Top 50 Programming Interview Questions and Answers (2024)

Basic & Advanced Computer Programming Interview Questions

Here are Computer programming interview questions and answers for fresher as well experienced candidates to get their dream job.

1) What is Computer programming?

Computer Programming is also known as programming or coding. Programming is a process which includes processes such as coding, maintaining, updating, debugging, writing, designing (algorithm), etc.

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2) How does programming work?

Programming contains a set of instructions for the computer to perform different tasks. In fact, those instructions are executable commands, each having a different purpose.


3) What is debugging?

Debugging is the process of finding and removing errors in a program. In this process, the program is thoroughly checked for errors. Then errors are pointed out and debugged.


4) Name different types of errors which can occur during the execution of a program?

There are three types of errors which can occur during the execution of a program.

  • Syntax Errors
  • Runtime Errors
  • Logical errors

 5) When a syntax error occurs?

A syntax error occurs when the program violates one or more grammatical rules of the programming language. These errors are detected at compile time, i.e., when the translator (compiler or interpreter) attempts to translate the program.

Programming Interview Questions
Programming Interview Questions

6) When a runtime error occurs?

A runtime error occurs when the computer is directed to perform an illegal operation by the program such as dividing a number by zero. Runtime errors are the only errors which are displayed immediately during the execution of a program. When these errors occur, the computer stops the execution of the programming and can display a diagnostic message that will help in locating the error.


7) When a logical error occurs?

The logical error happens when a program implements the wrong logic. The translator (compiler or interpreter) does not report any error message for a logical error. These errors are the most difficult to locate.


8) What is a flowchart?

The flowchart is a pictorial representation of a program which helps in understanding the flow of control and data in the algorithm.


9) What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a finite set of steps which, if followed, accomplish a particular task. An algorithm must be clear, finite and effective.


10) What do you understand by the term “Maintain and update the Program”?

Program maintenance is an ongoing process of upgrading the program to accommodate new hardware or software requirements and introducing minor or great improvements. Essentially, it is the expansion, updating and improvement of a program after its installation.


11) What are variables?

Variables are named memory locations (memory cells) which are used to store the program’s input and its computational results during program execution. As the name suggests, the value of a variable may change during the program execution.


12) What are reserved words?

Reserved words or keywords are the words, which have predefined meanings. They have predefined uses and cannot be used or redefined for any other purpose in a programming language.

Examples

  • IF
  • ELSE
  • THEN

13) What are loops?

The loop is a structure which can repeat a set of statements up to a fixed number of times or until a certain criterion is satisfied.


14) Name different types of loops.

Different types of loops are

  • FOR…NEXT Loop
  • WHILE…WEND Loop
  • Nested Loop

15) What is the use of FOR…NEXT Loop?

When it is known in advance how many times the loop must be repeated the FOR…NEXT Loop is the most effective option. FOR…NEXT Loop is used to repeat a set of statements to a specific number of times.


16) What is the use of WHILE…WEND Loop?

The While loop keeps repeating an action until an associated condition becomes false. This is useful where the programmer does not know in advance how many times the loop will be executed.


17) What is the use of Nested Loop?

Loop within a loop is called nested loop.


18) What is Documentation?

Documentation is a detailed description of a program’s algorithm, design, coding method, testing, and proper usage. Documentation is valuable for the users who rely upon the program on a day-to-day basis, and for the programmer who may be called on to modify or update it.


19) What is the working of a compiler?

A compiler is a unique program that can process statements which are written in a particular programming language and can turn them into machine language or “code.” This is the working of a compiler. The compiler does no compression …point me to a link which says so


20) What do we call the binary form of a target language?

The binary form of a target language is also called “Binary Code”.


21) What are constants?

A constant is a quantity whose value cannot be changed. Unlike a variable, the value stored in a constant can’t be modified during program execution.


22) Name two types of constants.

Two types of constants are mentioned below:

  • Numeric Constants
  • String Constants

23) Define Numeric constants.

Numeric constants consist of integers, single precision, or double-precision numbers. Integer constants represent values that are counted and do not have a fractional part, e.g., +56, -678


24) Define String constants.

A string constant is a sequence of alphanumeric characters enclosed in double quotation marks. The maximum length of a string constant is 255 characters. For example, “New York.”


25) Define Operators.

Operators are symbols which are used to perform certain operations on a data. These include arithmetic, relational, logical, and assignment operators.


26) What is an Array?

An array is a collection of contiguous memory locations which can store data of the same type.


27) What is subroutine?

A subroutine is a self-contained set of statements that can be used from anywhere in a program. The subroutine performs its specific task and then returns control to the program that calls the subroutine.


28) What is the purpose of arithmetic operators?

Arithmetic operators are used to perform arithmetic operations on values (numbers).


 29) What is the purpose of relational operators?

Relational operators are used to compare two values. These operators always evaluate to true or false. They always produce a non-zero  value (in most case 1).


30) Define Low-level programming language.

In computer programming, the programming language which provides no generalization from the computer’s “instruction set architecture” is called a low-level programming language. It usually directs to machine code or assembly language.


31) Define High-Level programming language.

In computer programming, the programming language which provides high generalization from the computer’s “instruction set architecture” is called a high-level programming language. To make the development of a program easier as compared to a low-level programming language, it may use the natural language elements.


32) What is Machine code?

Machine code is a language, which can be processed directly by a microprocessor without any need of the previous transformation. Programmers never write programs directly in machine code.


33) Write a code in 32-bit x86 machine code to calculate the nth Fibonacci number

 

8B542408 83FA0077 06B80000 0000C383FA027706 B8010000 00C353BB 01000000B9010000 008D0419 83FA0376 078BD98BC84AEBF1 5BC3


34) List some programming languages.

