Senior Software Engineer

This is a frequently asked question in senior software engineer interviews questions.

A bucket sort is used to sort data into several different buckets quickly. By splitting the data into smaller groups and sorting it separately, we can avoid comparing each item individually, leaving us with a longer time for other calculations.

Although this approach isn't language-dependent, we'll be doing the sorting in Java. So first, let's construct the working solution to arrange a collection of integers by going over the list above step-by-step.

Algorithm for bucket sort

bucketSort()

Make N buckets, each holding a value range for every bin.

Set all of the buckets' initial values to zero.

Put components into buckets.

That corresponds to the scope for each bucket.

Sort the items in each bucket and then

collect the items from each bucket.

End bucketSort

Working of Bucket sort

Let’s take an input array

Construct a 10-dimensional array. This array's slots serve as buckets for holding the items.

Add items from the array into the buckets. Depending on the bucket's length, the elements are included.

Every bucket's contents are sorted using one of the proven sorting algorithms. Here, quicksort was employed (inbuilt function).

Every bucket's contents are collected. It is accomplished by repeatedly looping through the bucket and adding a single component to the initial array throughout every iteration. As soon as the item from the bucket is duplicated into the original array, it is removed.

Program

import java.util.*;
import java.util.Collections;
class GFG {
static void bucketSort(float arr[], int n)
{
if (n <= 0)
return;
Vector<Float>[] buckets = new Vector[n];
for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
buckets[i] = new Vector<Float>();
}
for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
float idx = arr[i] * n;
buckets[(int)idx].add(arr[i]);
}
for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
Collections.sort(buckets[i]);
}
int index = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
for (int j = 0; j < buckets[i].size(); j++) {
arr[index++] = buckets[i].get(j);
}
}
}
public static void main(String args[])
{
float arr[] = { (float)0.897, (float)0.565,
(float)0.656, (float)0.1234,
(float)0.665, (float)0.3434 };
int n = arr.length;
bucketSort(arr, n);
System.out.println("Sorted array is ");
for (float el : arr) {
System.out.print(el + " ");
}
}
}

Output:

Bucket sort in Java
integer array before sorting
[80, 50, 30, 10, 90, 60, 0, 70, 40, 20, 50]
integer array after sorting using bucket sort algorithm
[0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90]

A counting sort is a fast sorting algorithm that sorts an array of objects based on their occurrences in the original array. For example, it can be used to find how many times any element has been compared; hence, arrangements are made such that these elements are in consecutive order. 

The counting sort swaps two elements in the array, and the key difference of this algorithm is that it returns the element counts exactly. The counting sort can work well in cases where arrays have repeated elements, and there is no need to check the array size. If a sorted version of the auxiliary array is available, then it can be used for counting rather than using the auxiliary array directly. 

Working of Counting sort 

Identify the highest element and give it the label max for the given array 

Create a max+1-element array with every one of its items set to 0. The count of the array's items is stored inside this array. 

Place the count of every element in the count array where it belongs. 

Save the count array's item's calculated sum. It aids in putting the components in the appropriate position within the sorted array. 

Identify the position of each initial array element in the count array. This displays the total number. Put the item at the determined position displayed in the following figure. 

Program 

class CountingSort {
void sort(char arr[])
{
int n = arr.length;
char output[] = new char[n];
// Create a count array to store count of individual
// characters and initialize count array as 0
int count[] = new int[256];
for (int i = 0; i < 256; ++i)
count[i] = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < n; ++i)
++count[arr[i]];
for (int i = 1; i <= 255; ++i)
count[i] += count[i - 1];
for (int i = n - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
output[count[arr[i]] - 1] = arr[i];
--count[arr[i]];
}
for (int i = 0; i < n; ++i)
arr[i] = output[i];
}
public static void main(String args[])
{
CountingSort ob = new CountingSort();
char arr[] = { 'g', 'e', 'e', 'k', 's', 'f', 'o',
'r', 'g', 'e', 'e', 'k', 's' };
ob.sort(arr);
System.out.print("Sorted character array is ");
for (int i = 0; i < arr.length; ++i)
System.out.print(arr[i]);
}
}

Output Counting sort in Java integer array before sorting

 [60, 40, 30, 20, 10, 40, 30, 60, 60, 20, 40, 30, 40]  

integer array after sorting using counting sort algorithm

 [10, 20, 20, 30, 30, 30, 40, 40, 40, 40, 60, 60, 60]

Since arrays are fixed, and of static length, the main problem in the question isn't about finding duplicates; the main thing about this is removing the duplicates element from an array. Since we can't change or modify the array data structure, it simply means that to delete the repetitive element in array, we also need to create a new array and copy the remaining elements into that array 

While programming for any problem as a programmer, we always think about utilizing available CPU and memory. If by any chance, the input data has a lot of duplicates, there is a possibility that the requirement of CPU and memory will exceed than available, which is considered a drawback for the program. 

