Software EngineerInterview Questions & Answers
Prepare for your placement drives and technical screenings with these core questions and answers tailored for junior Software Engineer candidates.
Q1:What is the difference between REST APIs and GraphQL?
Answer: REST is an architectural pattern using standard HTTP methods where each resource has a unique URL. GraphQL is a query language that allows clients to request exactly the data they need in a single request, preventing over-fetching and under-fetching of database payloads.
Q2:Explain what an index is in a relational database and how it improves search speed.
Answer: A database index is a data structure (commonly a B-Tree) that stores pointers to rows in a table, allowing the database engine to find records quickly without performing a full-table scan. While it increases read query speed, it can slightly slow down write operations (INSERT, UPDATE) due to index maintenance.
Q3:How do you ensure your code is secure against SQL Injection attacks?
Answer: The most effective way is by using parameterized queries or prepared statements, which separate the SQL query logic from the user-input variables. Additionally, using an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) framework or sanitizing input fields prevents raw SQL strings from executing in the query compiler.
How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions
When answering situational questions (like “tell me about a time you resolved a conflict”), always use the STAR method:
- Situation: Set the context and describe the background.
- Task: Explain the core challenge or goal you had to address.
- Action: Detail the specific steps you took to resolve it.
- Result: Highlight the positive outcome and what you learned.
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