200+ VMware Software Interview Questions and Answers

Given n seats and m people seated randomly, find the minimum number of hops to seat them together.

• Find all possible contiguous groups of m seats

• Calculate the number of hops required to move each group to the center seat of that group

• Return the minimum number of hops required

Load average in Linux is a measure of system activity, indicating the average number of processes waiting in the run queue over a period of time.

• Load average is displayed as three numbers representing the average number of processes in the system run queue over the last 1, 5, and 15 minutes.

• A load average of 1.0 means the system is at full capacity, while a load average of 0.5 means the system is half as busy.

• High load averages indicate a system under heavy load, potentially ...read more

Inversion of Control is a design principle where the control flow of a program is inverted, with the framework controlling the flow.

• Inversion of Control allows for decoupling of components, making the code more modular and easier to maintain.

• Common examples of Inversion of Control include dependency injection and event listeners.

• Frameworks like Spring and Hibernate make use of Inversion of Control to manage object lifecycles and dependencies.

Terraform modules are reusable components used to organize and manage resources in Terraform configurations.

• Modules help in organizing Terraform configurations into reusable components

• They allow for better code reusability and maintainability

• Modules can be shared and reused across different Terraform configurations

• They encapsulate a set of resources and their configurations

• Modules can have input and output variables for customization

TCP supports four types of connection release: active close, passive close, simultaneous close, and abortive close.

• Active close: Client initiates the connection release process by sending a FIN packet.

• Passive close: Server initiates the connection release process by sending a FIN packet.

• Simultaneous close: Both client and server send FIN packets to each other simultaneously.

• Abortive close: Connection is terminated abruptly without following the normal connection release proce...read more

An efficient algorithm in Java to compare two strings.

• Use the equals() method to compare two strings for equality.

• Consider using compareTo() method for comparing strings lexicographically.

• Handle null strings separately to avoid NullPointerException.

• Use equalsIgnoreCase() method for case-insensitive comparison.

TELNET is insecure, while SSH is secure for remote access to servers.

• TELNET sends data in plain text, while SSH encrypts data for secure communication

• SSH uses public-key cryptography for authentication, TELNET does not

• SSH provides secure remote access to servers, TELNET does not prioritize security

• TELNET operates on port 23, while SSH operates on port 22

Cloud computing is like renting a computer over the internet instead of owning one.

• Cloud computing allows users to access and store data and applications over the internet instead of on their own physical computer.

• It offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness as users can easily adjust their storage and computing needs.

• Examples include services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

I chose DevOps because it allows me to bridge the gap between development and operations, and I have learned multiple programming languages.

• DevOps enables faster and more efficient software delivery

• I have experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, and Bash

• DevOps practices such as continuous integration and deployment are essential for modern software development

• I enjoy working in a collaborative environment where I can use my technical skills to solve complex...read more

I have extensive experience in ensuring the reliability of systems and processes.

• Implemented robust quality control measures to minimize errors and defects

• Developed and executed comprehensive testing procedures to identify and resolve potential issues

• Established preventive maintenance schedules to maximize equipment uptime

• Implemented backup and recovery strategies to ensure data integrity

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to analyze and address reliability concerns

• Imple...read more

Java Executor Framework is a framework provided by Java for managing and executing tasks asynchronously.

• It provides a way to manage threads and execute tasks concurrently.

• It includes interfaces like Executor, ExecutorService, and ScheduledExecutorService.

• It allows for better control over thread management and task execution compared to manually managing threads.

• Example: Executors.newFixedThreadPool(5) creates a thread pool with 5 threads for executing tasks.

A program to reverse a string in Python

• Use the slicing technique to reverse the string

• Start with the last character and move backwards

• Store the reversed string in a new variable

Use double pointer to dynamically allocate memory for array of strings in C.

• Declare a double pointer to hold the 2D array of strings.

• Allocate memory for the rows first using malloc.

• Then allocate memory for each string in the row using malloc.

• Assign values to the strings in the array.

• Example: char **array = malloc(rows * sizeof(char *));

• Example: array[i] = malloc(strlen(str) + 1); strcpy(array[i], str);

Different protocols used in the transport layer include TCP, UDP, SCTP, and DCCP.

• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - reliable, connection-oriented protocol used for most internet communication

• UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - connectionless protocol used for applications where speed is more important than reliability

• SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) - supports multiple streams of data, used for telecommunication signaling

• DCCP (Datagram Congestion Control Protocol) - ...read more

A page fault occurs when a requested page is not found in the main memory. Segmentation is a memory management technique.

