Log InSign Up

20 Developer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various developer interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Developer Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Developer Interview Questions

What is your favorite language to work with and why?

There are many reasons why a interviewer might ask this question. Some possible reasons include:

-To gauge the developer's level of experience and expertise with different programming languages.

-To understand the developer's preferences and motivations for working with certain languages.

-To identify any potential areas of difficulty or disagreement that the developer may have with the company's technology stack.

Overall, this question is important because it can help the interviewer better understand the developer's skillset and how they might fit into the company's existing development team.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone has different preferences when it comes to programming languages. However, some common reasons for why someone might prefer one language over another include its syntax (e.g., Python is often praised for its clean and readable syntax), the availability of libraries and frameworks (e.g., Ruby on Rails is a popular framework for web development), or performance considerations (e.g., C++ is often used for game development due to its high level of performance).”

An interviewer might ask "How do you keep abreast of new developments and trends?" to a developer in order to get a sense of how the developer keeps up with new technologies and how they might be able to apply them to their work. It is important for developers to keep up with new developments and trends so that they can be aware of new tools and techniques that they can use to improve their work.

Example: “There are a few different ways that I keep abreast of new developments and trends. I read industry-specific news sources and blogs, follow thought leaders on social media, and attend relevant conferences and meetups. Additionally, I make it a point to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in my field by reading technical papers and keeping tabs on the work of other developers in my network.”

What was the most challenging project you ever worked on? Why?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the developer's ability to handle difficult projects. They want to know if the developer is able to overcome challenges and find creative solutions. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to see how the developer deals with difficult situations.

Example: “The most challenging project I ever worked on was a web application for a large financial institution. The project required me to work with a team of developers to create an application that would allow the institution's customers to view their account balances and transactions, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills online. The project was challenging because it had to be completed in a very short timeframe and because of the strict security requirements of the client.”

What development tools are you most comfortable using?

There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask this question, but one of the most important is to gauge the developer's comfort level with different tools. This is important because it can help the interviewer understand how the developer likes to work and what kinds of tasks they are most comfortable with. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer determine if the developer is familiar with the tools that will be used on the job.

Example: “There are a variety of development tools available, and the one that I am most comfortable using is the Eclipse IDE. It is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of programming tasks. Other development tools that I am familiar with include the NetBeans IDE and the IntelliJ IDEA.”

What platforms are you comfortable working with?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the developer's comfort level with different types of platforms. This is important because it helps to determine how well the developer will be able to adapt to new technologies and workflows. It also helps to identify any areas where the developer may need additional training.

Example: “I am comfortable working with Windows, Linux, and macOS. I am also comfortable working with a variety of programming languages, including C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript.”

What databases do you feel most comfortable working with?

There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. It could be to gauge the developer's comfort level with different types of databases, or to see if they are familiar with a particular type of database that the company uses. It is important for the interviewer to know this information because it will help them determine whether or not the developer is a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are a variety of databases available, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The database that a developer feels most comfortable working with depends on their individual skills and preferences. Some of the most popular databases include MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and PostgreSQL.”

What kind of coding and development challenges do you enjoy the most?

One possible reason an interviewer might ask this question is to get a sense of what kind of work the developer enjoys and is good at. This can help the interviewer understand what kind of projects the developer would be a good fit for. Additionally, this question can give the interviewer insight into the developer's problem-solving skills and how they approach coding challenges.

Example: “I enjoy coding and development challenges that are creative and require me to think outside the box. I also enjoy challenges that are difficult and require me to really push myself to find a solution.”

What sort of problem-solving skills do you have?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Developer's ability to identify and solve problems. This is important because developers need to be able to find and fix errors in their code. They also need to be able to troubleshoot issues that arise during development.

Example: “I have strong problem-solving skills that I have developed through my years of experience as a developer. I am able to quickly identify and diagnose problems, and then develop creative and effective solutions. I am also good at working with others to brainstorm ideas and find the best possible solution to a problem.”

