Python remains one of the most in-demand programming languages in 2025, thanks to its simplicity, versatility, and widespread use in areas like web development, data science, automation, and AI. If you’re preparing for a Python-related job interview, having a solid grasp of both basic and advanced concepts is essential. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk through some of the most commonly asked Python interview questions, from beginner to advanced levels, along with clear explanations to help you succeed.
🧑💻 Basic Python Interview Questions
1. What are Python’s key features?
Python is:
- Interpreted: Runs line-by-line, no need to compile.
- Dynamically typed: No need to declare variable types.
- Object-oriented: Supports OOP principles like inheritance and polymorphism.
- Extensible & embeddable: Can integrate with other languages like C/C++.
- Large standard library: Offers modules for everything from web servers to regular expressions.
2. What are Python’s data types?
Key data types include:
- Numbers:
int,float,complex - Sequences:
list,tuple,range - Text:
str - Sets:
set,frozenset - Mappings:
dict - Booleans:
bool - Binary:
bytes,bytearray,memoryview
3. What is the difference between a list and a tuple?
- List: Mutable, slower, uses more memory.
- Tuple: Immutable, faster, uses less memory.
Use tuples when data shouldn’t change, like coordinates or fixed collections.
⚙️ Intermediate Python Interview Questions
4. What is a Python decorator?
A decorator is a function that takes another function as input and extends its behavior without modifying it. Common use cases include logging, access control, and memoization.
def decorator_func(original_func):
def wrapper():
print("Before function call")
original_func()
print("After function call")
return wrapper
@decorator_func
def greet():
print("Hello!")
greet()
5. Explain list comprehension.
List comprehension provides a concise way to create lists:
squares = [x**2 for x in range(10)]
It’s more readable and efficient than using a traditional for loop.
6. What are Python’s scopes?
Python uses the LEGB Rule:
- Local
- Enclosing
- Global
- Built-in
Each variable is looked up in these scopes in this specific order.
🚀 Advanced Python Interview Questions
7. What is the difference between is and ==?
==checks value equality.ischecks object identity (whether two variables point to the same object in memory).
a = [1, 2]
b = [1, 2]
a == b # True
a is b # False
8. How is memory managed in Python?
Python uses reference counting and garbage collection to manage memory. The gc module can be used to control garbage collection manually.
9. What are Python generators?
Generators are a way to create iterators using the yield keyword. They’re memory-efficient because they yield items one at a time rather than storing them all in memory.
def countdown(n):
while n > 0:
yield n
n -= 1
🧠 Behavioral/Conceptual Questions
10. When would you use Python over another language?
Python is ideal when:
- Speed of development is critical.
- You’re working in fields like machine learning, data science, or automation.
- Readability and maintainability are important.
Final Tips for Python Interviews
- Brush up on data structures and algorithms.
- Practice coding on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeSignal.
- Understand core concepts like OOP, exception handling, and file I/O.
- Be ready to talk about your past Python projects or contributions.
Whether you’re applying for a junior developer role or a senior data scientist position, preparing with the right Python interview questions can set you apart. Use this guide as a foundation and tailor your study to the role you’re applying for.