Some programming languages are listed below:

  • A+
  • A++
  • ACC
  • ALF
  • APL
  • BASIC
  • COBOL

35) What is reliability?

It is the proper working of software during a specific period of time. If a program doesn’t work properly during the required period then it’s not reliable.


36) What is modeling language?

An artificial language that can be used to express information or knowledge or systems in an arrangement which is defined by a reliable number of rules. These rules are also used for interpretation of the meaning of components in the structure.


37) Name some modeling languages.

Names of some modeling languages are listed below:

  • Business Process Modeling Notation
  • EXPRESS
  • Extended Enterprise Modeling Language
  • Flowchart
  • Fundamental Modeling Concepts
  • Jackson Structured Programming
  • Unified Modeling Language
  • Alloy (specification language
  • Systems Modeling Language

38) What is software testing?

Software testing a process in which software is tested under certain conditions to test the quality of a program. Testing a program is also required to check whether the software provides a good user experience or not.


39) Tell a few reasons of software testing.

A few reasons for software testing are mentioned below:

  • Proper working
  • Satisfying quality
  • Fulfills the requirements of the user
  • Can be implemented with the identical

40) What is Beta version?

The beta version of a software is that version which is not ready for release and can be changed after the feedback from the users. Beta version comes after alpha version.


41) What is the working of logical operators?

Logical operators let us combine simple conditions to construct more complex ones (By conditions, we mean an expression evaluating to true or false).


42)  What is the purpose of the assignment operator?

The assignment operator is used to store a value, string or a computational result in a variable.


43) What is analyzing a program?

The process in which program is decomposed into sub-problems. Rather on concentrating the bigger problem as a whole, we try to solve each sub-problem separately. This leads to a simple solution. This technique is also known as top-down design.


44) What is the working on an algorithm?

Every algorithm performs at least following three steps:

  • Get data
  • Perform computation
  • Display results

 45) How is the division by zero defined?

Division by zero is undefined.


46) What is the meaning of implementation of a program?

Once the program has been tested thoroughly, it must be installed or put into operation at the site where it will be used. This is known as the implementation of the program.


47) What are numeric variables?

You already have tons of question on numeric variables. Replace this

The variables which can store numeric values are called number variables. Numeric values include both floating point numbers and whole numbers.


48) What are string variables?

A string can be defined as a sequence of characters enclosed in double quotations. A string variable can, therefore, store a sequence of characters. The nature of character string is entirely different from the nature of numeric values.


49) What are commands?

Commands are executable instructions which are operated in the direct mode. They do not require a preceding line number. Incorrect info


51) What is the execution of a program?

Execution of the program refers to carrying out the instruction of the program. The program must be loaded into memory (RAM) before execution.

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32 Comments

  1. Avatar Dorlis Muriuki says:

    Thanks for you take through…..I would kindly like to access more questions from you

    1. Avatar Arin zaheer rar says:

      Thanxs a lot for useful information.

    2. Avatar Arin zaheer rar says:

      Very helpfull

  2. Avatar Olaf Olsen says:

    They ask for number 33 every single time. Learn it folks.

  3. Avatar Kamlesh Chouksey says:

    Thanx for helping us

  4. Avatar Projekimaji says:

    Very useful!
    Thanks a lot

  5. Avatar Keadimilwe says:

    I have an interview for computer programming learner programmes please help me with questions and what to expect

  6. Avatar James mollel says:

    Is notepad ,c++ ,c# not a programming language

  7. Avatar Harrison Gbatoe says:

    Thanks for the knowledge

  8. Avatar jean paul ishimwe says:

    thank soo much

  9. Avatar Afifa Ãkråm says:

    It’s amazing!!!

  10. Avatar Sunilkumar S Mooleemani says:

    #include
    #include
    void main()
    {
    int a[2],i,n;
    clrscr();
    printf(“Enter the value of N:\n”);
    scanf(“%d”,&n);

    printf(“Enter Array element:\n”);
    for(i=1;i<=n;i++)
    scanf("%d",&a[i]);

    printf("Array elements are:\n");
    for(i=1;i<=n;i++)
    printf("%d\n",a[i]);

    getch();
    }

    Still after assigning array size as 2. it is taking 20 elements also…????

    can any one answer me exactly how array works….

    1. Avatar Prajesh Kumar says:

      Have you tried using the pytong

  11. Avatar Alisha Fida says:

    Helpful material for interview, informative

  12. Avatar UMA CHOUDHARY says:

    Your post is so meaningfull with your post there are many hings to learn which are very usefull for an individual in there life keep on posting and sharing your knwoledgde as much as you can

  13. Avatar UMA CHOUDHARY says:

    This is the best blog i have ever seen on the internet all the post are good and helps to providing the knwoledge and teach you new skills keep on posting like this

  14. Avatar Thank you soo much says:

    Thank u soo much

  15. I am New addmissin interview

  16. When do we use while,if ,else when coding?

  17. Thank you very much.

  18. Avatar Prajesh Kumar says:

    Thank you so much this will help me a lot to get hired at microsoft googal. many roses

  19. Avatar James Dibogo says:

    thank u so much

  20. Avatar Muhirwa verygood says:

    thank you so much for providing these question which are very helpful to the people beginning to program in these days may God bless every body who thought about this

  21. Avatar Sharifu Masudi says:

    Thanks very much for your help

  22. Avatar Doreen Joseph says:

    Thanks much 👍🙏🌌

  23. Avatar Norah kawira says:

    Thank alot for information I would like to access more information from this source

  24. Avatar Antoine Marie says:

    thank you very much, i was goping to fail my exam but what concerned is how i learn many of mine.

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