• Page fault: Occurs when a requested page is not present in the main memory

• Segmentation: Memory management technique that divides the memory into segments

• Examples: Page fault occurs when accessing data from virtual memory, while segmentation allows different segments for code, data, and stack

Decorators in Python are functions that modify the behavior of other functions. Function objects are objects that can be assigned to variables, passed as arguments, and returned from other functions.

• Decorators are used to add functionality to existing functions without modifying their code.

• They are defined using the @ symbol followed by the decorator function name above the function definition.

• Function objects in Python are first-class objects, meaning they can be assigned to...read more

Cloud computing offers scalability, cost-efficiency, flexibility, and improved collaboration.

• Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down based on demand without the need for physical infrastructure.

• Cost-efficiency: Pay only for the resources you use, reducing upfront costs and maintenance expenses.

• Flexibility: Access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling remote work and collaboration.

• Improved collaboration: Teams can work together in rea...read more

Challenges of cloud computing include security concerns, data privacy issues, and potential downtime.

• Security concerns: Data breaches and unauthorized access are major risks in cloud computing.

• Data privacy issues: Ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR can be challenging when data is stored in the cloud.

• Potential downtime: Dependence on internet connectivity and cloud service providers can lead to downtime affecting operations.

• Cost management: Cloud services can becom...read more

Debugging Apache Nginx issues involves checking logs, configuration files, and server status.

• Check error logs for any relevant error messages

• Verify the configuration files for syntax errors

• Check server status and resource usage

• Use tools like curl or telnet to test connectivity and response times

• Check firewall rules and network settings

• Consider load balancing and caching configurations

Networking is the practice of connecting computers and other devices to share resources and communicate with each other.

• Networking involves the use of protocols and technologies like TCP/IP, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.

• IPV4 is a version of the Internet Protocol that uses a 32-bit address scheme.

• The network layer is responsible for routing data packets from the source to the destination.

• Implementing networking layer concept in real life can be seen in how data is transmitted over the ...read more

MAC layer protocols are used for communication between devices in a network.

• Ethernet (IEEE 802.3)

• Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)

• Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1)

• Token Ring (IEEE 802.5)

• Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4)

The cost per quote for an IT company is influenced by various cost elements.

• Labor costs: including salaries, benefits, and training for employees involved in the quoting process.

• Software and hardware costs: expenses related to the tools and technology used for generating quotes.

• Infrastructure costs: expenses for maintaining servers, networks, and other IT infrastructure required for the quoting process.

• Marketing and advertising costs: expenses for promoting the company's serv...read more

A min heap can be implemented using a priority queue, where the smallest element has the highest priority.

• Use a priority queue data structure to implement the min heap.

• Ensure that the smallest element has the highest priority.

• Implement the necessary operations like insert, delete, and extract min.

• Maintain the heap property by percolating up or down as needed.

Akamai client reputation has pros and cons in CDN services.

• Pros: Improved security by blocking malicious clients, reduced network congestion, enhanced content delivery performance.

• Cons: Potential false positives leading to blocking legitimate clients, reliance on reputation data accuracy, additional complexity in managing reputation rules.

• Example: Akamai client reputation can help prevent DDoS attacks by blocking known malicious IP addresses, improving overall network securit...read more

To troubleshoot a slow connection problem, start by checking the network infrastructure, analyzing network traffic, and testing connectivity.

• Check the network infrastructure for any hardware or software issues

• Analyze network traffic using tools like Wireshark to identify any bottlenecks or anomalies

• Test connectivity by pinging various network devices and checking for packet loss

• Check for any bandwidth limitations or congestion on the network

• Investigate the performance of DNS ...read more

epoll_wait() system call waits for events on an epoll instance

• Used in Linux for I/O event notification

• Blocks until one or more file descriptors become ready

• Returns the number of file descriptors ready for I/O operations

The MAC layer uses protocols like CSMA/CA, CSMA/CD, and TDMA to manage access to the network.

• CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) is used in wireless networks to avoid collisions.

• CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) is used in wired networks to detect and handle collisions.

• TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) is used in networks where devices are assigned specific time slots to transmit data.

Transport layer protocols facilitate the reliable transmission of data between network devices.

• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a connection-oriented protocol that ensures reliable delivery of data.

