Software Engineering is an important area in the IT sector. That is to say, with managing the technical areas as well as performing complex system tasks, software engineer gets priority in the technology department of all types of organizations. However, with the growing level of technology, this role not only provides a high range salary but will help you to promote yourself to a more advanced level.
But, fitting into this role requires a good level of technical and interpersonal skills. You can do this by taking advantage of Microsoft’s different training programs, which will assist you in improving your skills to the point where you can apply for this position. Moving on to the interview process, you may begin preparing and practicing with the top Software Engineer interview questions we will discuss in this blog. So, let’s begin!
Top Software Engineer Interview Questions
1. What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering refers to the function of the structured and controlled method for developing, operating, and maintaining software. Where software can be defined as a collection of integrated programs. And, engineering refers to the application of scientific and practical knowledge for inventing, designing, building, maintaining, and improving frameworks & processes.
2. List down the main categories of software.
This include:
- Firstly, Web Applications
- Secondly, Artificial Intelligence software
- Thirdly, System software
- Then, Application software
- After that, Embedded software
- Lastly, Scientific software.
3. Name the major components to be considered in a System Model Construction.
The components include:
- Firstly, Assumption
- Secondly, Simplification
- Thirdly, Limitation
- Then, Constraints
- Lastly, Preferences
4. Can you explain what is the major role of the System Engineering Model?
System Engineering Model is for achieving the following:
- Firstly, defining the Processes that provide needs of view
- Secondly, representing the behavior of process and assumption
- Thirdly, clearly specify the Exogenous and Endogenous Input
- Lastly, representing all Linkages that enable an engineer to better understand the aspects.
5. What is a Framework?
A framework refers to a code structure in which software provides generic functionality that can be selectively replaced by additional user-written code in order for providing application-specific software.
6. What do you understand by a computer program and computer software?
A computer program refers to a section of programming code that performs a specific task. Secondly, computer software consists of programming code, documentation, and a user guide. This category comprises programs that operate, control, and extend the computer’s processing capabilities.
7. Define software re-engineering.
This is a software development method that is used to improve the maintainability of a software system. Re-engineering refers to the process of examining and modifying a system in order to reassemble it in a new form.
8. What is the software development process?
Software development is a life cycle consisting of various levels of stages like:
- Firstly, Requirement analysis
- Secondly, Specification
- Thirdly, Software architecture
- Then, Testing and Implementation
- After that, Documentation
- Lastly, Maintenance, Training, and support
9. What are the features of the software?
- Firstly, the software is engineered, not manufactured.
- Secondly, the software does not wear out.
- Thirdly, it provides flexibility, maintainability, portability, and reliability.
- Lastly, most of the software is custom-built rather than being assembled from components.
10. Explain the challenges you can face in the software?
- Firstly, duplicating legacy systems.
- Secondly, the challenge of heterogeneity
- Thirdly, delivery process times are challenging.
11. What do you understand by the software process?
A software process refers to a specified structured set of activities that are needed for developing the software system.
12. Define the internal milestones.
This can be defined as the significant and quantifiable attributes of progress. However, they basically refer to the standard methods in the project to ensure that we are on the right path. The project manager controls this.
13. What are the limitations of the RAD Model?
- Firstly, there is a need for a sufficient number of Human Resources for creating enough teams.
- Secondly, developers and Users are not committed. This in turn leads towards system failure.
- Thirdly, it is not an accurate Modularized building component which raises a problem.
- Lastly, it is not applicable for dealing with technical risk.
14. What are the limitations of a classic life cycle model?
- Firstly, real projects hardly follow the sequential flow. There is always an Iteration that creates a problem.
- Secondly, difficult for the customer to state all requirements.
- Lastly, the program’s working version is not available.
15. What are the advantages of an incremental model?
- Firstly, the incremental model can be accepted even if there are fewer users include in the project.
- Secondly, it is capable of handling the technical risks for each increment.
- Lastly, for a minimal period, at least the core product can be supplied to the user.
16. Explain the drawbacks of the spiral model?
- Firstly, it is dependent on user communication. However, if the interface is not accurate, then the software product created will not be standard.
- Secondly, it demands a huge risk assessment. However, if the risk assessment is completed correctly, then only a successful product can be acquired.
