Broadcom SDE Interview Questions and Answers

Endianess refers to the order in which bytes are stored in memory. Little endian stores the least significant byte first.

• Check the byte order of a multi-byte integer value

• Use a test value with known byte order to determine the system's endianess

• Check the system's documentation or specifications

• Use a code snippet to determine the endianess

Function pointers can be shared across processes using inter-process communication mechanisms like shared memory, pipes, sockets, etc.

• Function pointers can be stored in shared memory regions that are accessible by multiple processes.

• Processes can communicate with each other using pipes or sockets and pass function pointers as arguments.

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC) mechanisms can also be used to share function pointers a...read more

Binder is a mechanism for inter-process communication in Android.

• Binder allows different processes to communicate with each other.

• It is used for implementing Android's IPC (Inter-Process Communication) system.

• Binder uses a client-server model where the client sends requests to the server and the server responds with the requested data.

• It is used for sharing data between different components of an Android application.

• Bi...read more

sysctrl is a system control utility used to manage system settings and configurations.

• sysctrl is used to manage system settings and configurations such as network settings, power management, and hardware configurations.

• It can be used to start, stop, and restart system services.

• sysctrl is commonly used in Linux and Unix-based operating systems.

• Examples of sysctrl commands include 'sysctrl -p' to reload all settings from...read more

Device tree is a data structure used to describe hardware components in a system and their interconnections.

• Device tree is used in embedded systems to provide a standardized way of describing hardware components.

• It is written in a language called Device Tree Source (DTS) and compiled into a binary format called Device Tree Blob (DTB).

• The device tree is loaded by the bootloader and used by the kernel to configure the ha...read more

4 IPCs used in user level process in Linux

• Message Queues - allows processes to exchange data through messages

• Shared Memory - allows processes to share a portion of memory

• Semaphores - used for synchronization between processes

• Pipes - allows communication between two related processes

Inter-process communication mechanisms like pipes, sockets, message queues, shared memory can be used to call a function from one user process to another.

• Use pipes to establish a unidirectional communication channel between two processes.

• Use sockets to establish a bidirectional communication channel between two processes.

• Use message queues to send messages between processes.

• Use shared memory to share data between proce...read more

Program with 2 threads printing even and odd numbers in sequence. How to make it SMP safe?

• Use mutex locks to ensure only one thread accesses the shared resource (the number to be printed) at a time

• Use condition variables to signal when it's safe for the other thread to access the shared resource

• Use atomic variables to ensure that the shared resource is accessed atomically

• Use thread-safe data structures to store the sha...read more

malloc is a function in C that dynamically allocates memory on the heap. It is used to allocate memory for variables or data structures.

• malloc is used in C programming language.

• It is used to allocate memory on the heap.

• malloc is different from 'new' in C++ as it does not call constructors for objects.

C++ is a general-purpose programming language while Objective C is a superset of C used for iOS and macOS development.

• C++ is widely used for developing applications, games, and system software.

• Objective C is mainly used for iOS and macOS development.

• C++ supports both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms.

• Objective C is an object-oriented language with dynamic runtime features.

• C++ has a larger community a...read more

Class container is a class that holds objects of other classes, while class composition is a way to combine multiple classes to create a new class.

• Class container holds objects of other classes, acting as a collection or container.

• Class composition combines multiple classes to create a new class with its own behavior and attributes.

• In class container, the objects are typically stored in a data structure like an array o...read more

Divide the horses into groups of 5 and race them. Take the top 2 from each race and race them again. Finally, race the top 2 horses to determine the top 3.

• Divide the horses into 3 groups of 5 and race them.

• Take the top 2 horses from each race and race them again.

• Finally, race the top 2 horses to determine the top 3.

Developing a real-time data processing system for a high-traffic e-commerce website

• Implemented a distributed system architecture to handle large volumes of data

• Optimized algorithms for efficient data processing and storage

• Utilized caching mechanisms to improve system performance

• Worked closely with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues

• Example: Successfully reduced data processing time by 50% by imple...read more

Seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth.