• User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a connectionless protocol that provides faster but less reliable transmission.

• Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is used for network error reporting and diagnostic functions.

• Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) is commonly used for streamin...read more

A variation of Mastermind where numbers 1-9 are used instead of colors and no repetitions are allowed.

• Use a combination of logic and deduction to guess the number

• Start by guessing a random number and use the feedback to narrow down the possibilities

• Eliminate numbers that are not possible based on the feedback received

• Continue guessing and refining until the correct number is found

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server.

• FTP works by establishing a connection between a client and a server, allowing the client to upload or download files.

• Prerequisites for using FTP include a client FTP software, a server with FTP capabilities, and valid credentials for accessing the server.

• The default port used for FTP is 21, but it can be configured to use other ports for security reasons.

The Service Console port is used for managing and configuring the network settings of a device.

• The Service Console port provides access to the device's management interface.

• It allows administrators to remotely configure and monitor the device.

• The port is typically used for tasks such as setting up network parameters, managing security settings, and troubleshooting.

• It can also be used for firmware updates and accessing diagnostic tools.

• Examples of devices with Service Console ...read more

TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that ensures reliable data delivery, while UDP is a connectionless protocol that focuses on speed.

• TCP is reliable and ensures data delivery by establishing a connection before sending data.

• UDP is faster but less reliable as it does not establish a connection before sending data.

• TCP is used for applications that require high reliability and error correction, such as web browsing and email.

• UDP is used for real-time applications like online ...read more

Prevent DDoS attack by implementing various measures

• Implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems

• Using load balancers to distribute traffic

• Blocking traffic from suspicious IP addresses

• Using content delivery networks (CDNs)

• Limiting the number of requests per IP address

• Using anti-DDoS services provided by cloud providers

• Regularly monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns

Dependency injection is a design pattern in which the dependencies of an object are provided externally rather than created within the object itself.

• In dependency injection, the dependencies of an object are injected into it from an external source, typically a framework or container.

• This helps in achieving loose coupling between classes, making the code more modular and easier to maintain.

• There are three common types of dependency injection: constructor injection, setter inj...read more

Akamai CDN is a distributed network that delivers web content efficiently by caching it on servers located closer to end users.

• Akamai CDN uses a network of servers distributed globally to cache and deliver web content.

• When a user requests content, Akamai's intelligent routing system directs the request to the nearest server.

• The server delivers the cached content to the user, reducing latency and improving performance.

• Akamai CDN also provides security features like DDoS protec...read more

The Towers of Hanoi problem involves moving a stack of disks from one peg to another, following specific rules.

• The problem consists of three pegs and a number of disks of different sizes.

• The disks are initially stacked in decreasing order of size on one peg.

• The goal is to move the entire stack to another peg, following these rules:

• 1. Only one disk can be moved at a time.

• 2. Each move consists of taking the top disk from one of the stacks and placing it on top of another stack....read more

vMotion, FT, and HA are VMware technologies for virtual machine mobility, fault tolerance, and high availability. VPXA is a vCenter Server agent.

• vMotion allows live migration of virtual machines between hosts without downtime

• FT provides continuous availability for virtual machines by creating a secondary VM that mirrors the primary VM

• HA automatically restarts virtual machines on different hosts in case of host failure

• VPXA is a vCenter Server agent responsible for managing ESX...read more

Ansible playbook to install Apache

• Create a playbook file with .yml extension

• Define hosts and remote user

• Add tasks to install Apache package

• Start Apache service

• Save and run the playbook using ansible-playbook command

Find the missing character in two strings with linear time complexity and constant space complexity.

• Iterate through both strings simultaneously and XOR the ASCII values of characters.

• The missing character will be the XOR result with the ASCII value of the last character in the longer string.

• Example: s1 = 'abcd', s2 = 'abcde', missing character is 'e'.

Virtual functions in C++ are functions that can be overridden in derived classes, allowing for polymorphic behavior.

• Virtual functions are declared using the 'virtual' keyword in the base class.

• They are used to achieve runtime polymorphism in C++.

• Derived classes can override the virtual functions defined in the base class.

• Example: class Base { public: virtual void display() { cout << 'Base class display function'; } }; class Derived : public Base { public: void display() overr...read more

Prioritize and delegate tasks, communicate with stakeholders, and work efficiently under pressure.