17. List out the evolutionary process models.
The models include:
- Firstly, the Incremental model
- Secondly, the Spiral model
- Thirdly, the WIN-WIN spiral model
- Lastly, Concurrent Development
18. How many SDLC models are available?
Some of the top SDLC models are:
- Firstly, Waterfall Model
- Secondly, Spiral Model
- Thirdly, the Big-bag model
- Then, Iterative Model
- Lastly, V- Model
19. Differentiate verification and validation.
- Verification refers to the set of activities that ensure that software implements a specific function.
- On the other hand, validation refers to the set of activities that ensure that software has been created according to the client’s requirements.
20. Explain the term debugging in the software development process.
Debugging is the process of identifying and correcting mistakes. This is crucial to completing effective testing.
21. How to assure that the code is secure and fast?
In software, development security refers to the topmost priority. So if the execution of the program is slow then, we will try to find the reason out ways to its time complexity.
22. Explain the following terms:
1. Stub
A stub refers to a minimal implementation of an interface that generally returns hardcoded data.
2. Mock
This is for verifying the outputs against expectations. Those expectations sets in the test.
23. Define computer software.
Computer software refers to a collection that includes a software program, its documentation, and a user guide for using the software.
24. Explain the role of a software project manager.
A software project manager responsible for controlling the software development project. They are in charge of project planning, tracking, and communication. They also look for risks and resources that will allow the project to be completed on schedule, on budget, and with high quality.
25. Explain the software scope.
Software scope refers to a specific boundary that consists of all kinds of activities that execute for developing and delivering the software product. Further, this defines the functionalities and artifacts to be delivered as a part of the software including identifying the product working and time estimation using predefined formulas.
26. What is the process of finding the size of a software product?
For this, you can use the two methods:
- Firstly, counting the lines of delivered code
- Secondly, counting delivered function points
27. Define function points.
The unit of measurement used to indicate the degree of business functionality provided by an information system to the user is called function points. Furthermore, for all program sizes, this may be the most essential parameter.
28. Name the software project estimation techniques.
The estimation techniques include:
- Firstly, the Decomposition technique
- Secondly, the Empirical technique
29. What do you understand by Software configuration management?
Software configuration management refers to the process of tracking and handling the changes that happen in the software. The SCM practices consist of revision control and the establishment of baselines.
30. Define Change control.
Change control can be defined as a function that ensures that all the modifications made into the software system are consistent and built using organizational rules and regulations.
31. What is Software Prototyping? Name some of its benefits.
Rapid software development for the purpose of validating requirements is known as software prototyping. The following are some of the advantages:
- Firstly, the prototype services are the base for developing system specifications.
- Secondly, design quality can be changed.
- Thirdly, the system can be controlled easily.
- Then, development efforts may get reduced.
- Lastly, the system usability can get advanced.
32. Name the prototyping methods in the software process.
The prototyping methods include:
- Firstly, Evolutionary prototyping. In this, the first initial prototype is arranged, and it is then corrected using the number of phases to the final stage.
- Secondly, Throw-away prototyping. This method can provide a rough practical implementation of the system. The requirement issues can be found using this implementation. After that, the system is then developed using various engineering paradigms.
33. Name some advantages of evolutionary prototyping.
- Firstly, it provides fast delivery of the working system.
- Secondly, the user is accommodated while developing the system.
- Lastly, the specification, design, and implementation work in an equivalent manner.
34. What do you understand by System Context Diagram (SCD)?
System Context Diagram (SCD) is used for creating a data boundary between the System being implemented and Environment in which the system operates. This is capable of explaining all external producers, external consumers, and entities that communicate across the customer interface.
35. What is QFD?
QFD is Quality Function Deployment which refers to a method for translating the requirements of the user into a technical requirement. This focuses on making the software engineering process as user-friendly as possible.
36. Define Requirement Engineering.
Requirement engineering can be defined as the process of creating services which the user needed from the system and constraints under which it runs and is developed.
37. Define ERD.
ERD is an Entity Relationship Diagram that refers to the graphical description of the object relationship pair. This is basically used in the database application.
38. What is a data flow diagram (DFD)?
This represents the data flow and the transforms that are applied to the data as it moves from input to output.
39. Define state transition diagram.
This is a group of states and events in which the occurrences cause the operation’s state to change. It can also be defined as activities to be conducted in response to the occurrence of specific events.
40. What do you understand about Software Quality Assurance?
Software Quality Assurance can be defined as a set of auditing and documenting functions that evaluate the effectiveness and completeness of quality control activities.
41. What is the role of CMM?
CMM stands for coordinate measuring machine that refers to a device used in the measurement of the physical geometrical characteristics of an object. An operator can handle these machines manually. Further, the measurements are specified by a probe attached to the third moving axis of this machine.
