Python Interview Questions for Freshers (Real Questions Asked in Interviews)

Top Python Interview Questions for Beginners (With Answers & Examples) - Part 1

Top Python Interview Questions for Beginners (With Answers & Examples)

Preparing for your first Python interview can feel overwhelming. You might know how to write Python code, but interviews often focus on how well you understand the fundamentals rather than how many libraries you've used.

Over the past few years, I've attended multiple Python backend interviews, and I noticed something interesting— many companies repeatedly ask the same foundational questions. Whether the interview was for a startup or a large organization, the first round almost always focused on Python basics, object-oriented programming, APIs, HTTP methods, and a few simple coding questions.

This article is based on many of those real interview experiences. Instead of listing random questions from the internet, I've selected the beginner-friendly ones that almost every Python developer should know before attending an interview.

If you're just starting your Python journey, this guide will help you build confidence and understand not just the answers, but also why interviewers ask these questions.

📚 What You'll Learn

Python fundamentals
Object-Oriented Programming basics
REST APIs and HTTP
Python classes and constructors
Dictionary basics
Lambda functions
Common interview coding questions
Interview tips from real experiences

Note: This is Part 1 (Beginner) of the series. The Intermediate and Advanced interview questions will be published soon, where we'll cover decorators, inheritance, Django, JWT authentication, middleware, AWS, system design, API security, scalability, and many real-world interview questions.

What is Python?
What is an API?
What is a REST API?
What is a Protocol?
What is HTTP and HTTPS?
What is a Class?
What is Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?
What is __init__()?
What is a Constructor?
Can We Create an Empty Class in Python?
What is pass?
What is a Dictionary?
What is a Tuple?
What are Parameters?
Lambda Function
List Comprehension
Try and Except
GET vs POST vs PUT
DNS
Simple Python Programs

1. What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted, and general-purpose programming language known for its simple syntax and readability. It allows developers to build web applications, automation scripts, APIs, machine learning models, desktop software, data analysis projects, and much more.

One of Python's biggest strengths is that it lets developers write less code while accomplishing more work. Because of its simplicity, Python has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world.

Interview Answer

Python is an interpreted, object-oriented programming language that supports multiple programming paradigms such as procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. It is widely used for web development, automation, data science, artificial intelligence, and backend development.

Interview Tip

Avoid saying only "Python is easy." Interviewers expect you to mention at least three characteristics like interpreted, high-level, and object-oriented.

2. What is an API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API acts as a bridge that allows two different software applications to communicate with each other.

Think of an API like a waiter in a restaurant. You place an order with the waiter, the waiter takes it to the kitchen, and finally brings your food back. The waiter doesn't cook the food; they simply help both sides communicate.

Similarly, an API carries requests from a client to a server and returns the server's response.

Example

When you open a weather app on your phone, it doesn't store weather information itself. Instead, it sends a request to a weather API, receives the latest weather data, and displays it on your screen.

Interview Answer

An API is a communication interface that allows different software systems to exchange data securely and efficiently.

3. What is a REST API?

REST stands for Representational State Transfer. It is an architectural style used for designing web services.

A REST API uses standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform operations on resources.

Example

GET /users
POST /users
PUT /users/1
DELETE /users/1

Interview Answer

A REST API is an API that follows REST principles and communicates over HTTP using standard methods. It is stateless, scalable, and widely used in web applications.

Interview Tip

Many interviewers ask: "What's the difference between API and REST API?" Remember:

API is a general concept.
REST API is one type of API that follows REST architecture.

4. What is a Protocol?

A protocol is a set of rules that defines how data is transmitted between computers over a network.

Without protocols, devices wouldn't know how to send, receive, or interpret information correctly.

Common Protocols

HTTP
HTTPS
FTP
SMTP
TCP/IP

Interview Answer

A protocol is a predefined set of communication rules that enables devices and applications to exchange information reliably over a network.

5. What is HTTP and HTTPS?

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. It is used to transfer data between a browser and a web server.

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It works exactly like HTTP but encrypts the communication using SSL/TLS, making it much more secure.