What is the most difficult code that you have ever written? Why?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question:

1. To gauge the developer's level of experience. If the developer is relatively new, they may not have faced many difficult coding challenges yet.

2. To see how the developer handles difficult challenges. This can give the interviewer some insight into the developer's problem-solving skills and tenacity.

3. To see if the developer is honest. It's possible that the developer has never encountered a truly difficult coding challenge, but is reluctant to admit it. Asking for specific examples can help the interviewer determine if the developer is being truthful.

Example: “The most difficult code that I have ever written was for a project that involved simulating the physical world in a computer. This required a lot of physics and math, and I had to learn a lot of new concepts to make it work. In the end, it was worth it because the project turned out great, but it was definitely a challenge.”

How do you develop an innovative solution to a problem?

There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask a developer how they develop innovative solutions to problems. Some of the reasons include:

1. To assess the developer's problem-solving skills: An interviewer wants to know if the developer is able to identify problems and come up with creative solutions. This is important because it shows whether the developer is able to think outside the box and come up with new ideas.

2. To assess the developer's ability to think strategically: In order to develop innovative solutions, developers need to be able to think strategically about how to solve the problem. This includes considering all of the possible options and choosing the best one.

3. To assess the developer's ability to execute: Once a developer has come up with a solution, they need to be able to execute it. This includes writing code that is effective and efficient.

4. To assess the developer's ability to communicate: When developers are working on a team, they need to be able to communicate their ideas clearly so that everyone is on the same page. This is important because it helps to ensure that the final product is successful.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to develop an innovative solution to a problem depends on the specific problem that needs to be solved. However, some general tips that may be helpful include:

1. Define the problem clearly and identify the key stakeholders involved.

2. Conduct research to understand the root causes of the problem and identify potential solutions.

3. Brainstorm creative solutions with a diverse group of people.

4. Evaluate the feasibility of each solution and select the most promising option.

5. Develop a prototype of the solution and test it out.

6. Refine the solution based on feedback and implement it on a larger scale.”

What is the biggest software development challenge that you have faced so far in your career?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's problem-solving abilities and see how they handle difficult situations. This is important because developers need to be able to solve complex problems and find creative solutions.

Example: “The biggest software development challenge I have faced so far in my career is working on projects with tight deadlines. I have had to work long hours and weekends to get the project completed on time. This can be very challenging and stressful at times.”

How did you overcome that challenge?

The interviewer is trying to assess the Developer's problem-solving skills. It is important to be able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently in the software development process.

Example: “I was able to overcome that challenge by working closely with my team and communicating effectively. We were able to come up with a plan that worked for everyone and that we all agreed on. By working together, we were able to get the job done and meet our goals.”

What makes you unique as a developer?

There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask a developer what makes them unique. It could be to gauge their level of confidence, to get a better understanding of their development experience or to see if they have any innovative ideas that could benefit the company.

It is important for developers to be able to sell themselves and their skillset in an interview, and this question is a great way for them to do that. By being able to articulate what makes them unique, developers can show that they are confident in their abilities and that they have a strong understanding of the development process. This question also allows developers to highlight any innovative ideas or processes that they have implemented in their work, which could give them an edge over other candidates.

Example: “There are many things that make me unique as a developer. One of the things that sets me apart from other developers is my willingness to always learn new things and keep up with the latest trends. I am also very detail-oriented and have a strong focus on quality assurance. Additionally, I have a lot of experience working in team environments and am able to take direction well.”

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a developer. First, it can give them some insight into what kind of person the developer is and how they make decisions. Second, it can give the interviewer an idea of the developer's values and what they think is important. Finally, it can help the interviewer understand how the developer deals with advice and criticism.

Example: “The best piece of advice I have ever received is to never give up on your dreams and persist through the hardships. Pursue your passions and do whatever it takes to achieve them. Let go of negative thoughts and cultivate a positive mindset. Surround yourself with people who support your dreams and who will help you achieve them. Finally, don't be afraid to take risks. Jump into new opportunities and experiences with both feet.”

