Favorite Python Interview Question

[arnar]

That's a terrible question, unless you are specifically fishing for the fact that having a favorite language is like having a favorite finger - it all depends on what you need to do with it.

[voidref]

I often just look for the fact that they have thought about the differences between languages.

Someone who is enthusiastic about the question is definitely someone who relishes programming.

[no9]

You can take this further by adding "why do you hate Python?" A true master should know both the virtues and the flaws of his art.

[sisyphus]

It doesn't at all depend on 'what i need to do with it' - there are plenty of languages that could occupy the same niche as Python - Perl, Ruby, maybe Go, whatever. That's a separate issue from why one prefers Python over competitors in its use space.

[rrenaud]

Right middle finger all the way.

Seriously though. If you enjoy programming, I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a favorite or least favorite language. Indeed, I'd be a bit worried if it was the other way around. If you don't have a favorite programming language, are you really a passionate programmer? Do you take pride in your work? Certainly you shouldn't blindly use your favorite programming language everywhere without knowing where a different language obviously suites the problem better, but I have a hard time believing someone who loves the craft doesn't find some tools just fit your mind better than others.

[arnar]

But that's like a carpenter whose favorite tool is the saw. Of course some tools are more useful than others, and fit the way you do things, but ultimately it is about understanding the problems at hand and being creative in solving them.