HTTP	HTTPS
Not Secure	Secure
No Encryption	Encrypted Data
Port 80	Port 443

Interview Tip

A common interview question is: "Which protocol is used for secure APIs?" The answer is HTTPS.

6. What is a Class?

A class is a blueprint for creating objects. It defines the properties (variables) and behaviors (methods) that every object created from the class will have.

Example

// Code block for empty class

class Student:
    pass

Here, Student is a class. No object has been created yet.

Real-Life Example

Think of a class as a house blueprint. The blueprint describes how a house should look, but the actual houses built from it are objects.

7. What is Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that organizes code using classes and objects. Its goal is to make software modular, reusable, and easier to maintain.

The four pillars of OOP are:

Encapsulation
Inheritance
Polymorphism
Abstraction

Don't worry if these terms seem unfamiliar—we'll cover each of them in detail in the Intermediate Interview Questions article.

Interview Answer

OOP is a programming approach that uses objects and classes to organize code, making applications easier to manage and reuse.

8. What is `init()` in Python?

The __init__() method is a special method that runs automatically whenever an object is created. It is commonly used to initialize variables.

// Code block for class Student

class Student:

    def __init__(self, name):
        self.name = name

student = Student("Titan Spy")
print(student.name)

Output: Titan Spy

Interview Tip

Many beginners say that __init__() is a constructor. Technically, Python uses __new__() to create an object, while __init__() initializes it. In most interviews, however, calling it the constructor is generally accepted.

9. What is a Constructor?

A constructor is a special method that is called automatically when an object is created. Its main purpose is to initialize object data.

In Python, the __init__() method is commonly referred to as the constructor.

10. Can We Create an Empty Class in Python?

Yes. Python allows you to create an empty class using the pass keyword.

// Code block for empty class(Employee)

class Employee:
    pass

This creates a valid class even though it doesn't contain any variables or methods.

Interviewers sometimes ask this question to check whether you understand how Python handles placeholders.

🎯 End of Part 1A

11. What is `pass` in Python?

The pass statement is a placeholder in Python. It tells the interpreter to do nothing when a statement is syntactically required but you haven't written the actual code yet.

You'll often see pass while creating empty classes, functions, loops, or conditional statements during development.

Example

def greet():
    pass

The above function is completely valid even though it doesn't perform any action.

Another Example

class Employee:
    pass

Interview Answer

The pass keyword is a null statement in Python. It acts as a placeholder when the syntax requires a statement but no implementation is needed yet.

Interview Tip 💡

Many beginners confuse pass with continue. Remember that pass does absolutely nothing, while continue skips the current iteration of a loop.

12. What is a Dictionary in Python?

A dictionary is one of the most commonly used data structures in Python. It stores data as key-value pairs, making it easy to retrieve information using a unique key.

Unlike lists, dictionaries don't use index positions. Instead, values are accessed using their keys.

Example

student = {

    "name": "rahul",
    "age": 24,
    "city": "Pune"

}

print(student["name"])

Output

Rahul

Features of Dictionary

Stores data as key-value pairs
Keys must be unique
Values can be duplicated
Mutable (can be modified)
Fast lookup using keys

Interview Answer

A dictionary is a mutable data structure that stores data in key-value pairs. It allows fast access to values using unique keys.

Common Interview Question

Can dictionary keys be duplicated?

No. If duplicate keys are provided, the latest value replaces the previous one.

Example

data = {

    "name": "Rahul",
    "name": "Amit"

}

print(data)

Output

{'name': 'Amit'}

Interview Tip 💡

Interviewers often ask the difference between a List and a Dictionary. Mention that lists are index-based, whereas dictionaries are key-based and generally provide faster lookups by key.

13. What is a Tuple?

A tuple is an ordered collection of items, similar to a list, but it is immutable. Once a tuple is created, its elements cannot be changed.

Example

colors = ("Red", "Green", "Blue")

print(colors[0])

Output

Red

Difference Between List and Tuple

List	Tuple
Mutable	Immutable
Uses []	Uses ()
Can modify elements	Cannot modify elements
Slightly slower	Slightly faster

Interview Answer

A tuple is an immutable sequence in Python that stores ordered data. It is useful when the data should not change after creation.

