Top Computer Science Interview Questions and Answers for 2023

Looking to start a career in the computer science domain? While a degree or certification in computer science can open up many job opportunities, it is only the first step. The next crucial step to landing a job in this field is preparing for the job interview

Preparing for a computer science interview is key to confidently answering every question while demonstrating your skills and knowledge. Get ready to ace your computer science interviews in 2023 with our comprehensive collection of top interview questions and expertly-crafted answers. Unlock the secrets to impressing recruiters and securing your dream job in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Here are the most important computer science interview questions for 2023.

Top Computer Science Interview Questions and Answers

Computer science is a field that offers rewarding and lucrative careers. A diverse array of opportunities within this domain means you have to face a lot of competition to land your dream. Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional looking for a job, the following list of computer science interview questions will help you crack your next interview.

Q1. What is a computer system?

Ans. A computer system combines integrated devices to achieve a desirable result. Every component of the computer system performs a different task but together, they generate a common result as the user requires. A computer system consists of the following basic components:

• Hardware – Physical parts of a computer, such as input, devices, and storage devices
• Software- It includes the instructions, data, and programs that run on top of the hardware. It is categorized into system software and application software.
• Humanware – The person that uses the computer

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Q2. What is a Microprocessor?

Ans. A microprocessor is a small electronic device or an integrated circuit containing the arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry that manages the functionality of a central processing unit of a PC. It comprises integrated circuits with thousands of transistors, registers, and diodes.

A microprocessor executes logical and computational tasks with different operations, such as arithmetic operations (addition and subtraction), input and output management, and more. It takes binary instructions from memory, uses the binary data as input, processes data per the instructions, and gives results as output. Typically, microprocessors are categorized according to the number of instructions they can process in the specified time, clock speed, and the number of bits used per instruction.

Some of the key features of a microprocessor are:

• High speed
• Small size
• Low cost
• Low power consumption
• Versatile
• Portable
• Reliable

Q3. What is a file?

Ans. A file is a named location in a computer system that stores information, data, settings, or commands used with a computer program. A file is stored in the storage device using a file name separated by a “.”(DOT). There are different kinds of files in a computer system, such as directory files, data files, text files, graphic files, and more containing different types of information. We can store a file in hard drives, discs, optical drives, or other storage devices.

Some of the basic functions that can be performed on a file include:

• Opening the file
• Reading of data from the file
• Closing a file operation
• Writing data to the file
• Creation of programs
• Creation of a new file
• Modification of data

Q4. Define SDLC.

Ans. SDLC, or Software Development Life Cycle, is a process for producing the highest quality software products in the shortest time possible. It enables organizations to design, develop and test high-quality software that meets or exceeds customer expectations. Some of the widely used SDLC models include the waterfall model, the Agile model, and the spiral model.

SDLC involves the following stages:

• Requirement analysis
• Planning
• Design
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment

Q5. What is a programming language?

Ans. A programming language is a set of instructions given to a machine or computer to perform a specific task. Some of the popular programming languages include Python, C, Java, JavaScript, R, C++, Go, Swift, and Ruby. Every programming language has a unique set of keywords and a specific syntax for writing program instructions. Programming languages are categorized into low-level and high-level languages. Low-level languages are close to machine code or binary, while high-level languages are more like how humans communicate.

Q6. What are classes and objects?

Ans. Classes and objects are the basic units of Object-Oriented Programming and represent real-life entities. A class is a blueprint or prototype to create a specific object type. It consists of methods and variables associated with an instance of a class. An object is an instance of a class that contains methods and properties to make a specific type of data useful.

Q7. Define an Integrated Development Environment.

Ans. An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is software that provides all the required programs and libraries to programmers for building applications. It consolidates all the common developer tools into a single graphical user interface (GUI). IDEs help increase programmers’ productivity by combining common tasks of writing software, such as editing source code, local build automation, and debugging in a single application.

Q8. What is a framework?

Ans. Developers use frameworks to build software applications. A framework is software that provides developers with a basis or platform to build programs. It enables developers to take control of the entire software development process from a single platform.  A software framework enables developers to develop applications while focusing on their high-level functionality as it manages low-level functionality.

Q9. What is the difference between C and C++?

Ans. C and C++ programming languages are used for various tasks such as game development, operating systems, database system software, and more. C  programming is one of the foundational languages for beginners and is mostly used for low-programming-level applications. On the other hand, C++ is an extension of C programming. C++ supports OOP concepts that enable developers to build complex applications quickly.

To learn more read – Difference between C and C++ Programming Languages,

Q10. What is the operating system?

Ans. An operating system is a software program that manages the computer’s memory, processes, software, and hardware. It acts as an interface between the computer hardware and the end-user, enabling users to interact with computing devices without knowing how to speak the computer’s coding language. The most commonly used operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Q11. What is artificial intelligence?

Ans. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that creates smart machines capable of performing tasks that generally require human intelligence. AI uses computers and machines to imitate the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind.

Q12. What is a processor in the computer system?

Ans. A processor is a logic circuitry that helps process basic instructions to run the computer. This hardware receives input as program instructions and executes these calculations with which the user interacts.

Q13. Explain deep learning.

Ans. Deep learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence, a Machine Learning technique. Computer software imitates the network of neurons in a brain and teaches logical functioning to computers and devices. It is called deep learning as it uses deep neural networks and deepens into several network layers to extract more complex information.

Q14. Explain superclass in Java.

Ans. A superclass is a superior class through which multiple subclasses are derived. It is also known as a base or a parent class. Subclasses inherit every characteristic of the superclass.

Q15. Explain the banker’s algorithm.

Ans. It is an algorithm that involves resource allocation and a deadlock avoidance algorithm to test for safety. This is done by simulating allocation for the predetermined maximum possible amounts of every resource.

Q16. Differentiate between a compiler and an interpreter.

Ans. The following are the difference between compiler and an interpreter:

Compiler	Interpreter
A compiled code will run faster.	An interpreted code will run slower.
It generates an output program that can be run independently of the original.	It does not generate an output program.
The target program is executed independently without the need for the compiler in the memory.	The interpreter exists in memory during interpretation.
It is difficult to implement since compilers cannot predict what happens at the turn time.	It is suitable for the program and development environment.
It takes the entire program as input.	It takes a single coding line as input.
It displays every error after compilation at the same time.	It displays every error in each line one by one.

Conclusion

Computer technology is integral to modern life. This is why computer science skills are in high demand across different industries. This article explored the top computer science interview questions frequently asked in many interviews. We hope these computer science interview questions and answers will help you get a rewarding job in the computer science domain.