Must Do Arrays Questions for Tech Interviews

Did you know?

Arrays are one of the simplest data structures that are used for storing a series of data in contiguous memory locations and that can be easily traced within the program!

Initially, do you remember when people used telephone directories for compiling names in an alphabetical order so that they would be easier to find?

Well with the foundation of arrays, this task has not only been made much simpler but, it has also been digitalised!

So, does this make you eager to learn more about the concept of arrays and solve some array coding questions yourself?

See the next portion of the blog and find some interesting information about the arrays in the form of interview questions! 

What are the basics of Arrays? 

Arrays are basically a series of elements that consist of data items that are stored within contiguous memory locations. 

In other words, in the context of computer programming, the concept of arrays are used for representing similar data types.

This is why, the concept of Arrays are given a higher priority in technical job profiles such as Software Developers, Fronted and Backed Coders and Programmers.

Arrays can be represented in multiple ways depending on different programming languages.

There are two major categories of arrays that are used in computer programming. Let’s have a look as follows:

• One-Dimensional Arrays

The One-Dimensional Arrays are associated with single sub-scripting. This is mainly why the one-dimensional arrays are linear in nature. 

• Two-Dimensional Arrays

Now, unlike the One-Dimensional Arrays, the Two-Dimensional Arrays consist of two subscripts i.e []. These forms of arrays are also referred to as “array of the array”. 

• Three Dimensional Arrays

Often in the concept of arrays, it is required to form two or more than two tables of elements in order to declare the elements contained within an array. These are essentially the time when the Three-Dimensional Arrays are put to use.

If you are interested in becoming a developer, you might be familiar with the fact that creating tables of elements for sorting and storing of similar data values is highly important.

Which is why, the first priority in designing technical interview questions is given to the concept of arrays.

In the following section, find some of the top priority array coding questions that you will definitely encounter in all your technical interviews.

Important Array Questions For Technical Interviews 

Whether you are a Python developer or you are interested in developing in Java. Your conception of Arrays should be clear in every programming language of your choice.

With that said, let’s check out some of the top array coding questions, and let us know how you would answer some of these on your own!

1. Define Array in the context of programming.

Ans. In the context of programming, the concept of arrays can be defined as follows:

• It is a collection of a series of data that are simultaneously stored within contiguous memory locations.

• Before declaring an array, it is highly essential to specify the type of data that is stored within the array along with the name of the array.

• The programmers who manipulate arrays can easily navigate to any part of the array (or any element) by using an index. 

2. Give us the process of declaring an Array.

Ans. Now, this is one of the most general array coding questions. You can use the following syntax for declaring an Array:

DataType ArrayName [size];

Here are some of the major characteristics of an array that can help with its declaration:

• Arrays are always static in nature meaning that they always have a fixed length.

• Arrays generally hold the references to objects contained within them and their primitive types.

• In case you make a reference to a non-existing element within an array, you can expect the following error statement to appear on the program:

IndexOutOfRangeException

3. Mention the uses of Objects in the context of Arrays in programming?

Ans. 

• Objects essentially represent characteristics of elements whereas on the other hand the arrays are used for creating a series of data elements that have similar characteristics. Hence, one can say that the objects are contents of an array. 

• The Objects in programming are the dots and brackets within the array that are used for either altering the elements of an array or deleting the items from an array.

• In the context of programming, we have to iterate on the properties of these objects and the items contained within an array using the different loops that are available such as, for ….in, for …of etc.

4. Figure out the Target Element within an Array.

Ans. From Data Structures and Algorithms to Array based problems, you will find a plethora of explanations to this problem in different resources and study guides.

The Love Babbar DSA Sheet describes the best approach for solving this problem that is discussed as follows:

• Firstly, you will be receiving a number n which will indicate the size of the given array.

• Afterwards, you will also find more inputs that correspond to the indices present within the array.

• Finally, you will be given a task to figure out the presence of the Target Element within the structure of the array. 

• You may print -1 if the Target Element is not found.

Now, here is the approach as mentioned in the DSA Sheet.

Approach:

• We shall start with running a loop in order to analyse whether the given value of the loop for the input array is present is equivalent to the value of the target Element or not. 

• If we succeed in finding the target, we can go ahead and print the value of the target element or else we will have to return the value as -1.

5. State the differences between length () and length in Java programming.

Ans. This is yet another question that is effectively added in the array coding questions section for almost every programming interview.

Check out the differences between length () and length in Java:

• The length () class in Java is static whereas the length class is variable.

• You cannot modify the length () class in Java whereas, in the case of length class it is just the opposite.

• Length () is commonly used in String classes whereas length class is used in Arrays.

Final Thoughts

From the Love Babbar DSA Sheet to Cracking the Coding Interview, our website offers beginner to pro level array practice questions for technical interview aspirants.

Start prepping today and we can guarantee to make you a pro by the time you appear for your next coding interview!