Interview Tip 💡

If an interviewer asks when you would choose a tuple over a list, explain that tuples are a good choice for fixed data, such as coordinates or configuration values, because they prevent accidental modifications.

14. What are Parameters in Python?

Parameters are variables defined in a function declaration. They allow functions to receive input values and work with different data.

Example

def greet(name):

    print("Hello", name)

greet("Titan Spy")

Output

Hello Titan Spy

Here, name is the parameter, while "Titan Spy" is the argument passed during the function call.

Interview Answer

Parameters are placeholders defined in a function that receive values (arguments) when the function is called.

Common Interview Question

What is the difference between Parameters and Arguments?

Parameter	Argument
Defined in the function	Passed while calling the function
Acts as a placeholder	Actual value supplied

15. What is a Lambda Function in Python?

A lambda function is a small, anonymous function that can have any number of parameters but only one expression.

It is commonly used for short operations where defining a full function with def would be unnecessary.

Syntax

lambda arguments: expression

Example 1: Add Two Numbers

add = lambda a, b: a + b

print(add(10, 20))

Output

Example 2: Square a Number

square = lambda x: x * x

print(square(5))

Output

Example 3: Sort a List of Dictionaries

students = [

    {"name": "Rahul", "marks": 85},
    {"name": "Amit", "marks": 92},
    {"name": "Neha", "marks": 78}

]

students.sort(key=lambda student: student["marks"])

print(students)

This example demonstrates a practical use of lambda functions during sorting, which is a common interview discussion point.

Advantages of Lambda Functions

Short and readable for simple operations
No need to define a separate function
Commonly used with map(), filter(), and sorted()
Useful for one-time operations

Interview Answer

A lambda function is an anonymous function written using the lambda keyword. It can accept multiple inputs but contains only one expression, making it useful for concise operations.

Common Mistake ❌

Many beginners think lambda functions can contain multiple statements like loops or multiple return statements. They cannot. A lambda function is limited to a single expression.

Interview Tip 💡

If an interviewer asks where lambda functions are used in real projects, mention sorting collections, processing data with map() and filter(), or writing concise callback functions.

🎯 End of Part 1B-1

In the next section, we'll cover:

List Comprehension (with multiple examples)
Try and Except
GET vs POST vs PUT
What is DNS?
Coding Interview Programs
Quick Revision Notes

16. What is List Comprehension in Python?

List comprehension is one of Python's most loved features because it allows you to create a new list in a single line of code. It is cleaner, shorter, and often easier to read than a traditional for loop.

If you've attended Python interviews, there's a good chance you've been asked to write a list comprehension. It's a favorite question because it checks whether you're comfortable with Pythonic coding.

Basic Syntax

new_list = [expression for item in iterable]

Example 1: Square Numbers

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

squares = [num * num for num in numbers]

print(squares)

Output

[1, 4, 9, 16, 25]

Example 2: Even Numbers

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

even_numbers = [num for num in numbers if num % 2 == 0]

print(even_numbers)

Output

[2, 4, 6, 8, 10]

Advantages

Short and readable code
Improves productivity
Commonly used in real projects
Reduces unnecessary loops

Interview Answer

List comprehension is a concise way to create lists using a single line of code. It combines looping and optional filtering into one expression.

Interview Tip 💡

Many interviewers ask whether list comprehension is always better than a normal for loop. The answer is no. If the logic becomes complex, a normal loop is often easier to understand and maintain.

17. What is Try and Except?

Errors are a normal part of programming. Instead of letting your application crash, Python provides exception handling using try and except.

The code inside the try block is executed first. If an exception occurs, Python immediately transfers control to the matching except block.

Example

try:

    number = 10 / 0

except ZeroDivisionError:

    print("You cannot divide by zero.")

Output

You cannot divide by zero.

Example with User Input

try:

    age = int(input("Enter your age: "))
    print(age)

except ValueError:

    print("Please enter a valid number.")

Interview Answer

The try and except blocks are used for exception handling in Python. They prevent the program from terminating unexpectedly when an error occurs.

Interview Tip 💡

Avoid writing except: without specifying the exception type. Catching specific exceptions makes debugging much easier.

