Lam Research Sdet (Software Development Engineer in Test) Interview Questions and Answers

Blocking statements halt program execution until the statement is complete, while nonblocking statements allow the program to continue executing while waiting for the statement to complete.

• Blocking statements can cause the program to hang or become unresponsive if the statement takes a long time to complete.

• Nonblocking statements are often used in asynchronous programming to allow multiple tasks to be executed simultan...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.

Locate sum of 2 numbers in a linear array (unsorted and sorted) and their complexities

• For unsorted array, use nested loops to compare each element with every other element until the sum is found

• For sorted array, use two pointers approach starting from the beginning and end of the array and move them towards each other until the sum is found

• Complexity for unsorted array is O(n^2) and for sorted array is O(n)

Pointers are used to manipulate memory addresses and values in C++. Increment/decrement, address of and value at operators are commonly used.

• Incrementing a pointer moves it to the next memory location of the same data type

• Decrementing a pointer moves it to the previous memory location of the same data type

• The address of operator (&) returns the memory address of a variable

• The value at operator (*) returns the value sto...read more

To determine if a point is inside or outside a rectangle, we check if the point's coordinates fall within the rectangle's boundaries.

• Check if the point's x-coordinate is greater than the left edge of the rectangle

• Check if the point's x-coordinate is less than the right edge of the rectangle

• Check if the point's y-coordinate is greater than the top edge of the rectangle

• Check if the point's y-coordinate is less than the b...read more

To find line that divides rectangle into 2 equal halves through a point inside it.

• Find the center of the rectangle

• Draw a line from the center to the given point

• Extend the line to the opposite side of the rectangle

• The extended line will divide the rectangle into 2 equal halves

There are multiple combinations of 8-bit and 16-bit signed numbers. How many such combinations are possible?

• There are 2^8 (256) possible combinations of 8-bit signed numbers.

• There are 2^16 (65,536) possible combinations of 16-bit signed numbers.

• To find the total number of combinations, we can add the number of combinations of 8-bit and 16-bit signed numbers.

• Therefore, the total number of possible combinations is 256 + ...read more

Find duplicates in an array of elements in 0(n) time and 0(1) space.

• Use the property of inputs to your advantage

• Iterate through the array and mark elements as negative

• If an element is already negative, it is a duplicate

• Return all the negative elements as duplicates

Generate all combinations of digits from an array, allowing and disallowing repetition.

• Use recursion or backtracking to generate combinations.

• For repetition allowed: e.g., arr={1,2}, combinations are 11, 12, 21, 22.

• For repetition not allowed: e.g., arr={1,2,3}, combinations are 123, 132, 213, 231, 312, 321.

• Utilize a set to track used digits when repetition is not allowed.

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