Since the problem doesn’t specify to use any method, just stick to any possible solution which is quick and gets the job done. Therefore, we must first turn the array into an ArrayList before using that ArrayList to generate a LinkedHashSet. 

The solution given may not be the best, but it gets the job done. It is quite possible, to some extent, to have multiple solutions, and each of them has the best or at least seems to be the best. 

Program 

import java.util.Arrays; 
import org.slf4j.Logger; 
import org.slf4j.LoggerFactory; 
public class TechnicalInterview { 
private static final Logger logger = LoggerFactory.getLogger(TechnicalInterview.class); 
public static void main(String args[]) { 
int[][] test = new int[][]{ 
{1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5}, 
{1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1}, 
{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}, 
{1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1},}; 
for (int[] input : test) { 
System.out.println("Array with Duplicates : " + Arrays.toString(input)); 
System.out.println("After removing duplicates : " + Arrays.toString(removeDuplicates(input))); 
} 
} 
public static int[] removeDuplicates(int[] numbersWithDuplicates) { 
Arrays.sort(numbersWithDuplicates);
int[] result = new int[numbersWithDuplicates.length]; 
int previous = numbersWithDuplicates[0]; 
result[0] = previous; 
for (int i = 1; i < numbersWithDuplicates.length; i++) { 
int ch = numbersWithDuplicates[i]; 
if (previous != ch) { 
result[i] = ch; 
} 
previous = ch; 
} 
return result; 
} 
} 

Output : 

Array with Duplicates : [1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5] 

After removing duplicates : [1, 0, 2, 0, 3, 4, 5] 

Array with Duplicates : [1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1] 

After removing duplicates : [1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0] 

Array with Duplicates : [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 

After removing duplicates : [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 

Array with Duplicates : [1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1] 

After removing duplicates : [1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2] 

This is one of the frequent questions this is this one, particularly during the interview. It is unique that with coding, we can solve the problem without actually reversing it. In that case, all we need to do is use a loop, but instead of going forward, we use it to look to display elements in an array from backward. So it is actually the best alternate solution possible. 

In the given below program, we didn't use this solution but instead used some libraries like import java.util.Array and, import org.apache.commons.lang.ArrayUtils.For Java, they are utilized for primitive and object arrays. The latter makes it possible to quickly inverse multiple Java array types, such as int, double, float, log, or object arrays.

The code below uses two arrays: iArray, an int array, and sArray, a collection of String objects. We have also included commons-lang-2.6.jar to use org.apache.commons.lang.ArrayUtils class to reverse Array in Java. 

The solution given here uses two arrays, iArray, an int array, and sArray, a collection of String objects, which have now been defined. To use org.apache.commons.lang, we have indeed added commons-lang-2.6.jar. Java class ArrayUtils for array reversal. Currently, we only use arrays.toString(), which is used to present the array's data. 

Program 

import java.util.Arrays; 
import org.apache.commons.lang.ArrayUtils; 
public class ReverseArrayExample { 
public static void main(String args[]) { 
int[] iArray = new int[] {101,102,103,104,105}; 
String[] sArray = new String[] {"one", "two", "three", "four", "five"}; 
System.out.println("Original int array : " + Arrays.toString(iArray)); 
ArrayUtils.reverse(iArray); 
System.out.println("reversed int array : " + Arrays.toString(iArray)); 
System.out.println("Original String array : " + Arrays.toString(sArray)); 
ArrayUtils.reverse(sArray); 
System.out.println("reversed String array in Java : "
+ Arrays.toString(sArray));
}
} 

Output:

Original int array : 

[101, 102, 103, 104, 105]

reversed int array :

[105, 104, 103, 102, 101]

Original String array :

[one, two, three, four, five]

reversed String array in Java :

[five, four, three, two, one] 

Common interview questions for senior software engineers, don't miss this one.

