Top 20 Python Interview Questions and Answers (2025 Edition)

Are you preparing for a Python developer role in 2025?

Whether you’re a fresher aiming to crack your first technical round or an experienced developer looking to switch roles, mastering the right Python interview questions is essential.

This guide by Tpoint Tech compiles the top 20 most commonly asked Python interview questions — tailored to reflect what recruiters are actually asking this year.

Let’s dive into it!

1. What is Python and why is it so popular?

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its readability and simplicity. It's popular because of its vast library ecosystem, cross-platform support, and suitability for web development, data science, automation, and more.

2. What are Python’s key features?

Some key features include:

• Easy-to-read syntax
• Dynamically typed
• Large standard library
• Open-source and community-supported
• Supports multiple programming paradigms

3. What is the difference between a list and a tuple?

Lists are mutable, meaning their elements can be changed. Tuples are immutable and generally faster in performance.

4. What is a Python dictionary used for?

Dictionaries store data in key-value pairs, making them ideal for fast lookups and organized data structures.

5. What are Python’s data types?

Common data types include:

• Integers
• Floats
• Strings
• Booleans
• Lists
• Tuples
• Sets
• Dictionaries

6. Explain the concept of Python’s dynamic typing.

In Python, you don’t need to declare the type of a variable. The interpreter assigns the type automatically based on the assigned value.

7. What is PEP 8 and why does it matter?

PEP 8 is the official style guide for writing Python code. It ensures that code is clean, consistent, and readable — which is especially important in team settings.

8. What is the difference between ‘is’ and ‘==’?

• == checks for value equality
• is checks for identity (i.e., if both variables point to the same object in memory)

9. What is the purpose of indentation in Python?

Python uses indentation (spaces or tabs) to define code blocks instead of curly braces. Improper indentation can cause errors or change program logic.

10. What is a lambda function?

A lambda function is a small anonymous function that can take any number of arguments but only one expression. It’s often used for short, throwaway operations.

11. How is memory managed in Python?

Python uses automatic memory management including a built-in garbage collector that frees unused memory spaces.

12. What is a Python module and package?

• A module is a single Python file containing functions and variables.
• A package is a directory of modules with an __init__.py file to define it as a package.

13. What is the difference between Python 2 and Python 3?

Python 3 is the present and future of the language, featuring cleaner syntax and improved libraries. Python 2 is outdated and no longer officially supported.

14. What are decorators in Python?

Decorators allow you to modify the behavior of a function or class without changing its actual code. They are often used for logging, authentication, or memoization.

15. What is the purpose of the ‘self’ keyword in Python?

In class methods, self refers to the instance of the object itself. It allows access to variables and methods in the class.

16. Explain Python’s exception handling.

Python uses try, except, finally, and else blocks for handling exceptions, which allows the program to continue running smoothly even after encountering an error.

17. What is list comprehension in Python?

List comprehension offers a concise way to create lists using a single line of code. It's more readable and often more efficient.

18. What is the difference between shallow copy and deep copy?

• A shallow copy copies the outer object but not nested objects.
• A deep copy copies everything, including nested objects, creating a fully independent clone.

19. How do Python and Java differ?

Python is interpreted, dynamically typed, and generally more readable. Java is compiled, statically typed, and often more verbose in syntax.

20. What are Python’s real-world applications?

Python is used in:

• Data Science and Machine Learning
• Web Development (Django, Flask)
• Automation/Scripting
• Game Development
• APIs and backend systems

Final Thoughts

Cracking a Python interview isn't about memorizing syntax — it’s about understanding the concepts and being able to explain them clearly. The more interview-style questions you practice, the more confident you'll feel under pressure.

Use this list as your go-to Python interview questions revision sheet before every interview round. Want to dive deeper?

Check out more tech tutorials and interview prep tips on Tpoint Tech — your career growth partner in tech.

Tips to Remember:

• Practice answering out loud
• Explain answers like you’re teaching a beginner
• Always relate your answers to real-world use cases if possible