What are the differences between Python 2 and Python
3? How do you handle version compatibility issues when writing code?
The candidate should discuss the major changes
introduced in Python 3, such as print function, integer division, and string
encoding. They should demonstrate their knowledge of writing code that is compatible
with both Python versions, using future imports and other strategies.
How do you handle exceptions in Python? Can you
provide an example of using try-except blocks to handle specific error scenarios?
The candidate should explain the purpose of
exception handling in Python and show how to use try-except blocks to gracefully
handle errors and exceptions that may occur during code execution.
What is the purpose of virtual environments in Python?
How do you create and activate a virtual environment for a project?
The candidate should describe the purpose of
virtual environments in isolating project dependencies and demonstrate how to create
and activate a virtual environment using tools like virtualenv or venv.
Explain the difference between a list and a tuple in
Python. When would you choose to use one over the other?
The candidate should compare lists and tuples,
discussing their mutability, syntax, and use cases. They should demonstrate an
understanding of when to use each data structure based on the specific requirements
of the program.
How do you handle file input/output in Python? Can
you provide an example of reading data from a file and writing data to a file?
The candidate should explain Python's file
handling mechanisms, such as open(), read(), and write(), and show how to read and
write data from/to files using these functions.
Suppose you are working on a Python project with
multiple dependencies. How do you manage those dependencies to ensure smooth
collaboration among team members?
The candidate should explain that they would
use a requirements.txt file or a package manager like pipenv or poetry to list and
manage the project dependencies. They should emphasize the importance of version
control to ensure everyone uses the same dependencies.
How would you optimize the performance of a Python
script that processes a large dataset?
The candidate should discuss performance
optimization techniques, such as using efficient data structures, avoiding
unnecessary loops, and leveraging libraries like NumPy for numerical operations.
You discover a critical bug in the production code.
How would you handle this situation?
The candidate should describe their approach to
troubleshooting and debugging the issue in a development or staging environment
first. They should emphasize the importance of thorough testing and a well-defined
deployment process to prevent such bugs from reaching production in the future.
Suppose you are asked to work on a collaborative
project with team members using different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
How do you ensure cross-platform compatibility for your Python code?
The candidate should explain that they would
avoid using OS-specific features and libraries and would test the code on different
platforms to ensure it works correctly everywhere. They should also mention the
importance of using Python's built-in modules that handle platform differences
(e.g., os.path for file paths).
How do you ensure code quality in your Python
projects, especially when working on large codebases or in a team environment?
The candidate should discuss their use of code
linters (e.g., Flake8), automated testing (e.g., pytest), and code reviews to
maintain consistent code quality and style across the project.
Describe a challenging Python project you worked on
and the steps you took to overcome the difficulties.
The candidate should provide a detailed account
of the project, the specific challenges they faced, and how they approached
problem-solving to successfully complete the project.
How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple project
priorities as a Python Developer?
The candidate should explain their time
management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, breaking down projects into
manageable chunks, and setting realistic expectations with stakeholders.
Describe a situation where you had to work closely
with a cross-functional team (e.g., data scientists, designers) to deliver a
Python-based solution.
The candidate should describe their
collaboration experience, how they effectively communicated with team members from
different backgrounds, and the role they played in achieving the project's goals.
How do you stay updated with the latest developments
in Python and improve your coding skills?
The candidate should mention their
participation in Python communities, attending conferences, and regularly reading
relevant articles and tutorials to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best
practices in Python development.
Describe a time when you provided mentorship or
guidance to a junior Python developer to help them improve their skills.
The candidate should discuss their approach to
mentorship, how they identified areas for improvement in the junior developer's
skills, and the positive impact of their guidance on the individual's growth.