The problem and explanation of this problem are very similar to the solution explained above in question number eight. The change will only be visible in the code with doubt. Since this question specifically told a programmer to code a program. Similar to the above solution, the case is also the same, i.e., the main thing about this is removing the duplicate element from an array. Since we can't change or modify the array data structure, it simply means that to delete the repetitive element in the array, we also need to create a new array and copy the remaining elements into that array. 

While programming for any problem as programmer, we always think about utilizing available CPU and memory, so if by any chance the input data has a lot of duplicates, so there is a possibility that the requirement of CPU and memory will exceed than available which is considered as a drawback for the program. 

This time, unlike the previous solution here, we shouldn't use the org.slf5j.logger or org.slf4j.loggerfactory since this problem is specifically told to use any library. Even though we need to use the obvious library to get the solution to work, and that is Java.util. 

Program 

import java.util.*; 
public class RemoveDuplicatesFromArrayList { 
public static void main(String[] args) { 
List<Integer> numbers = Arrays.asList(1,2,2,2,3,5); 
System.out.println(numbers); 
Set<Integer> hashSet = new LinkedHashSet(numbers); 
ArrayList<Integer> removedDuplicates = new ArrayList(hashSet); 
System.out.println(removedDuplicates); 
} 
} 

Output : 

Array with Duplicates : [1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5] 

After removing duplicates : [1, 0, 2, 0, 3, 4, 5] 

Array with Duplicates : [1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1] 

After removing duplicates : [1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0] 

Array with Duplicates : [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 

After removing duplicates : [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 

Array with Duplicates : [1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1] 

After removing duplicates : [1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2] 

The radix sorting algorithm is much similar to the bucket sort or counting sort. However, it is an integer-based algorithm. What it means is that the values of the input array are presumed to be integers. In theory, radix sorting is considered among the quickest sorting algorithms available for the time and space requirements. 

In addition to the Counting and Bucket sort, it contains one of the few O(n) or linear time sorting algorithms. Since radix sort produces a container for every cypher (i.e., digit), it differs from bucket sort in that every container in radix sort needs to be a growable list that can accept various keys. 

For instance, since the decimal method allows ten numbers or cyphers, there are ten buckets holding decimal values (i.e., 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9). An uninterrupted substantial digits sorting is then applied to the keys. 

In the best, medium, and worst-case scenarios, the time complexity of radix sort is O(k*n), where k is the length of the biggest number while n seems to be the size of the input array. 

We always keep in mind a n*log(n) approach would be far more appropriate if k is higher than log(n). Radix can be changed to maintain k smaller than log (n). 

Program 

import java.util.ArrayList; 
import java.util.Arrays; 
import java.util.List; 
public class Main { 
public static void main(String[] args) { 
System.out.println("Radix sort in Java"); 
int[] input = { 181, 51, 11, 33, 11, 39, 60, 2, 27, 24, 12 }; 
System.out.println("An Integer array before sorting"); 
System.out.println(Arrays.toString(input)); 
radixSort(input); 
System.out.println("Sorting an int array using radix sort algorithm"); 
System.out.println(Arrays.toString(input)); 
} 
public static void radixSort(int[] input) { 
final int RADIX = 10; 
// declare and initialize bucket[] 
List<Integer>[] bucket = new ArrayList[RADIX]; 
for (int i = 0; i < bucket.length; i++) { 
bucket[i] = new ArrayList<Integer>(); 
} 
boolean maxLength = false; 
int tmp = -1, placement = 1; 
while (!maxLength) { 
maxLength = true; 
for (Integer i : input) { 
tmp = i / placement; 
bucket[tmp % RADIX].add(i); 
if (maxLength && tmp > 0) { 
maxLength = false; 
} 
} 
int a = 0; 
for (int b = 0; b < RADIX; b++) { 
for (Integer i : bucket[b]) { 
input[a++] = i; 
} 
bucket[b].clear(); 
} 
placement *= RADIX; 
} 
} 
} 

Output

Radix sort in Java

An Integer array before sorting [181, 51, 11, 33, 11, 39, 60, 2, 27, 24, 12]

Sorting an int array using radix sort algorithm [2, 11, 11, 12, 24, 27, 33, 39, 51, 60, 181] 

The square root is the square's exact opposite. A number's square root, n, is the number that results in n whenever multiplied on its own. The square root of an integer is represented mathematically as: 

Square root of n = √ n 

In Java, numerous approaches exist to determine a given number's square root. Let's look at some of them. 