42. Define coupling.
Coupling can be defined as the significant measure of the degree to which classes are associated with one another. Further, it is important that this should remain low.
43. Explain the term cohesion?
Cohesion refers to the expression of the parallel functional strength of a section. This is basically a natural extension of Information Hiding and Performs a single task that needs little integration with other components.
44. What do you understand by modularization?
Modularization refers to a method used for dividing a software system into various discreet modules. That is expected to perform the tasks independently.
45. Name some of the software design & analysis tools.
- Firstly, Data Flow Diagrams
- Secondly, Structured Charts
- Thirdly, Structured English
- Then, Hierarchical Input Process Output diagrams
- After that, Data Dictionary
- Lastly, Entity Relationship Diagrams and Decision tables
46. Define level-0 Data flow diagram.
This refers to the highest abstraction level or it can be called context-level DFD. It represents the entire information system as one diagram by displaying n the system as a single high-level process, with its relationship to external entities.
47. What do you understand by functional programming?
This refers to a programming method that uses the concepts of a mathematical function. Further, this provides means of computation as mathematical functions that can produce results irrespective of program state.
48. Explain Quality Assurance and Quality Control.
Quality Assurance is used for checking if a proper process is followed while developing the software. On the other hand, Quality Control handles and maintains the quality of software products.
49. Define CASE tools.
CASE stands for Computer-Aided Software Engineering which refers to a set of automated software application programs used for supporting, enhancing, and strengthening the SDLC activities.
50. I want to remove the defect from the software before there is some issue, which process model should I use?
For this, you can use the cleanroom software engineering method for removing defects before the software gets into trouble.
51. What is a link between a Thread and a Process?
A process refers to an example of a computer program. However, in a single program, there can one or more threads.
52. What are EXE and DLL?
An exe refers to the extension used for an executable program. On the other hand, DLL is a file that can be loaded and executed by programs dynamically. This is an external code repository for programs. However, a DLL can be reused instead of having that code in their file.
53. Differentiate strong-typing and weak-typing.
Strong typing is for checking the types of variables at compile time. On the other hand, weak typing is for checking the types of the system at run-time. However, Strong typing comes with a feature for minimizing the bugs.
54. Define the following:
1. Interface programming
Interface-based programming, also known as interface-based architecture refers to an architectural pattern for implementing modular programming at the component level in an object-oriented programming language that does not have a module system.
2. Object-oriented programming
Object-oriented programming is a programming paradigm depending on the concept of “objects”. This can consist of data and code: data in the form of fields, and code, in the form of procedures. The main feature of objects is that an object’s own procedures can access and often change the data fields themselves.
3. Aspect-Oriented programming
This refers to segregate the code in such a manner that various objects perform the main tasks, and the subsidiary tasks are performed by independent objects. Further, it increases modularity by providing access to the separation of cross-cutting concerns.
55. Define polymorphism.
Polymorphism is a feature of object-oriented programming languages that provides access to a specific routine for using variables of several types at different times. Further, this is the ability of a programming language for presenting the same interface for several different underlying data types.
56. Define stack and queue.
- Stack refers to a box of objects that are inserted and removed following the last-in-first-out (LIFO) principle.
- And, the Queue refers to a box of objects that are inserted and removed following the first-in-first-out (FIFO) principle.
57. Can we carry out multiple catch blocks for a single try statement?
Yes, you can execute multiple catch blocks for a single try statement.
58. When is the right time for declaring a class as abstract?
This should be done,
- Firstly, when the class is inherited from an abstract class. But, not all abstract methods have been set aside.
- Secondly, when at least a minimum of one method in the class is declared as an abstract.
59. Define Software Architecture.
Software architecture refers to the basic structures of a software system that regulates the building of such structures and systems. However, each structure consists of software elements, relations among them, and properties of both elements and relations.
60. What do you understand by stamp coupling?
It can be referred to as the portion of the data structure that is passed using the module interface.
61. What is common coupling?
Common coupling occurs when several modules have access to the same global data. When changes are made, however, it can result in uncontrolled error propagation and unanticipated side effects.
62. Define External coupling.
This happens when two modules share a data format, communication protocol, or device interface that was imposed from outside.
63. What do you understand by temporal cohesion?
It can be stated when a module consists of the tasks related by the fact that all tasks must be executed within the same period.
64. What are define metrics?
Metrics refers to the degree to which a system element or process takes over a given attribute.
