SDE (Software Development Engineer)

10+ SDE (Software Development Engineer) Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

Updated 3 Jul 2025
search-icon
6d ago

Q. How would you design a text editor like notepad, focusing on the insert, delete, and search functionalities? What data structures would you use to efficiently implement these features, assuming other functional...

read more
Ans.

Designing a text editor requires efficient data structures for insert, delete, and search operations.

  • Use a linked list to represent lines of text, allowing efficient insertions and deletions.

  • For searching, maintain an index or use a hash map to quickly locate specific words or phrases.

  • Consider using a gap buffer for efficient insertions and deletions within a single line of text.

  • Implement a trie for efficient prefix searching, which can enhance search functionality.

5d ago

Q. Given a binary search tree, print the path which has the sum equal to k and has minimum hops. That is, if there are multiple paths with the sum equal to k then print the path with the minimum number of nodes.

Ans.

Given a binary search tree, print the path with sum k and minimum hops.

  • Traverse the tree using DFS and keep track of the current path and its sum.

  • If the current sum equals k, compare the current path with the minimum path found so far.

  • If the current sum is greater than k, backtrack to the previous node and continue traversal.

  • If the current sum is less than k, continue traversal.

  • Return the minimum path found.

  • Time complexity: O(nlogn) for balanced tree, O(n^2) for skewed tree.

Asked in Jio

6d ago

Q. Given a sorted array, print all the elements that are not present in the array and state the time and space complexity of the algorithm.

Ans.

Print all elements not present in a sorted array with time and space complexity.

  • Iterate through array and print missing elements

  • Use binary search for faster search

  • Time complexity: O(n log n)

  • Space complexity: O(1)

Asked in Jio

2d ago

Q. Write a program to print all the elements not present in an unsorted array and analyze the time and space complexity of the algorithm.

Ans.

Print all elements not present in an unsorted array and give time and space complexity.

  • Iterate through array and use a hashset to keep track of seen elements.

  • Print elements not in hashset.

  • Time complexity: O(n), Space complexity: O(n)

Are these interview questions helpful?

Q. What is Agile methodology and what are its advantages over the waterfall model?

Ans.

Agile is an iterative approach to software development that emphasizes flexibility and customer satisfaction.

  • Agile involves breaking down projects into smaller, more manageable chunks called sprints.

  • It prioritizes collaboration between developers, customers, and stakeholders.

  • It allows for changes and adjustments to be made throughout the development process.

  • It promotes continuous delivery and improvement.

  • Advantages over waterfall model include faster time to market, increased...read more

5d ago

Q. Given two linked lists, each representing a number, create a linked list that represents their sum.

Ans.

Create a linked list that contains the sum of two given linked lists representing numbers.

  • Traverse both linked lists simultaneously and add the corresponding nodes' values. If the sum is greater than 9, carry over the 1 to the next node.

  • If one linked list is longer than the other, add the remaining nodes to the sum.

  • Create a new linked list with the sum in reverse order.

SDE (Software Development Engineer) Jobs

Teamware Solutions ( A division of Quantum Leap Co     nsulting Private LTD). logo
MySQL 2-5 years
Teamware Solutions ( A division of Quantum Leap Co nsulting Private LTD).
0.0
₹ 6 L/yr - ₹ 43 L/yr
(AmbitionBox estimate)
India
Teamware Solutions ( A division of Quantum Leap Consulting Private LTD). logo
MySQL 2-5 years
Teamware Solutions ( A division of Quantum Leap Consulting Private LTD).
0.0
₹ 6 L/yr - ₹ 24 L/yr
(AmbitionBox estimate)
Chennai
Teamware Solutions ( A division of Quantum Leap Consulting Private LTD). logo
MySQL 2-5 years
Teamware Solutions ( A division of Quantum Leap Consulting Private LTD).
0.0
₹ 3 L/yr - ₹ 53 L/yr
(AmbitionBox estimate)
Bangalore / Bengaluru

Q. Explain the Waterfall model, including its advantages and disadvantages.

Ans.