• Prioritize severity-1 tickets based on impact and urgency

• Delegate tasks to team members based on expertise and workload

• Communicate with stakeholders about the status and resolution of tickets

• Work efficiently under pressure to resolve tickets in a timely manner

Average load in Linux refers to the amount of work being done by the system at a given time.

• Average load is measured as a decimal number, with 1.00 representing a fully loaded system.

• It takes into account both running processes and processes waiting for resources.

• High average load can indicate a need for more resources or optimization of processes.

• Command 'uptime' can be used to check the average load on a Linux system.

A hash is a function that converts an input into a fixed-size string of bytes, typically used for data encryption and verification.

• Hash functions are used to map data of arbitrary size to fixed-size values.

• Hashes are commonly used in data structures like hash tables for quick data retrieval.

• Hashes are also used in cryptography for data encryption and verification.

• Examples of hash functions include MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256.

Design an online shopping system with catalog, payment, and notifications systems.

• Implement a user-friendly catalog system with search and filter options

• Integrate secure payment gateways for seamless transactions

• Set up automated notifications for order confirmations, shipping updates, and promotions

Segmentation is the process of dividing a larger entity into smaller parts or segments.

• Segmentation is commonly used in image processing to separate objects of interest from the background.

• It is also used in marketing to divide a target market into smaller groups based on demographics, behavior, or other factors.

• In networking, segmentation refers to dividing a network into smaller subnetworks to improve performance and security.

IP address is converted to URL through DNS resolution process involving multiple steps.

• IP address is obtained from the domain name system (DNS) server when a user enters a URL in a web browser.

• The DNS server looks up the IP address associated with the URL in its database.

• The DNS server then returns the IP address to the user's device, allowing it to establish a connection to the server hosting the website.

• For example, when a user enters 'www.google.com' in a browser, the DNS ...read more

vROps, Log Insight, and vRA are components of VMware's vRealize Suite that provide functionality for monitoring, logging, and automation.

• vROps (vRealize Operations) provides performance monitoring and capacity management for virtual and cloud environments.

• Log Insight is a log management and analysis tool that helps identify and troubleshoot issues in the environment.

• vRA (vRealize Automation) is an automation platform that enables self-service provisioning of infrastructure an...read more

To check CPU utilization and open ports in Linux, you can use commands like top, htop, netstat, and ss.

• Use 'top' command to check CPU utilization in real-time

• Use 'htop' command for a more user-friendly interface to check CPU utilization

• Use 'netstat' command to view open ports and associated processes

• Use 'ss' command as an alternative to netstat for checking open ports

A page fault occurs when a program tries to access a page of memory that is not currently in physical RAM.

• Occurs when a program tries to access a page of memory not in physical RAM

• Results in the operating system needing to retrieve the page from disk

• Can lead to a temporary pause in program execution

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet, including storage, databases, networking, software, and more.

• Cloud computing allows users to access resources on-demand without the need for physical infrastructure.

• Examples of cloud computing services include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

• Cloud computing offers scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and increased collaboration.

• Types of cloud computing inclu...read more

A hypervisor is a software that creates and runs virtual machines on a physical host machine.

• Hypervisors allow multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine

• They provide isolation between virtual machines

• Examples include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM

A volatile variable is a variable that can be modified by multiple threads simultaneously.

• Volatile variables are used in multithreading to ensure visibility of changes made by one thread to other threads.

• They are not cached in thread's local memory, but always read from main memory.

• They are typically used for flags or status variables that are accessed by multiple threads.

• Example: 'volatile boolean flag = true;'

I have used tools such as ServiceNow, Jira, and PagerDuty for incident management.

• ServiceNow

• Jira

• PagerDuty

ICMP is a protocol used for error reporting, diagnostics, and network management in IP networks.

• ICMP is used to report errors in packet delivery

• It is used for network diagnostics and troubleshooting

• ICMP messages are encapsulated within IP packets

• Examples include ping (echo request/reply) and traceroute

The average sales cycle varies depending on the industry and product/service being sold.

• The length of the sales cycle can range from a few days to several months or even years.

• Factors that can affect the sales cycle include the complexity of the product/service, the size of the company, and the decision-making process of the buyer.

• For example, a B2B software company may have a sales cycle of 6-12 months, while a B2C e-commerce company may have a sales cycle of a few days to a...read more

IOC stands for Inversion of Control and DI stands for Dependency Injection.

• IOC is a design pattern that allows the flow of control to be inverted, where the framework controls the flow of the program.