Who is your role model in the development community and why?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a developer. First, they may be trying to gauge the developer's level of experience and expertise. Second, they may be trying to understand the developer's motivations and inspirations. And third, they may be trying to get a sense of the developer's values and priorities.

Role models can be important for developers because they can provide inspiration and guidance. They can help developers to set goals and to stay motivated. And they can also help developers to learn from other people's successes (and failures).

So, overall, this is an important question for an interviewer to ask because it can give them insights into the developer's level of experience, motivations, and values.

Example: “My role model in the development community is Linus Torvalds. He is the creator of the Linux kernel and one of the most influential people in the free software movement. I admire him for his dedication to his work, his willingness to share his knowledge with others, and his commitment to making software accessible to everyone.”

What are your thoughts on Agile methodology?

Agile methodology is a set of principles for software development that emphasize iterative development, team collaboration, and customer involvement.

It is important for the interviewer to know the candidate's thoughts on Agile methodology because it will give them insight into how the candidate approaches software development projects. If the candidate is not familiar with Agile methodology, the interviewer can explain the basics of the approach and gauge the candidate's reaction. If the candidate is familiar with Agile methodology, the interviewer can ask follow-up questions to gauge the candidate's level of understanding and expertise. Either way, the interviewer will be able to get a better sense of whether or not the candidate would be a good fit for a position that requires knowledge of and experience with Agile methodology.

Example: “Agile methodology is a set of values, principles, and practices that helps organizations deliver software in a more iterative and incremental way. It emphasizes collaboration, customer involvement, and continuous improvement.

I think it is a great way to manage software development projects because it helps to ensure that the customer is always involved and that the software is continuously improving. I also think it helps to speed up the delivery of software by breaking it down into smaller pieces.”

Do you have experience working in a remote environment?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a developer if they have experience working in a remote environment. First, with the rise of the internet and cloud-based services, more and more companies are allowing or even encouraging their employees to work remotely. This can be a great perk for employees, but it can also be a challenge for companies to manage.

Second, working remotely can be a very different experience than working in an office. It can be harder to stay focused and motivated when you're not surrounded by your colleagues, and there can be more distractions at home. As a result, companies want to make sure that their developers are comfortable and productive when working remotely.

Finally, some companies require their developers to work remotely due to the nature of their business. For example, if a company's development team is spread out across different time zones, it may be necessary for some developers to work remotely in order to overlap with other team members' schedules.

In general, it's important for companies to know that their developers are able to be productive in a remote environment, whether it's by choice or necessity.

Example: “Yes, I have experience working in a remote environment. I am comfortable working remotely and have the necessary tools and resources to do so effectively. I am able to stay organized and manage my time well when working remotely.”

How do you handle deadlines?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Developer's time management skills. It is important for the Developer to be able to handle deadlines because they will often have to work on multiple projects with different deadlines.

Example: “I always make sure to plan ahead and give myself plenty of time to complete a project. I never like to wait until the last minute to start working on something, as that usually leads to rushed and sloppy work. If I do find myself in a situation where I'm up against a deadline, I'll just make sure to focus and stay calm. I'll also try to break the project down into smaller tasks so that I can better manage my time.”

What is your favorite IDE or text editor?

An interviewer might ask a developer what their favorite IDE or text editor is to get a sense of what tools they are most comfortable using. This can be important because it can give the interviewer an idea of how well the developer would be able to adapt to new tools or workflows.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone's favorite IDE or text editor will be different based on their individual preferences. However, some popular IDEs and text editors used by developers include Visual Studio, Eclipse, and Sublime Text.”

Do you prefer to work alone or on a team?

An interviewer might ask a developer if they prefer to work alone or on a team in order to gauge their working style and see if they would be a good fit for the company. It is important to know this because some developers prefer to work independently, while others may be more comfortable working on a team. This question can also help the interviewer understand the developer's communication and collaboration skills.

Example: “There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends on the person's preferences. Some people prefer to work alone so that they can have full control over their work and not have to rely on others. Others prefer to work on a team so that they can benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the group.”

Related Interview Questions