raise an exception, while the except
block catches and handles the error. The else
block runs if no exception occurs, and the finally
block executes regardless of whether an exception was raised. For example:
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11.What are Python decorators?
Python decorators are functions that modify the behavior of other functions or methods without altering their actual code. They enable dynamic enhancements, commonly used for tasks like logging, authentication, and caching.
12.What is the difference between a deep copy and a shallow copy in Python?
A shallow copy creates a new object but does not recursively copy the nested objects within it, meaning changes to the original may affect the copy. A deep copy creates a completely independent object by recursively copying all contained elements.
13.What are lambda functions in Python?
Lambda functions, also called anonymous functions, are small, single-expression functions defined using the lambda
keyword. They can take multiple arguments but only contain one expression, making them useful for short, inline operations.
14.How do append() and extend() differ in Python lists?
append()
adds a single element to the end of a list.
extend()
adds multiple elements (e.g., another list) by unpacking and appending them to the list.
15.What is the purpose of the __init__
method in Python classes?
The __init__
method is a special constructor method used to initialize objects when a class instance is created. It sets up attributes and performs any required setup.
16.How is the super()
function used in Python?
The super()
function allows a subclass to access methods and attributes from its parent class. It is commonly used in method overriding to extend or modify inherited behavior.
17.What is the role of the global
keyword in Python?
The global
keyword is used within a function to indicate that a variable refers to a globally defined variable instead of creating a new local one.
18.What is the purpose of the with
statement in Python?
The with
statement simplifies resource management by ensuring that resources (such as files) are properly opened and closed, even if exceptions occur. It works with context managers by automatically calling __enter__()
and __exit__()
methods.
19.What is a dictionary in Python?
A dictionary is an unordered collection of key-value pairs, where each key maps to a corresponding value. Dictionaries are defined using curly braces {}
and provide efficient lookups.
20.Why is indentation important in Python?
Python uses indentation to define code blocks instead of braces {}
or keywords like “begin” and “end” found in other languages. Proper indentation is required for structuring loops, functions, and conditionals.