65. What do you understand by the COCOMO model?
COCOMO refers to the Constructive Cost Model that provides estimates of different staff months it will take to create the software product.
66. Explain Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
SDLC refers to the systematic development of software by following every stage in the development process. This includes collecting requirements, system analysis, design, coding, testing, maintenance, and documentation in a stepwise order.
67. List of some of the project management tools.
Some of the management tools used for a software project are Pert Chart, Gantt Chart, Resource Histogram, Status Reports, etc.
68. What do you understand by software requirements?
Software requirements can be defined as a functional explanation of a proposed software system. This can be the description of the features and functionalities of the target system. In other words, requirements provide and deliver the expectations of users from the software product.
69. Explain the term a feasibility study.
This is a technique for determining how useful and valuable software project development will be to the organisation. The software analyzer oversees a study to determine the project’s economic, technical, and operational viability.
- Economic. This contains training and additional costs, tools costs, and benefits of the project.
- Technical. This is for evaluating the technical aspect.
- Operational. In this, the analyst is required to examine that the organization will able to adjust smoothly to the changes done according to the demand for the project.
70. Define the following:
1. Black-Box testing
When valid input values are provided, this validates if the expected outputs are delivered. It does not, however, check the program’s actual implementation.
2. White-Box Testing
This checks desired and valid output when valid input is provided and also checks if the code is implemented correctly.
71. Name the software maintenance types.
- Firstly, Corrective. This is for resolving errors that users spot.
- Secondly, Adaptive. This stops the changes in the hardware and software environment where the software works.
- Thirdly, Perfective maintenance. This implements the modifications in existing or new requirements of the user.
- Lastly, Preventive maintenance. This takes appropriate measures for avoiding future problems.
72. What are declarative and imperative paradigms?
Declarative programming is a programming paradigm that expresses the logic of a computation without explaining its control flow. And, Imperative programming is a programming paradigm that uses statements for changing a program’s state.
73. Define Agile Software Development.
Agile software development refers to the process that concentrates on incremental delivery by the team as a whole. The project is divided into discrete chunks for completion within a set deadline, which are referred to as sprints.’ In software development, however, agile approaches entail gathering requirements and producing solutions with the help of self-organizing and cross-functional teams as well as their customers/end-users.
74. What is software testing?
Software testing refers to the process of evaluating and verifying that a software product or application’s performance. However, the benefits of testing are that it helps in preventing bugs, reducing development costs, and improving performance. This is basically used for delivering high-quality software to users.
75. Define SRS.
SRS stands for Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document which captures all the functional and non-functional requirements of a product. However, not all SDLC models are required to follow SRS documents. That is to say, some models capture requirements in the form of user stories and others in the form of excel sheets.
76. What is a Waterfall model?
The waterfall model refers to a sequential model in which the next phase starts only after the first phase is completed. The testing phase, for example, will begin only once the development phase is completed. And only once the testing phase is completed will the maintenance phase begin. However, the phases in the waterfall model are:
- Firstly, Requirements
- Secondly, Design
- Thirdly, Coding
- Fourthly, Testing
- Lastly, Maintenance
77. Explain the Requirement Phase in the waterfall model.
In this phase, the system to be developed is documented in the form of a Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document. This can be considered an important phase of SDLC. Because a clear understanding of requirements from the client will decrease the rework in the other phases.
78. Define the waterfall model design phase.
In this, the architecture of the system is finalized. However, the architecture can be in the form of a high-level design or a low-level design. This also includes the hardware and software specifications of the system to be developed.
79. Explain the coding, testing, and maintenance phase in waterfall model.
- In the coding phase, the code is written for the system. And, the unit and integration testing must be executed by the developers at this stage before deploying the code for testing.
- Then, in the testing phase, the product developed is tested by an independent testing team for validating if it meets the requirements in the Software Requirement Specification (SRS). If there any defects then they are required to be fixed before delivering the product.
- Maintenance is the final phase that takes care of any production issues that may arise after the product is delivered to the customer. The duration of the maintenance phase may change as per the project.
80. What is V-Model?
V-Model stands for the verification and validation model which is an addition to the waterfall model. Similarly, V-model is also a sequential model. In this, every phase of development is linked with a corresponding testing phase.
81. Define responsive design.
Websites that are created with responsive design use media queries for targeting breakpoints that scale images, wrap text, and adjust the layout. This is performed so that the website can reduce to fit any size of screens such as on tablets, mobiles, or desktops.