Waterfall model is a linear sequential approach to software development.

  • Advantages: clear and well-defined stages, easy to understand and manage, suitable for small projects with stable requirements

  • Disadvantages: inflexible, difficult to make changes once a stage is completed, testing is done only at the end, not suitable for large or complex projects

  • Stages: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, maintenance

  • Example: building a house, where each s...read more

Q. What Software Development Models are you familiar with?

Ans.

Different software development models

  • Waterfall model

  • Agile model

  • Spiral model

  • V-model

  • Iterative model

  • RAD model

  • Prototype model

  • Incremental model

Share interview questions and help millions of jobseekers 🌟

man-with-laptop
3d ago

Q. Given a rotated sorted array, find an element in it.

Ans.

Finding an element in a rotated array

  • Identify the pivot point where the array is rotated

  • Divide the array into two sub-arrays based on the pivot point

  • Perform binary search on the appropriate sub-array to find the element

  • Handle edge cases like when the element is at the pivot point

Asked in TCS

4d ago

Q. Explain SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle).

Ans.

SDLC is a process followed by software development teams to design, develop and test high-quality software.

  • SDLC consists of several phases including planning, analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

  • Each phase has its own set of deliverables and objectives.

  • SDLC models include Waterfall, Agile, and DevOps.

  • SDLC helps ensure that software is developed efficiently, on time, and within budget.

  • SDLC also helps ensure that software meets the needs of stake...read more

Asked in Cisco

4d ago

Q. Given a string, find the first unique character and optimize the solution.

Ans.

Find unique character from a string and optimize it

  • Use a hash table to store the frequency of each character in the string

  • Iterate through the hash table to find the character with frequency 1

  • If there are multiple characters with frequency 1, return the first one

  • Optimization: Stop iterating through the hash table once a character with frequency 1 is found

Asked in Ericsson

4d ago

Q. What is a database, and can you explain it?

Ans.

A database is a collection of organized data that can be easily accessed, managed, and updated.

  • A database stores data in tables with rows and columns

  • It allows for efficient data retrieval and manipulation

  • Examples include MySQL, Oracle, and MongoDB

Asked in Infosys

2d ago

Q. Dictionaries in python

Ans.

Dictionaries are a built-in data type in Python used to store key-value pairs.

  • Keys must be unique and immutable.

  • Values can be of any data type.

  • Access values using keys.

  • Add or modify values using keys.

  • Use the 'in' keyword to check if a key exists in the dictionary.

  • Use the 'len()' function to get the number of key-value pairs in the dictionary.

Interview Experiences of Popular Companies

TCS Logo
3.6
 • 11.1k Interviews
Infosys Logo
3.6
 • 7.9k Interviews
Amazon Logo
4.0
 • 5.4k Interviews
Google Logo
4.4
 • 896 Interviews
Oracle Logo
3.7
 • 894 Interviews
View all
interview tips and stories logo
Interview Tips & Stories
Ace your next interview with expert advice and inspiring stories

Calculate your in-hand salary

Confused about how your in-hand salary is calculated? Enter your annual salary (CTC) and get your in-hand salary

SDE (Software Development Engineer) Interview Questions
Share an Interview
Stay ahead in your career. Get AmbitionBox app
play-icon
play-icon
qr-code
Trusted by over 1.5 Crore job seekers to find their right fit company
80 L+

Reviews

10L+

Interviews

4 Cr+

Salaries

1.5 Cr+

Users

Contribute to help millions

Made with ❤️ in India. Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved © 2025 Info Edge (India) Ltd.

Follow Us
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Profile Image
Hello, Guest
AmbitionBox Employee Choice Awards 2025
Winners announced!
awards-icon
Contribute to help millions!
Write a review
Write a review
Share interview
Share interview
Contribute salary
Contribute salary
Add office photos
Add office photos
Add office benefits
Add office benefits