Did you know that there are approximately 25.6 million software developers in the world?
Software engineering is an art form as much as it is a science. It requires a keen mind for problem-solving and an impeccable attention to detail.
With the advancements in technology, staying on top of your game is essential. Continuous self-assessment is a crucial part of your professional development.
In this article, we’ll answer highly technical questions designed to challenge the software engineer role. Buckle up and get ready to put your knowledge to the test!
What’s the Difference Between SQL and NoSQL Databases?
This is a classic question that software engineers should be able to answer with ease. SQL (Structured Query Language) databases are relational. This means they store data in tables and columns.
NoSQL (Not Only Structured Query Language) databases are non-relational. They can store data in various formats such as key-value pairs, documents, or graphs.
The main difference between the two is in how they handle data relationships. SQL databases use foreign keys to establish relationships between tables. NoSQL databases do not require predefined relationships.
Can You Explain What a RESTful API Is?
A RESTful (Representational State Transfer) API is a type of software architecture used for creating web services. It follows a set of design principles that determine how clients and servers communicate with each other.
The key principle is that all resources are represented as unique URLs. These resources can then be accessed using the common HTTP request methods. This includes GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.
You might also want to read these software engineer interview questions. This will help you prepare for interviews and improve your understanding of software engineering technical work.
What’s the Difference Between a Stack and a Queue?
Both stack and queue are data structures used for storing and retrieving data. The main difference between them is in how they retrieve data.
A stack follows the Last In First Out (LIFO) principle. This means that the most recently added item will be retrieved first.
A queue follows the First In First Out (FIFO) principle. This means that the first item added will be retrieved first.
Can You Explain Big O Notation?
Big O notation is a mathematical concept used to describe the efficiency of an algorithm. It measures how the runtime of an algorithm increases as the input size grows.
The notation is written as O(n) where n represents the input size. The ‘O’ stands for order, and it describes how the algorithm scales with increasing input.
Common examples of Big O notation include O(1), O(n), O(n²), etc. The lower the order, the more efficient the algorithm is.
What’s the Difference Between a Deep Copy and a Shallow Copy?
When copying an object or data structure, there are two methods: deep copy and shallow copy. The main difference between them is in how they handle nested objects.
A shallow copy creates a new object and copies the top-level properties of the original. It does not create copies of any nested objects. Instead, it references them to the original.
A deep copy creates a completely new object and recursively copies all nested objects as well. This results in two separate and independent objects.
Answering Highly Technical Questions for Software Engineers
By answering these highly technical questions, you’re assessing your current knowledge. You are also identifying areas for potential growth.
Continuous learning will ensure you remain a top-notch software engineer. Keep challenging yourself and stay curious. Remember, learning never stops in the world of technology.
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