18. Difference Between GET, POST, and PUT

These are the most commonly used HTTP methods when working with REST APIs. Almost every backend interview includes at least one question about them.

Method	Purpose	Example
GET	Retrieve data	Get user details
POST	Create new data	Create a new user
PUT	Update existing data	Update user profile

Real-World Example

GET → View all products in an e-commerce application.
POST → Place a new order.
PUT → Update your shipping address.

Interview Answer

GET retrieves data from the server, POST creates new resources, and PUT updates existing resources.

Interview Tip 💡

Many interviewers ask whether GET requests should modify data. The correct answer is No. GET requests should only retrieve information.

19. What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It acts like the internet's phonebook by converting human-readable domain names into IP addresses.

For example, instead of remembering an IP address like 142.250.xxx.xxx, we simply type google.com. DNS translates the domain name into the correct IP address behind the scenes.

Interview Answer

DNS is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses so computers can communicate over the internet.

Interview Tip 💡

If you're interviewing for a backend role, be prepared for follow-up questions such as "What happens when you type a website URL into your browser?" DNS resolution is often part of that discussion.

20. Beginner Coding Questions

Most beginner interviews include one or two simple coding exercises. These are usually designed to evaluate your understanding of Python syntax rather than your ability to solve complex algorithms.

Program 1: Create a Class

class Student:

    def __init__(self, name, age):
        self.name = name
        self.age = age

    def display(self):
        print("Name:", self.name)
        print("Age:", self.age)

student = Student("Rahul", 23)
student.display()

Output

Name: Rahul
Age: 23

Program 2: Reverse Dictionary (Swap Keys and Values)

student = {

    "name": "Rahul",
    "city": "Mumbai",
    "age": 24

}

reversed_dict = {value: key for key, value in student.items()}

print(reversed_dict)

Output

{
    "Rahul": "name",
    "Mumbai": "city",
    24: "age"
}

Note: This approach works only when all dictionary values are unique. If values are duplicated, some keys will be overwritten.

Program 3: Check Whether Duplicate Values Exist in a List

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 2]

if len(numbers) != len(set(numbers)):
    print(True)
else:
    print(False)

Output

True

Program 4: Count Duplicate Elements

numbers = [1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5]

duplicates = {}

for num in numbers:
    if numbers.count(num) > 1:
        duplicates[num] = numbers.count(num)

print(duplicates)

Output

{2: 2, 4: 2}

Program 5: Find Even Numbers Using List Comprehension

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

even = [num for num in numbers if num % 2 == 0]

print(even)

Output

[2, 4, 6, 8]

🎯 Quick Interview Revision

Python is an interpreted, high-level, object-oriented programming language.
API enables communication between two applications.
REST API follows REST architecture and uses HTTP methods.
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP.
A class is a blueprint for creating objects.
__init__() initializes object attributes.
pass is a placeholder statement.
Dictionaries store key-value pairs.
Tuples are immutable.
Lambda functions contain only one expression.
List comprehensions provide a concise way to create lists.
Use try and except to handle exceptions gracefully.
GET retrieves data, POST creates data, and PUT updates data.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses.

💡 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Interviews

Memorizing definitions without understanding them.
Confusing API with REST API.
Saying __init__() creates an object instead of initializing it.
Mixing up parameters and arguments.
Using lambda functions for complex logic.
Not being able to explain your own code.
Ignoring edge cases in coding questions.
Rushing to answer instead of thinking through the question.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Python enough to crack a backend developer interview?

Python is an excellent starting point, but most backend interviews also include questions on APIs, HTTP methods, databases, object-oriented programming, and basic system design concepts. Learning Python fundamentals along with these topics gives you a much stronger foundation.

2. Are coding questions difficult for beginners?

Not usually. Most beginner interviews focus on basic programming skills such as loops, functions, classes, dictionaries, list comprehensions, and simple problem-solving. Interviewers are generally more interested in your thought process than writing highly optimized code.

3. Should I memorize interview answers?

No. Memorizing definitions often leads to confusion when interviewers ask follow-up questions. Instead, focus on understanding the concept and explaining it in your own words with simple examples.