• DI is a technique where the dependencies of an object are injected into it, rather than the object creating them itself.

• IOC and DI are closely related and often used together in software development.

• Spring Framework is a popular example of a framework that uses IOC and DI.

I would like to join VMware because of their innovative technology solutions and strong reputation in the industry.

• Strong reputation in the industry for innovative technology solutions

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology

• Desire to be part of a leading company in the tech industry

Design an async system to send notifications to users

• Use a message queue system like RabbitMQ or Kafka to handle asynchronous communication

• Implement a notification service that processes and sends notifications based on user preferences

• Utilize push notifications for mobile devices and email notifications for desktop users

• Include error handling and retry mechanisms to ensure delivery of notifications

ARP protocol is used to map IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network.

• ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol.

• It is used to resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network.

• ARP is essential for communication between devices on the same network.

• Example: When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same network, it uses ARP to find the MAC address corresponding to the IP address.

Virtual base classes are used in C++ to resolve the problem of multiple inheritance and diamond problem.

• Virtual base classes are used when a class is derived from multiple classes and there is a possibility of multiple instances of a base class.

• It helps in avoiding the ambiguity caused by multiple inheritance.

• Virtual base classes are declared using the 'virtual' keyword in the base class declaration.

• They are typically used in scenarios where a derived class needs to access a ...read more

Yes, flexible shift timings can be implemented around the clock based on volumes.

• Flexible shift timings can help in efficiently managing workload based on demand.

• This approach allows for better utilization of resources and ensures coverage at all times.

• For example, during peak hours or high volume periods, additional staff can be scheduled to handle the workload.

• Conversely, during low volume periods, fewer staff can be scheduled to avoid unnecessary costs.

• Implementing a flexi...read more

Vmotion is cool because it allows live migration of virtual machines without downtime.

• Vmotion enables seamless migration of virtual machines between physical servers.

• It eliminates the need for planned downtime during server maintenance or upgrades.

• Vmotion ensures high availability and continuous operation of virtualized environments.

• It allows workload balancing and resource optimization across the infrastructure.

• With Vmotion, virtual machines can be moved across different dat...read more

Search for target value in a sorted rotated array efficiently.

• Use binary search to find the pivot point where the array is rotated.

• Then perform binary search on the appropriate half of the array to find the target value.

• Handle cases where the target value is at the pivot point or not found.

Vsphere is a virtualization technology used for managing virtual machines and resources in data centers.

• Vsphere is a product by VMware that provides virtualization solutions for data centers.

• It allows for the creation, management, and migration of virtual machines.

• Vsphere includes features like vMotion for live migration of VMs, High Availability for automatic VM restarts, and Distributed Resource Scheduler for load balancing.

• It also offers centralized management through vCen...read more

Virtual base classes are classes that are inherited virtually to avoid multiple instances of the same base class in a derived class hierarchy.

• Virtual base classes are used in multiple inheritance to prevent the Diamond Problem.

• They are declared with the 'virtual' keyword in the base class.

• When a class inherits a virtual base class, the most derived class is responsible for initializing the virtual base class.

• Example: class A is a virtual base class for classes B and C. If D i...read more

ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is a protocol used to map an IP address to a MAC address in a local network.

• ARP is used to resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses in a local network.

• It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model.

• ARP requests are broadcasted to all devices on the network.

• Example: When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same network, it uses ARP to find the MAC address corresponding to the IP address.

TELNET is a network protocol used to establish a connection with a remote computer over a network.

• TELNET stands for Telecommunication Network.

• It allows a user to log in to a remote computer and execute commands as if they were directly connected to that computer.

• TELNET operates on port 23.

• It is not secure as the data is transmitted in plain text.

• SSH (Secure Shell) is a more secure alternative to TELNET.

Prerequisites for VC and Update Manager

• VC (Virtual Center) requires a Windows Server OS and a supported database server

• Update Manager requires vCenter Server and a Windows Server OS

• Both require compatible hardware and software versions

Strength: Analytical thinking. Weakness: Public speaking.

• Strength: Analytical thinking - I have a strong ability to analyze complex data and identify patterns.

• Weakness: Public speaking - I tend to get nervous when speaking in front of large audiences.

• Example: Strength - In my previous role as an Analyst, I was able to analyze sales data and identify key trends that helped the company improve its marketing strategies.

• Example: Weakness - During a team presentation, I struggled ...read more