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 would you handle collisions in a hash table?
- Ignore the new value
- Replace the existing value with the new one
- Resize the hash table
- Use linear probing
Collisions in a hash table can be handled by using techniques like linear probing, which involves searching for the next available slot in the table when a collision occurs. This ensures that all values are eventually stored without excessive collisions.
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 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 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.
How can you dynamically create a new type (class) at runtime in Python?
- Using closures
- Using decorators
- Using list comprehensions
- Using metaclasses
You can dynamically create a new type (class) at runtime in Python by using metaclasses. Metaclasses allow you to define the behavior of classes themselves. Decorators are used to modify the behavior of functions or methods, not to create classes. Closures and list comprehensions are not directly related to class creation.