Method 1: Java programme to calculate a number's square root using the Java.lang language. Math.sqrt() formula 

import java.lang.Math; 
public class Example { 
public static void main(String[] args) { 
// declaring and initializing some double values 
double x = 25; 
double y = 81; 
// computing the square roots 
System.out.println("The square root of "+ x + " is "+ Math.sqrt(x)); 
System.out.println("The square root of "+ y + " is "+ Math.sqrt(y));
} 
} 

Output:

The square root of 25.0 is 5.0 
The square root of 81.0 is 9.0 

Method 2: Use the Java.lang.Math.pow() function to find the square root of a number using a Java programme 

To determine the square root of an integer, we can use the formula √number = number½

The program's code for this will be as follows: 

package MyPackage; 
import java.util.Scanner; 
public class SquareRoot1 { 
public static void main(String[] args) 
{ 
Double num; 
Scanner sc= new Scanner(System.in); 
System.out.print("Enter a number: "); 
num = sc.nextDouble(); 
Double squareroot = Math.pow(num, 0.5); 
System.out.println("The Square of a Given Number " + num + " = " + squareroot); 
} 
} 

Output for this program will be:

Enter a number: 81 

The Square of a Given Number 81.0 = 9.0 

Method 3: Java Program to Find the square root of a Number without using any in-built method 

The first sqrt number should be the input number / 2. Here’s a Java Program implementing the above logic. 

package MyPackage; 
public class SquareRoot 
{ 
public static double square(double number){ 
double t; 
double squareroot = number / 2; 
do
{ 
t = squareroot; 
squareroot = (t + (number / t)) / 2; 
} 
 while ((t - squareroot) != 0); 
return squareroot; 
} 
public static void main(String[] args) 
{ 
double number = 16; 
double root; 
root = square(number); 
System.out.println(" Enter a number : "+number); 
System.out.println("Square Root is: "+root); 
} 
} 

Output:

Enter a number: 22
Square Root is: 484.0 

Algorithm for Printing Pascal's triangle: 

• Assume there are n rows in total that need to be printed. 
• To print the rows, perform an outer iteration of i from 0 to n times. 
• j should be iterated internally from 0 to (N – 1). 
• Print " " in a single blank space. 
• For left spacing, close the inner loop (j loop). 
• For j, iterate inside the range of 0 to i. 
• Print out I and j's nCr. 
• Inner loop closed. 
• After each inner iteration, print the newline character (n). 

Implementation of such an approach will be as follow: 

import java.io.*; 
class GFG { 
public int factorial(int i) 
{ 
if (i == 0) 
return 1; 
return i * factorial(i - 1); 
} 
public static void main(String[] args) 
{ 
int n = 4, i, j; 
GFG g = new GFG(); 
for (i = 0; i <= n; i++) { 
for (j = 0; j <= n - i; j++) { 
// for left spacing 
System.out.print(" "); 
} 
for (j = 0; j <= i; j++) { 
// nCr formula 
System.out.print( 
" " 
+ g.factorial(i) 
/ (g.factorial(i - j) 
* g.factorial(j))); 
} 
// for newline 
System.out.println(); 
} 
} 
} 

Output for such program will be: 

1 

1 1 

1 2 1 

1 3 3 1 

1 4 6 4 1 

Right-angled triangles, which are created using natural numbers, are mainly called Floyd's triangle. Beginning with 1, it sequentially chooses the next larger number. Floyd's triangle bears Robert Floyd's name. 

