Python for whiteboard interviews

ASRC Federal / Eng
Faces

Go to company page ASRC Federal Eng

Faces
Nov 9, 2019 17 Comments

Is it frowned upon to use Python on the whiteboard? Do you get “bonus points” for using a language like java/C? I am a new grad and happy where I work but I’m getting into a habit of Leetcoding for the future.

TC 94
YOE < 1

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 17 Comments
  • Uber
    2muchblind

    Go to company page Uber

    2muchblind
    If anyone tells you Java only or C++ only they are really stupid. Good developers are good developers. Python is the way to go for interviews.
    Nov 10, 2019 5
    • Apple
      A213

      Go to company page Apple

      A213
      Sometimes some roles demand proficiency in certain languages. In those cases, it makes sense for you to know that language otherwise, the ramp up time for you would be too much which the team cannot afford. BTW, it’s not entirely true that if you are a good developer in python/javascript or some other high level language, you’re a good C++ or C developer. Coding well in low level languages require you to have in-depth knowledge in systems.
      Nov 10, 2019
    • Uber
      2muchblind

      Go to company page Uber

      2muchblind
      ^ Sure, it’s not common but it does happen. But then it makes more sense to ask language-specific nuance questions and algorithm problems separately.

      I’m talking about using Python for algorithm puzzle problems where it’s a vast advantage over using Java/C++ etc.
      Nov 10, 2019
  • Apple
    A213

    Go to company page Apple

    A213
    It depends on the requirements of the role. If you’re interviewing for a low level systems role, of course it would be frowned upon since python is a very high level language and does not depict your knowledge of computer systems. On the other hand, if you are applying for an ML engineering role,
    coding in python is just fine. In general, it is a good idea to know a low level language like c/c++ and a high level language such as java/python.
    Nov 9, 2019 1
    • ASRC Federal / Eng
      Faces

      Go to company page ASRC Federal Eng

      Faces
      OP
      That makes sense, thanks for your input. I primarily work with java but I’m familiar with python so that’s what I’ve been using on LC. My main focus is backend development where the language could be just about anything
      Nov 10, 2019
  • Google
    hurhurhur

    Go to company page Google

    hurhurhur
    I always do interviews in Python unless it's a memory management problem. Of the 6 companies where I had onsites this year, I got offer from all
    Nov 10, 2019 2
  • Amazon
    de5i

    Go to company page Amazon

    BIO
    Just taking it easy
    de5i
    It’s expected that you whiteboard on any language mentioned in job description. If both python and java are in description, I’m cool with whatever candidate prefers.
    Nov 9, 2019 1
  • Google

    Go to company page Google

    since it depends on the team and company, why not make a poll to gauge the distribution by %s?
    Nov 9, 2019 0