82. Differentiate fixed and fluid layouts?
- Fluid website design can be defined as when websites that are built with fluid design use percentages as relative indicators for widths.
- Fixed design can be defined as the websites that are built using fixed design depending on fixed pixel widths. While a design with fixed dimensions can sometimes be the fastest way for getting up and running as it offers a less user-friendly experience over multiple devices.
83. How to test and find bugs in an application?
For this, you can use software testing. Software testing refers to the process of evaluating and verifying that a software product or application’s performance. However, the benefits of testing are that it helps in preventing bugs, reducing development costs, and improving performance. This basically delivers high-quality software to users. Further, for finding out bugs, create sets of tests and assessments to be conducted at various development stages. This testing will confirm the functionality, and the detected defects are later recorded.
84. Define stack.
A stack refers to a linear data structure with basic operations which include:
- Firstly, push. This means the insertion of an element to the stack from the top.
- Secondly, pop. This means the removal of the latest element added to the stack.
Further, some implementations of the stack provide access to peek which refers to a function for enabling you to view an element in a stack without changing it. This uses a last-in, first-out structure so the last element added to the stack is the first element that can be removed. Lastly, they commonly implement with an array or a linked list.
85. Differentiate array and a stack.
An array doesn’t contain a fixed structure for how to add or recover data. And it stores elements of the same type. On the other hand, a stack has a strict LIFO approach (last in and first out). And, it stores elements of different types.
86. Define blocking and non-blocking calls.
- Blocking calls refers to those where the execution of additional JavaScript has to wait until a non-Javascript operation completes or finishes. For example, synchronous action.
- Non-blocking calls have the capability to execute asynchronously that provides a performance advantage.
87. Define web workers in HTML5.
JavaScript is basically single-threaded so concurrency and simultaneous operations are hard to execute and must be simulated with functions like setTimeout and setInterval. So for helping in this, Web workers in HTML5 run background scripts in a web application without blocking changes in the UI. They help in simulating multi-threading in JavaScript, thus providing access to simultaneous scripts to run.
88. Can you name the smallest building block of ReactJS?
React.js elements are the smallest building block as opposed to components or props which are larger elements.
89. Explain the microservice approach and monolithic app.
- Microservice architecture refers to a form of the service-oriented architecture structural style. This arranges an application as a collection of loosely coupled services. In this, the services are fine-grained and the protocols are lightweight.
- A monolithic application refers to a single-tiered software application in which the user interface and data access code are merged into a single program from a single platform. However, this is self-contained and independent from other computing applications.
90. When to use a catch (exception)?
Catch (exception) should only be used when the exception types are well-known.
91. How to keep track of the software requirements?
- Firstly, create a requirements specifications document for listing all of the requirements.
- Secondly, create an excel sheet for listing down the requirement, type, dependency, priority, and more.
92. Where can I find the protected class-level variable?
Protected class-level variables are available for any sub-class obtained from the base class.
93. What is important for testing the code quality?
The unit testing framework is important for testing the quality of the code.
94. Is it expensive to maintain software?
This totally depends on the development process, if it is accurate then the maintenances of software will never be expensive.
95. What are tags and branches?
Tags are used for versioning releases which are temporary holding places for doing such thing. On the other hand, branches are deleted when those changes are merged into the trunk.
96. If I want to pass the data through HTTP Headers, which data is best suitable for this?
Script and metadata can be passed through HTTP headers.
97. Define Functional Points.
Functional points are used for measuring the size of the software product. They are also used for tracking and estimating the project delivery for a business.
98. What do you understand by Baseline?
Baselines are put forward by the project managers for tracking the overall project delivery. They are placed for tracking the overall tasks listed under a phase or stage. Further, they help project managers for monitoring the overall execution of a project.
99. Define Data Dictionary.
A data dictionary is also called metadata which is used for capturing the information related to naming conventions of objects and files utilized in the software project.
100. Can you tell which SDLC model is the best?
There, is no such ranking for the SDLC models. Because the SDLC Models are adopted according to the need for the development process. This can change from software to software.
Final Words
Above, we have covered the top Microsoft software engineer interview questions best for both freshers and professionals. Becoming a Microsoft Software Engineer will not only enhance your technical skills and knowledge but will help you secure your career. That is to say, this role is important for all types of IT organizations in which you get to learn and then, move to a more advanced level. So, grab the role of a software engineer. Prepare for the interview using the above questions and share your experience as well as your doubts in the comments section.