The program's algorithm will be: 

• Consider the amount of printed rows, n. 
• To print rows, perform outer iteration I for n times. 
• Internal iterations from J to I 
• Print K and increase K 
• After each inner repetition, print the NEWLINE character 

Let's better understand this with the help of an example: 

import java.util.Scanner; 
public class Floyd's Triangle { 
public static void main(String args[]){ 
int n,i,j,k = 1; 
System.out.println("Enter the number of lines you need in the FloyidsTriangle"); 
Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in); 
n = sc.nextInt(); 
for(i = 1; i <= n; i++) { 
for(j=1;j <= i; j++){ 
System.out.print(" "+k++); 
} 
System.out.println(); 
} 
} 
} 

Output:  

Enter the number of lines you need in the FloyidsTriangle 

9 

1 

2 3 

4 5 6 

7 8 9 10 

11 12 13 14 15 

16 17 18 19 20 21 

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 

29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 

37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 

A number is said to be prime if it is only divisible by two numbers i.e. one and itself. So if any number is divisible by another number, that can't be a prime number. Multiple programs do so if you want to check whether a given number is prime or not in the Java language. Some of them are the following: 

• Using for loop- 

public class Main { 
public static void main(String[] args) { 
int num = 29; 
boolean flag = false; 
for (int i = 2; i <= num / 2; ++i) { 
// condition for nonprime number 
if (num % i == 0) { 
flag = true; 
break; 
} 
} 
if (!flag) 
System.out.println(num + " is a prime number."); 
else 
System.out.println(num + " is not a prime number."); 
} 

Output for this program will be:

29 is a prime number. 

• Using while loop:  

public class Main { 
public static void main(String[] args) { 
int num = 33, i = 2; 
boolean flag = false; 
while (i <= num / 2) { 
// condition for nonprime number 
if (num % i == 0) { 
flag = true; 
break; 
} 
++i; 
} 
if (!flag) 
System.out.println(num + " is a prime number."); 
else 
System.out.println(num + " is not a prime number."); 
} 
} 

Output for this program will be: 

33 is not a prime number. 

In a team, every person plays a vital role in achieving the goal. Similarly, a senior software engineer also plays a pivotal role and must have some leadership qualities. No one more than himself understands that to achieve success every day, you must work with a team. It is quite possible that you may earn success or achieve a goal for a single day or some consecutive days. Recruiters mainly ask this question about his perspective, most possibly as a leader—his way of leadership. Being a senior, he also must have a good amount of experience and also work in a team and also work as a team. So, basically, he has all the information or things that a person wants from his leader and vice versa. 

To answer this question, simply explain the leadership skills a senior leader must have. And also, some incidents as a team member and as a leader, like what difficulties a team member may face and how a leader should handle each team member for their problem. It is only essential here that recruiters aren't really interested in the bookish things that people know and talk about. They really want to listen to how you actually handle situations. Also, here is a sample answer given below. 

"I have worked as a software engineer in an ABC firm for two years. It is my first day, and I'm very nervous. The team comprises about seven people who are way more experienced than I am. However, the leader is very welcoming. He explains each of the duties as a team member and takes me to meet the team. He took the effort to go through every detail with me. I was overjoyed.

The team leader left the job some years later, and I got his position. At that time, a guy who was very intelligent without a doubt, but the only problem was he wasn't really a good team player. He pokes everyone and makes fun of everything. I started talking to him and tried to understand his problem. Later on, I realize he is a kleptomaniac, which is why he makes fun of everything and steals things over time. It wasn't exactly his fault, so I recommended him to a doctor, and he took the treatment; later on, he worked even better than me in some cases. 

Here the most vital leadership skill is patience and being a good listener. My team leader was always a good listener and without a doubt had patience, and this skill I also learned with my time working with him and also applies the same to the situation I see fit as a team leader." 

Since success in any person's life plays a vital role, any failure, either small or big, also teaches a person what most successes miss. Recruiters have almost everything you need for success like your education, skills you know or projects you have done, etc. But with this question, they want to know when exactly you fail because they know every person fails at least once in their lifetime. They want a person to accept his failure, learn from it, and most importantly, should never repeat it in the future. 

Being a senior software engineer, there are great chances that a person has work experience of at least three years and has seen the organization's ups and downs and on a personal level. Therefore, answer this question as a life lesson. Explain any incident you can think of and tell them it is a failure since right now they are interested in the failed part of your experience. While answering, briefly explain the situation and essential aspects and, most importantly, the lesson you learned from it. Here is a sample answer. 

