As a Python engineer preparing for job interviews, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the terminology and key concepts that are likely to be discussed. This vocabulary not only helps you understand the questions but also demonstrates your proficiency in the field. Here’s a list of essential Python engineer interview vocabulary:
1. Python Fundamentals
- Syntax: The structure and format of Python code.
- Interpreter: A program that converts Python code into machine language and executes it.
- IDE (Integrated Development Environment): A software application that provides facilities for writing, testing, and debugging code.
- PEP 8: The Python style guide that recommends conventions for writing Python code.
2. Data Types and Structures
- Data types: Basic categories of data, such as integers, floats, strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets.
- Mutable vs. Immutable: Whether a data type’s value can be changed after creation.
- Iteration: The process of accessing each item in a data structure.
3. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Class: A blueprint for creating objects.
- Object: An instance of a class that has attributes and methods.
- Inheritance: The ability for a class to inherit attributes and methods from another class.
- Encapsulation: The bundling of data and the processes that manipulate that data into a single unit.
- Polymorphism: The ability for different objects to respond to the same message in different ways.
4. Python Libraries and Frameworks
- NumPy: A library for numerical computing in Python.
- Pandas: A library for data analysis and manipulation.
- Django: A web framework for building secure and scalable websites.
- Flask: A lightweight web framework for building web applications.
- Unittest: The Python standard library module for unit testing.
5. Algorithms and Data Structures
- Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures to solve a problem.
- Data structures: Ways to organize and store data efficiently. Common examples include arrays, lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.
- Big O Notation: A method for analyzing the time and space complexity of algorithms.
6. Software Development Practices
- Version Control: Managing changes to code over time, often using tools like Git.
- TDD (Test-Driven Development): A development process where tests are written before code.
- CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery): Automating the build, testing, and deployment of software.
Preparing for Python engineer interviews involves not only reviewing these terms but also understanding how they’re applied in practice. Make sure to practice answering questions using these concepts and demonstrate your proficiency through examples and anecdotes from your previous experience.
