IT Interview Questions Bank: Java, Python, SQL, Networking and Support
By JobKarle Editorial Team · Published · 2 min read
A quick-revision bank of common IT interview questions across five areas, with the idea behind each answer so you can respond in your own words.
The short version
Do not memorise answers word for word. Understand the idea behind each question, then explain it in your own words with a small example. Interviewers can tell the difference.
Java
- Interface vs abstract class: an interface defines a contract, an abstract class can share state and code
- How HashMap works: keys are hashed to buckets and collisions are handled in the bucket
- String vs StringBuilder: strings are immutable, a builder is efficient for repeated changes
- Checked vs unchecked exceptions: checked ones must be handled or declared
- What is garbage collection: automatic release of unused objects
Python
- List vs tuple: a list is mutable, a tuple is not
- What are decorators: functions that wrap other functions to add behaviour
- What is a generator: a function that yields values lazily
- Shallow vs deep copy: whether nested objects are copied or shared
- What is a virtual environment: an isolated set of packages for a project
SQL
- Inner join vs left join: only matching rows vs all rows from the left plus matches
- WHERE vs HAVING: filters rows before vs after grouping
- What is an index: a structure that speeds up lookups at the cost of writes
- What is normalisation: organising data to reduce duplication
- Delete vs truncate vs drop: remove rows, remove all rows quickly, remove the table
Networking
- What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
- What is DNS and how does it work?
- What is a subnet mask?
- What happens when you type a URL in a browser?
- What is the difference between a switch and a router?
Support and troubleshooting
- How do you approach a problem you have never seen?
- A user cannot connect to Wi-Fi. What do you check?
- How do you handle an angry customer?
- When do you escalate a ticket?
- What is the difference between an incident and a service request?
How to use this bank
- Pick your area and read each question aloud.
- Answer without notes, then check yourself.
- Add a tiny example or code snippet to each answer.
- Mark weak topics and revise them first.
- Practise with a friend who asks follow-up questions.
Next step
Revise one area a day for a week. Then register on JobKarle, complete your profile and apply.
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