"In my last job, our company's CEO called me in his office and assigned me a task to be a part of an interview as a senior software engineer to hire some entry-level software engineers. So I did exactly the same and hired some individuals who showed potential and had some concerns, but I clearly ignored them and thought they'd learn the things over time. For over a month, they didn't take things seriously and neglected everything their leader told them to do. They accidentally leaked some confidential data since everything got out of hand. The CEO himself fired them. At this very moment, I realized my mistakes. I took the decision in a rush. I never realized that it might bring a disaster like this. I realized I can't always have the same work; I had to be dynamic. I need to see people not just as someone who knows the work but also as their personality and willingness towards work. After this incident, I hired about five new people and also put them under my guidance so that if I ever feel there is a problem, I will be the first to handle it." 

OOP is one of the basic technical terms used worldwide, especially in the software industry. It provides a lot of essential functions, and that's what makes it most important in the industry. With this question, recruiters straightforwardly want to know what they really know about the software framework. They need the technical definition and some reasons that make it most important. Recruiters also want to know that even after the experience, they are really familiar with essential concepts like class, objects, functions, etc. They also want a candidate to share some experience, like how he used the OOP concepts in one of his code or projects. Candidates at this point also specify that they didn't share the project description since it is confidential. Also, if a person isn't hesitating while disclosing confidential information, he may not be trusted. The candidate undoubtedly explains his solo role, like how he contributed to the project but nothing else. 

To answer this question, take your time and briefly begin with a small definition of the OOP. Make your answer more practical by simply explaining the usage of OOP in the software industry, and if possible, only to ease the understanding, use some real-life examples. Make your answer brief and cover everything that may be considered essential or relevant. Give examples of the programming languages that use this concept. Almost every language uses it like c++, python, Java, etc. Explain any particular part of code where you use the OOP concept like reusability or platform independency etc. But be very direct and discreet about the information you provide to the recruiter. Here is a sample answer for reference only 

"OOP stands for Object Oriented Programming. It is basically introduced as an advantage over the previous structured programming, which is used in C language, and OOP is introduced with C++, which is basically a modified version of C language. The most important functions of OOP include reusability, inheritance, platform interdependence, and data abstraction. Apart from this, one of the key factors behind using the OOP is modularization which is basically nothing but dividing the work of software into small units called modules. These modules, once combined, work as software. I also used the OOP in almost every project. Since it is part of almost every programming language, such as Java, Python, etc., it is really hard to ignore it. I work on a module that basically needs to merge with other modules to provide all the software features but can also be used individually with some restricted features. I realize that the software can't be restricted to a single platform. It should be interdependent to the platform, so I made the whole software work since it was only a suggestion I gave my team leader really appreciates me for the thinking skill I used." 

When recruiters ask this question, it means they want to know if you can handle the pressure of multiple works assigned to you. Here, multiple tasks mean handling more than one task and continuously making some progress. It is a little tricky question. They also want to know how a candidate can maintain progress and keep a record of what needs to be done in every task assigned to them. They also expect that while dealing with such a situation, the candidate must work smartly and should use some industry standard tools that help manage his assigned tasks. 

To answer this question, start with a specific incident that matches the problem or does not include any incident. Make your answer brief as much as possible since the recruiters expect a specific answer for this situation. If you ever face the situation, then tell the same incident, and in this case, it is highly unlikely to tell them you don't face such a situation, but you will handle it this way; here explain your ways briefly. Here is a sample answer for reference 

"Yes, I've been accountable for handling multiple tasks in covid-19 time. Since the situation is worse, as you remember, companies switch to working from home. Even though the title specifically says to work from home, many people neglect their responsibilities and simply either make excuses or I can't reach them. So, being a senior software engineer, I had to include their work in my schedule. I've no other way, but the tools really do be a great help. They not only help me complete my tasks but also keep track of deadlines. To me, it was something entirely fresh. After dealing with this experience, I will no longer face any problems while handling multiple tasks later in my career. I always manage multiple tasks so easy that many people ask me how I can really do it." 

It's no surprise that this one pops up often in senior software engineer behavioral interview questions.

A part of the role of a software engineer also includes collecting each and every piece of information regarding the project they are working on. Similar to this on personal growth, a person must research something about the company to the person is thinking of giving some time. With this question, the recruiter wants to check what the candidate really knows about the company they are applying for. Additionally, it offers an overview of the critical skills needed for software engineers. 

