Top 10 Python Interview Questions and Answers for 2025 (With Code Examples)
Python is still one of the most in-demand programming languages in 2025. If you’re preparing for a technical interview, chances are you’ll face Python-related questions. This guide will walk you through the top 10 Python interview questions and answers, complete with code examples, real-world use cases, and pro tips to help you succeed.
Table of Contents
0. What to Expect in Python Interviews in 2025
1. Difference between List and Tuple
2. Global Interpreter Lock (GIL)
8. staticmethod vs classmethod
What to Expect in Python Interviews in 2025
Recruiters are looking for developers who:
- Understand core Python data structures and algorithms
- Write clean, maintainable code
- Are familiar with Python 3.10+ features
- Have real-world experience with automation, APIs, or data tasks
1. What is the difference between a list and a tuple in Python?
Why it’s asked: To test your knowledge of data structures and mutability.
# List: Mutable
my_list = [1, 2, 3]
my_list.append(4)
# Tuple: Immutable
my_tuple = (1, 2, 3)
# my_tuple.append(4) # Raises AttributeError
Tip: Use tuples when data shouldn’t change, and lists when it might.
2. Explain Python’s Global Interpreter Lock (GIL)
The GIL is a mutex that allows only one thread to execute Python bytecode at a time. It affects multithreading in CPU-bound operations but is less of an issue for I/O-bound tasks.
3. What are Python decorators?
def decorator(func):
def wrapper():
print("Before call")
func()
print("After call")
return wrapper
@decorator
def say_hello():
print("Hello!")
say_hello()
Decorators modify or enhance functions. Common use cases include logging and access control.
4. Difference between is and ==?
== compares values, is checks memory location (identity).
a = [1, 2]
b = [1, 2]
a == b # True
a is b # False
5. How is memory managed in Python?
Python uses automatic memory management with reference counting and a cyclic garbage collector. Memory is stored in private heaps.
6. What is a lambda function?
add = lambda x, y: x + y
print(add(3, 4)) # 7
Used for small anonymous functions, especially in functional programming constructs like map(), filter().
7. Explain list comprehensions.
# Traditional
squares = []
for i in range(5):
squares.append(i * i)
# Comprehension
squares = [i * i for i in range(5)]
More concise and readable way to create lists.
8. Difference between @staticmethod and @classmethod
class MyClass:
@staticmethod
def static_func():
return "Static method"
@classmethod
def class_func(cls):
return f"Class method from {cls}"
9. How do you handle exceptions in Python?
try:
x = 1 / 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Cannot divide by zero.")
finally:
print("Always runs.")
10. What are generators in Python?
def countdown(n):
while n > 0:
yield n
n -= 1
for i in countdown(3):
print(i)
Generators return values lazily, saving memory during iteration over large data.
🎯 Bonus Tips for Interview Success
- Practice with Python interview problems daily
- Review Python standard library modules
- Master common algorithms and data structures
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