• Looking for a more challenging role to further develop my skills

• Interested in exploring new technologies and industries

• Seeking better career advancement opportunities

• Want to work in a more collaborative team environment

The width of a tree is the maximum number of nodes at any level in the tree.

• To calculate the width of a tree, we can perform a level order traversal and keep track of the maximum number of nodes at any level.

• We can use a queue data structure to perform the level order traversal.

• At each level, we count the number of nodes in the queue and update the maximum width if necessary.

I lack experience in a specific technology required for the role.

• I may not have experience with a specific programming language or framework mentioned in the job description.

• I may not have worked on projects similar to what your company is working on.

• I may not have experience with certain tools or technologies that are crucial for the role.

AC and DC are two types of electrical current with different characteristics.

• AC stands for Alternating Current, while DC stands for Direct Current.

• AC periodically changes direction, while DC flows in one direction.

• AC is commonly used in household electrical systems, while DC is used in batteries and electronic devices.

• AC can be easily transformed to different voltage levels using transformers, while DC requires convert...read more

Fill the cells in the pyramid

• The pyramid is a pattern of numbers or characters arranged in a triangular shape

• Each row of the pyramid has one more cell than the previous row

• Start filling the pyramid from the top and move downwards

• The cells can be filled with any desired numbers or characters

An alternator and generator are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

• Both alternators and generators are used to generate electricity.

• They work on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

• Alternators are commonly used in modern vehicles to charge the battery and power the electrical systems.

• Generators are often used as backup power sources during power outages.

• Examples of alternators include ...read more

Quick sort has an average and worst-case time complexity of O(n log n).

• Quick sort is a divide-and-conquer algorithm.

• It selects a pivot element and partitions the array around the pivot.

• The average and worst-case time complexity is O(n log n).

• However, in the worst-case scenario, it can have a time complexity of O(n^2).

I developed a mobile app for tracking daily water intake and hydration levels.

• Researched best practices for hydration tracking

• Designed user-friendly interface for inputting water intake

• Implemented data visualization for tracking hydration levels

• Tested app with focus groups for feedback

• Continuously updated app based on user suggestions

SHA Algorithm is a cryptographic hash function that takes an input and produces a fixed-size output.

• SHA stands for Secure Hash Algorithm.

• It is widely used in various security applications and protocols.

• SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 are common variants of SHA.

• It generates a unique hash value for each unique input.

• The output is a fixed length, regardless of the input size.

• SHA is used for data integrity, password h...read more

To delete a node in a linked list, we need to adjust the pointers of the previous node and the next node.

• Find the node to be deleted

• Adjust the pointers of the previous node and the next node

• Free the memory of the deleted node

I am a passionate software engineer with experience in developing web applications and a strong background in computer science.

• Experienced in developing web applications using technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React

• Strong background in computer science with knowledge of data structures and algorithms

• Proficient in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++

• Familiar with Agile development methodologies...read more

As an intern supervisor, I faced challenges in terms of communication, technical skills, and time management.

• Communication barriers due to language or cultural differences

• Lack of technical skills or knowledge required for the job

• Difficulty in managing time and meeting deadlines

• Inability to work independently or as part of a team

• Resistance to feedback or constructive criticism

• Limited exposure to real-world scenarios and...read more

I prefer a job place that offers a collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Prefer a workplace that encourages teamwork and communication

• Value opportunities for learning and growth

• Seek a company that fosters creativity and innovation

I will solve disputes by promoting open communication, active listening, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

• Encourage open and honest communication between parties involved

• Actively listen to each party's concerns and perspectives

• Identify common goals and interests to find mutually beneficial solutions

• Mediate discussions and facilitate negotiations if necessary

• Document agreements and ensure follow-up to prevent f...read more

Qualcomm is a leading semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company.

• Qualcomm is known for its expertise in wireless technologies and mobile chipsets.

• They have developed popular Snapdragon processors used in smartphones and tablets.

• Qualcomm has made significant contributions to the advancement of 5G technology.

• The company has a strong patent portfolio and is involved in licensing its technology to other manufac...read more