To answer this simple question, the person must research the company beforehand. Whatever the case, the candidate must either tell what they know or simply tell the recruiter that they haven't researched the company. Be sure, to tell the truth about this one. With this question, the candidate may explain the company's profile and primary operations and, if remembered correctly, mention the CEO's name and other possible details that may help. Given below is a sample answer. If you have done brief research, then be brief about it too. Make each detail concise but cover all the necessary details. Mention details about the company's working, if it faces any trouble over time, and how it deals with it. Do mention how the company works in covid. 

"During my research on the company, I found out that there are a whole lot of clients, and some are major merchants in the field that have been served with software solutions for almost a decade. This also specifies clearly the need for efficiency, high quality, and productivity that companies demand from employee, which is great since I've indeed worked under similar circumstances in the past. Hence, it is not really difficult for me. In addition, I learned more about the company's perks: the company also offers a one-week holiday to the best employee." 

With this specific question, all the recruiters want to know is how many things you really know. As any software engineer knows, coding is an integral part of software engineering, and most important is that they must know all the programming languages in which they can implement the same code but with more efficiency. Every programming language is made with an advantage over other programming languages. Therefore, recruiters expect an answer that not only the candidate knows multiple programming languages but also knows which programming he must choose for maximum efficiency. Knowing multiple languages is just a thing, but knowing which one to use and under what circumstances will make all the difference. 

To answer this question, simply first state how many total programming languages you know and work on. Then, if possible, mention any specific situation when you use another programming language while working on a different programming language to increase the program's overall efficiency. Make your answer brief but direct, so the recruiter knows that you do not just know the languages but are very much familiar with them. Do keep in mind that the recruiter may ask some other questions within your answer, such as what problem with the programming language you're facing so that you have to change it with another programming language and how it solves it. One of the best ways to answer this is to simply state such an incident and briefly explain the problems faced and the advantages of other programming languages that are used to remove the problem. Here is a sample answer given below. 

"As of today, knowing multiple programming languages has become a necessity. I know languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, and some scripting languages also, such as javascript. Since each language has its own advantages and disadvantages, knowing multiple languages really helped me greatly during my role as a software engineer. I used my expertise when and wherever possible since, either as a team player or a team leader must ensure that the software must not face any drawbacks while using a particular language. As a professional, I must build software without any problems and ensure overall efficiency. Over the years, my team leader really appreciated my behavior since I not only found a fault during development but also found a possible solution." 

Here the recruiter is only interested in one specific concept in the software industry: error handling. It is crucial for developing software's effectiveness. Since the software is based on logic, two or more logic may contradict each other and cause the whole software to crash or worse under particular circumstances. Recruiters specifically asked about the error handling concept to test what the candidate knows about and how he used this in practice. The recruiter doesn't really care about the theory part of the concept but is interested in knowing when and how exactly the candidate does it in a particular situation. 

To answer this question, start with the most practical definition you can think of and how this small part of the software can cause the whole software to fall apart. Keep answers short and direct since the recruiters are asking this question either they know it or have at least some knowledge about it, so saying anything won't do any good. Make the answer as detailed as possible since it is not really a tiny part. It plays a pretty pivotal role in the development of software. Also, mention there is another similar concept, exception handling, and, if possible, how they are different from each other yet still have something familiar. A short sample answer is given below. 

"Any computer system works with a basic concept of garbage in and garbage out that simply states if the input is wrong, then the output of that also won't be correct. But the human mind thinks in a totally unexpected way. But every time he gives some input, they must have a correct answer, and that is exactly where error handling comes in. Since any programmer can't really expect every possible situation in which the software must respond, all he can do is to set a possible solution to any different problem the software ever encounters. A similar concept to this is exception handling which specifically deals with the extraordinary situation that software ever encounters. One of the very basic problems is if the user wants to divide any number with zero, it becomes an exception. Here exception handling comes into play. Whereas if the user divides any number with an alphabet, that becomes an error, that is exactly where error handling is used. " 

This is one of the most loved questions that recruiters ask candidates. What they really test here is how many structures you've actually worked on and also how much you've learned so far. SDLC played a significant part in the software cycle, as it is obvious, but there are multiple SDLCs, such as waterfall or spiral. Even though a candidate is familiar with the terms, working with the structure is very important. Besides this, the candidate must know where and how the models really make the difference, precisely the advantages and disadvantages.

