How would you find the loop in a linked list?

  • Iterate through the list and check for a null reference
  • Use a hash table to store visited nodes
  • Use a stack to track visited nodes
  • Use Floyd's Tortoise and Hare algorithm
Floyd's Tortoise and Hare algorithm is a popular technique to detect a loop in a linked list. It involves two pointers moving at different speeds through the list. If there's a loop, they will eventually meet. The other options are not efficient for loop detection.

How would you find the shortest path in a weighted graph?

  • A* Algorithm
  • Breadth-First Search
  • Depth-First Search
  • Dijkstra's Algorithm
Dijkstra's Algorithm is used to find the shortest path in a weighted graph with non-negative edge weights. It guarantees the shortest path but doesn't work with negative weights. Breadth-First and Depth-First Search are used for different purposes, and A* is for finding the shortest path with heuristics.

How does a metaclass differ from a class in Python?

  • A class can be instantiated multiple times.
  • A metaclass can be instantiated multiple times.
  • A metaclass defines the structure of a class, while a class defines the structure of an instance.
  • A metaclass is an instance of a class.
In Python, a metaclass is a class for classes. It defines the structure and behavior of classes, while a regular class defines the structure of instances created from it. A metaclass is used to customize class creation and behavior.

How is a generator function different from a normal function in Python?

  • A generator function is a built-in Python function
  • A generator function is defined using the generator keyword
  • A generator function returns multiple values simultaneously
  • A generator function yields values lazily one at a time
A generator function differs from a normal function in that it uses the yield keyword to yield values lazily one at a time, allowing it to generate values on-the-fly without consuming excessive memory.

How would you analyze the reference count of an object in Python to debug memory issues?

  • Reference count analysis is not relevant for debugging memory issues in Python.
  • Use the gc module to manually increment and decrement the reference count.
  • Utilize the sys.getrefcount() function to inspect the reference count.
  • Write custom code to track object references in your application.
You can use the sys.getrefcount() function to inspect the reference count of an object in Python. It's a built-in way to gather information about an object's reference count. Options 1 and 4 are not recommended practices, and Option 3 is incorrect since reference count analysis is indeed relevant for debugging memory issues.

How can you implement a custom loss function in a machine learning model using TensorFlow or PyTorch?

  • By extending the base loss class and defining a custom loss function using mathematical operations.
  • By modifying the framework's source code to include the custom loss function.
  • By stacking multiple pre-built loss functions together.
  • By using only the built-in loss functions provided by the framework.
To implement a custom loss function, you extend the base loss class in TensorFlow or PyTorch and define your loss using mathematical operations. This allows you to tailor the loss function to your specific problem. Modifying the framework's source code is not recommended as it can lead to maintenance issues. Stacking pre-built loss functions is possible but does not create a truly custom loss.

How can you implement a stack such that you can retrieve the minimum element in constant time?

  • It's not possible
  • Using a linked list
  • Using a priority queue
  • Using an additional stack
You can implement a stack that allows retrieving the minimum element in constant time by using an additional stack to keep track of the minimum values. Whenever you push an element onto the main stack, you compare it with the top element of the auxiliary stack and push the smaller of the two. This ensures constant-time retrieval of the minimum element.

How can you integrate a Python back-end with a Single Page Application (SPA) framework like Angular or React?

  • Create RESTful APIs
  • Embed Python code in SPA components
  • Use SOAP protocols
  • Utilize Django templates
To integrate a Python back-end with an SPA framework like Angular or React, you should create RESTful APIs. This allows the front-end to communicate with the back-end through standardized HTTP requests, enabling data retrieval and manipulation.

How can you invoke the method of a superclass from a subclass?

  • By calling the superclass method directly
  • By importing the superclass module
  • By using the extends keyword
  • Using the super() function
In Python, you invoke the method of a superclass from a subclass using the super() function. This allows you to access and call methods from the superclass within the subclass.

How can you detect a cycle in a linked list?

  • Breadth-First Search (BFS)
  • Depth-First Search (DFS)
  • Floyd's Tortoise and Hare Algorithm
  • Linear Search
You can detect a cycle in a linked list using Floyd's Tortoise and Hare Algorithm. This algorithm uses two pointers moving at different speeds to traverse the list. If there's a cycle, the two pointers will eventually meet. It's an efficient O(n) algorithm for cycle detection.