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Top 25 Python Interview Questions with Detailed Answers (2026 Guide)

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1. What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted, and general-purpose programming language known for its clean syntax and readability. It was created by Guido van Rossum and released in 1991. Python follows object-oriented and functional programming paradigms.

It is widely used in web development (Django, Flask), data science, machine learning, automation, scripting, cybersecurity, and DevOps. Because of its simple English-like syntax, it is considered one of the best languages for beginners.

Interview Tip: Mention real-world use cases like AI, backend APIs, automation scripts.

2. What are the Key Features of Python?

Python offers several powerful features that make it popular among developers:

  • Easy-to-read syntax
  • Dynamically typed language
  • Interpreted (no separate compilation needed)
  • Large standard library
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Automatic memory management

These features increase developer productivity and reduce development time.

Interview Tip: Explain how dynamic typing saves development time.

3. Difference Between List and Tuple

A List is mutable, meaning its elements can be changed after creation. A Tuple is immutable, meaning once created, it cannot be modified.

my_list = [1, 2, 3] my_list.append(4) my_tuple = (1, 2, 3) # my_tuple.append(4) ❌ Error

Lists are used when data needs to be modified frequently. Tuples are used when data should remain constant, such as coordinates.

Interview Tip: Mention that tuples are faster and consume less memory.

4. Explain Python Data Types

Python has built-in data types categorized as:

  • Numeric: int, float, complex
  • Sequence: list, tuple, range
  • Mapping: dict
  • Set: set, frozenset
  • Boolean: bool

Python automatically assigns data type based on the value.

Interview Tip: Explain dynamic typing with example.

5. What is a Dictionary?

A dictionary is a collection of key-value pairs. Keys must be unique and immutable. It provides fast data lookup using hashing (average time complexity O(1)).

student = { "name": "Saurabh", "age": 22, "course": "Python" } print(student["name"])

Dictionaries are commonly used in JSON data handling and APIs.

Interview Tip: Mention hashing mechanism for extra points.

6. Difference Between == and is

The == operator checks whether two objects have equal values. The is operator checks whether two variables refer to the same object in memory.

a = [1,2,3] b = [1,2,3] print(a == b) # True print(a is b) # False

Understanding memory reference is important in interviews.

Interview Tip: Always explain memory concept clearly.

7. What is a Decorator?

A decorator is a function that modifies another function without changing its original code. It is commonly used for logging, authentication, and performance measurement.

def decorator(func): def wrapper(): print("Before function") func() return wrapper

Decorators use the "@" syntax in Python.

Interview Tip: Explain practical usage like API authentication.

8. What is Lambda Function?

A lambda function is an anonymous, single-line function defined using the lambda keyword. It is useful when a short function is required temporarily.

square = lambda x: x*x print(square(5))

Commonly used with map(), filter(), and sorted().

9. What is List Comprehension?

List comprehension provides a shorter and more readable way to create lists. It improves performance compared to traditional loops.

squares = [x*x for x in range(5)]

It can also include conditions.

even = [x for x in range(10) if x%2==0]

10. Shallow Copy vs Deep Copy

Shallow copy copies only references of nested objects. Deep copy creates a completely independent copy of the object.

import copy a = [[1,2],[3,4]] b = copy.deepcopy(a)

Deep copy is safer when working with nested data structures.

11. What is the __init__ Method?

The __init__ method is a special constructor method in Python classes. It automatically runs when a new object is created from a class. It is mainly used to initialize object attributes.

class Student: def __init__(self, name, age): self.name = name self.age = age s1 = Student("Saurabh", 22) print(s1.name)

It helps assign values when an object is created.

Interview Tip: Mention that __init__ is not a constructor but an initializer.

12. Explain OOP Concepts in Python

Python supports Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). The main principles are:

  • Class: Blueprint for creating objects
  • Object: Instance of a class
  • Inheritance: Acquiring properties of parent class
  • Polymorphism: Same function behaves differently
  • Encapsulation: Binding data and methods together
  • Abstraction: Hiding implementation details

OOP improves modularity, reusability, and maintainability.

13. What is Inheritance?

Inheritance allows a child class to inherit properties and methods from a parent class. It promotes code reusability.

class Parent: def greet(self): print("Hello") class Child(Parent): pass c = Child() c.greet()

Python supports single, multiple, multilevel, and hierarchical inheritance.

14. What is Polymorphism?

Polymorphism means “many forms”. In Python, the same function can behave differently based on the object.

print(len("Python")) print(len([1,2,3]))

Here, len() works differently for string and list.

15. What is Encapsulation?

Encapsulation means restricting direct access to variables and methods. Private variables are defined using double underscore (__).

class Person: def __init__(self): self.__salary = 50000

Encapsulation increases data security.

16. What is Abstraction?

Abstraction hides complex implementation details and shows only essential features. Python uses the abc module to achieve abstraction.

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod class Shape(ABC): @abstractmethod def area(self): pass

It ensures child classes implement required methods.

17. What is PEP 8?

PEP 8 is the official style guide for Python code formatting. It defines naming conventions, indentation rules (4 spaces), line length, and import structure.

Following PEP 8 improves readability and maintainability of code.

Interview Tip: Mention tools like flake8 or pylint.

18. What is GIL (Global Interpreter Lock)?

GIL allows only one thread to execute Python bytecode at a time. It simplifies memory management but limits CPU-bound multi-threaded programs.

For CPU-intensive tasks, multiprocessing is preferred.

Interview Tip: Explain difference between multithreading and multiprocessing.

19. What are *args and **kwargs?

*args allows passing multiple positional arguments. **kwargs allows passing multiple keyword arguments.

def demo(*args, **kwargs): print(args) print(kwargs) demo(1,2,3, name="Saurabh")

Useful in writing flexible functions.

20. What is Exception Handling?

Exception handling prevents program crash and manages runtime errors gracefully. Python uses try, except, else, and finally blocks.

try: num = 10/0 except ZeroDivisionError: print("Cannot divide by zero") finally: print("Execution complete")

Common exceptions include ValueError, TypeError, IndexError, and KeyError.

21. append() vs extend()

append() adds a single element to a list. extend() adds multiple elements individually.

a = [1,2] a.append([3,4]) # Output: [1,2,[3,4]] a.extend([3,4]) # Output: [1,2,3,4]

22. What are Modules and Packages?

A module is a single Python file containing functions or classes. A package is a directory containing multiple modules.

import math print(math.sqrt(16))

Modules help organize and reuse code.

23. What is Virtual Environment?

A virtual environment creates an isolated space for project dependencies. It prevents version conflicts between projects.

python -m venv myenv source myenv/bin/activate

Best practice in professional development.

24. Difference Between Python 2 and Python 3

Python 3 introduced major improvements:

  • Print is a function
  • Better Unicode support
  • Improved division behavior
  • Python 2 is officially discontinued

All modern development uses Python 3.

25. What is Django?

Django is a high-level Python web framework used to build secure and scalable web applications. It follows the MVT (Model-View-Template) architecture.

Key features:

  • Built-in admin panel
  • ORM (Object Relational Mapping)
  • Authentication system
  • Security features (CSRF protection)
Interview Tip: Mention real-world usage like e-commerce or APIs.

Final Python Interview Preparation Tips

  • Practice coding daily on LeetCode or HackerRank.
  • Understand OOP deeply.
  • Prepare real-world examples.
  • Revise exception handling and decorators.
  • Build at least one small project (CRUD app).
  • Explain answers clearly and confidently.

Confidence + Practical Knowledge + Clear Explanation = Interview Success ????

Python Interview Practice Test - 25 Questions

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