To simply answer this question, explain the basic structure of every SDLC, like planning, design, building, testing, etc. Also, be specific about the types of software development life cycles that you explain, and choose what you know the best or have worked with. Don't explain more than two or three since you have to explain other details. Be brief and accurate about the answer. Don't explain anything that you can't really specify since it will have a negative impression.

"SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle. It is much like a framework that produces software with the most superior quality at the minimum cost possible and in the shortest time possible. SDLC has a detailed plan for developing, planning, and maintaining software over its lifetime. 

There are many SDLC models like the prototype, waterfall, spiral, etc., but I mainly work with waterfall and prototype. The prototype model is used when the client demands it before developing software as a working prototype. It is like showing how the software looks and works after completion; if any changes are required, the client states them during the meeting. Therefore, it decreases overall time, and since the client saw the prototype so, in the end, he can't deny that what he sees is what exactly he gets. Another model I actually work with is the spiral model. Since the prototype model has a significant disadvantage that until and unless the client approves the prototype, the team didn't start working on the development of existing software, but in a spiral model, at every stage, a prototype is designed for the client so that he knows what exactly is going on and if he wants any chance he can specify and as a developer and team leader I change it with the team but most importantly here all things are continuously working." 

Expect to come across this popular senior software engineer technical interview questions and answers.

From this question, the recruiters want to know how much the candidate really knows about the software. Every person knows that code is an important part, but this is not exactly the complete story. As a senior software engineer, the task is not only about building software that can run on a system but also building software that performs well on all types of personal systems. Almost every person isn't really capable of owning a high-end computer system. Most people worldwide have a medium or even just a computer system that just runs the software. While developing software, a software engineer must ensure that the software's performance will remain the same on every computer system. Any client always wants software that can run on most computer systems since he thinks about the majority of people. Performance plays a significant impact not only on software but also on a computer system. If a system cannot handle the software, it may crash, and a software engineer must know and realize this fact. 

To answer this question, explain how the performance of every system is not entirely dependent upon RAM and processor but also on the program running on the system. If the program isn't optimized with the computer hardware, then it doesn't really matter how good a computer system the software takes down the whole system. Explain how and which tools can be used to manage the computer system's performance. 

"Performance really does play an important role, without a doubt. And over years of working as a software engineer, I have realized this and completely understand it. Software development is not really just about making software. It also involves an important role that the software must run on any computer system, no matter the configuration. If the hardware is capable, then the software must run on it and provide the expected performance. Over the years, I have specifically asked or have been told to supervise this specific thing since the client isn't the only one who will use the software. Some very specific tools are used to measure how the software performance is measured, such as tool names 1, 2 etc. These tools are really good and give a detailed report about what the problem is or how well the software is currently performing on a particular system." 

With this question, recruiters only want to know the practical aspect of testing software. Since they know the role of testing in software development, they expect the candidate to explain the testing as a practical aspect only. Since not every software works in the same way, it is evident that the test cases made were also different and correct. Recruiters also want to know if the candidate also tests any application himself or not or does he know what it really is. With this question, the recruiter also tests a candidate for his problem-solving skills, like how he deals with it or his take on a particular problem he faced. 

To answer this question, simply explain what really software testing is, and if possible, a quick explanation about the types, but you may avoid it if the recruiter says so. Explain the role of software testing in SDLC as well as its impact in the normal world. Do share some incidents, if possible, that has a huge impact. Make everything more practical rather than theoretical. Also, if possible, do mention any incidence where you actually detect a specific problem before actually testing it really puts a positive impact. Take time but explain the answer with as much precision as possible. 

"About three or maybe four years ago, I purchased some software that I need, but due to having a medium-end system, I still cannot use the software to its full extent. I was very disappointed. And later on, when I started working in the software industry, I do keep in mind that for every software I either developed or helped, I must ensure that it ran on almost every system because till that time, I understood the urgency and the problem a person may face if the software doesn't really work in the way it is supposed to. Software testing or testing plays a pivotal role, very similar to its development of it. I also worked for some time as a software tester, so I often know that under certain circumstances, a developer only focuses more on completing the task rather than optimizing it. However, I edit them myself since I know all these prior circumstances. I discuss the problem with my manager or seniors and explain it to them along with possible solutions I see fit. They really appreciate the effort I put in and also let me fix the problem."