4. How much Python should I know before applying for jobs?

You should be comfortable with variables, data types, functions, loops, object-oriented programming, exception handling, dictionaries, lists, tuples, APIs, and basic coding questions. These topics are commonly covered in fresher and junior-level interviews.

5. Do companies ask theoretical questions only?

No. Most interviews are a combination of theory, practical coding questions, project discussions, and scenario-based questions. Be prepared to explain concepts as well as write simple Python programs.

6. Is it okay if I don't know the answer to every question?

Absolutely. No interviewer expects you to know everything. If you're unsure about a question, be honest and explain how you would approach finding the answer. A willingness to learn often leaves a better impression than guessing.

💡 Interview Tips from Real Experiences

After attending several Python backend interviews, I noticed a pattern. Different companies asked different questions, but the fundamentals remained almost the same.

Here are a few tips that genuinely helped me:

Don't rush to answer. Take a few seconds to understand the question before responding.
Whenever possible, explain concepts using a simple real-life example. It shows that you understand the topic rather than memorizing definitions.
If you're asked to write code, start with a simple working solution. You can always optimize it later if the interviewer asks.
Be ready for follow-up questions. For example, if you're asked about dictionaries, the interviewer might immediately ask how they differ from lists or sets.
Know the projects you've worked on. Interviewers often spend more time discussing your practical experience than your resume.
If you don't know an answer, don't panic. Say something like, "I'm not completely sure, but here's how I think it works." A logical approach is often appreciated.
Practice writing code without relying on an IDE. Many interviews use online editors or whiteboard-style coding platforms.
Review Python basics before every interview, even if you have experience. Fundamental questions appear surprisingly often.

📚 What to Learn Next?

If you're comfortable with the topics covered in this article, you're already building a strong foundation for Python interviews. The next step is to move beyond the basics and start learning concepts that are commonly asked in backend developer interviews.

In the upcoming parts of this series, we'll cover more practical and real-world interview questions based on Python, Django, AWS, and backend development.

Part 2: Python Interview Questions (Intermediate) – Coming Soon

Encapsulation
Inheritance
Polymorphism
Method Overriding
*args and **kwargs
Decorators
Memory Management in Python
Authentication vs Authorization
JWT Authentication
Django Middleware
Django Serializer
Django Signals
Django Life Cycle
QuerySets
Boto3
AWS Lambda Basics
DynamoDB
OCR Basics
Real Intermediate Coding Questions

Part 3: Python Interview Questions (Advanced) – Coming Soon

Microservices vs Monolithic Architecture
API Security
Encryption vs Hashing
API Throttling
Scalability
Virtualization
System Design Basics
Production Deployment Concepts
Real Project-Based Interview Questions
Architecture Discussions
Behavioral Interview Questions

Final Thoughts

Every developer remembers their first interview, and almost everyone walks out thinking, "I should have prepared that topic better." The good news is that most beginner interviews don't expect you to know everything—they expect you to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals and the confidence to apply them.

The questions covered in this guide are based on topics that repeatedly appear in Python backend interviews. Rather than memorizing answers, spend time understanding each concept and practice writing small programs on your own. Even 30–45 minutes of consistent daily practice can make a noticeable difference over a few weeks.

If you're preparing for your first Python developer role, bookmark this guide and revisit it before your interviews. It works well as a quick revision resource and a checklist to ensure you've covered the essential concepts.

I hope this article saves you some of the time and uncertainty I experienced during my own interview preparation. Good luck with your interviews, and remember—every interview, whether successful or not, teaches you something valuable for the next one.

Series Roadmap

This article is part of a three-part interview preparation series:

Part 1: Python Interview Questions for Beginners ✅
Part 2: Python Interview Questions for Intermediate Developers (Coming Soon)
Part 3: Python Interview Questions for Advanced Developers (Coming Soon)

Stay tuned for the next part, where we'll dive deeper into object-oriented programming, Django internals, AWS services, authentication, decorators, middleware, and many real interview questions that are commonly asked for Python backend developer roles.

Titan Spy

Python Interview Questions for Freshers (Real Questions Asked in Interviews)

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