Thanks to its simple syntax, readability, and versatility, Python has become one of the most popular programming languages. As a result, Python developers are in high demand. If you are preparing for a Python developer job interview, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the most commonly asked Python interview questions. In this article, we will highlight some essential Python interview questions that you should know.
What is Python, and what are its benefits?
This is a fundamental question that is often asked in Python developer interviews. Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language used for developing a wide range of applications, from web applications to data science projects. The benefits of Python include:
- It has a simple syntax that is easy to read and write.
- It is an open-source language that is free to use and distribute.
- It has a vast library of modules and packages that make development faster and easier.
- It is a popular language for data science and machine learning due to its ease of use and powerful libraries.
What is PEP 8?
PEP 8 is a style guide for Python code that outlines the recommended coding conventions. It covers naming conventions, indentation, line length, and comments. Following PEP 8 can make your code more readable and easier to maintain.
What is the difference between a list and a tuple in Python?
Lists and tuples are both used to store a collection of items, but there are some differences:
- Lists are mutable, which means that you can add, remove, or modify items in a list. Tuples are immutable, meaning you cannot modify the contents of a tuple once it is created.
- Lists are defined using square brackets ([]), while tuples are defined using parentheses (()).
What is a lambda function in Python?
A lambda function is a small anonymous function that can take any number of arguments but only have one expression. They are often used as a shortcut for creating simple functions only needed once. Lambda functions are defined using the keyword lambda, followed by the arguments and the expression.
What is the difference between a function and a method in Python?
In Python, a function is a block of code that performs a specific task, while a method is a function that is associated with an object. The key difference is that methods are called on an object, while functions are not.
What is a virtual environment in Python?
A virtual environment is a self-contained environment that allows you to install Python packages and dependencies without affecting other projects on your system. It is a best practice to use a virtual environment for each project to ensure that the dependencies are consistent and isolated.
What is a decorator in Python?
A decorator is a function that takes another function as input and extends the behaviour of the input function without modifying its code. Decorators are often used to add functionality to a function, such as logging or timing.
What is the difference between a shallow copy and a deep copy in Python?
When you copy a list or a dictionary in Python, you can create a shallow copy or a deep copy:
A shallow copy creates a new object that points to the original data. The shallow copy will reflect any changes to the original data. Shallow copies are created using the copy() method.
A deep copy creates a new object with its own copy of the data. Changes made to the original data will not affect the deep copy. Deep copies are created using the deepcopy() method.
