Tell us about a time when you had to learn a new programming language or technology quickly. How did you approach it?
Software Engineer Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
I had to learn a new programming language when I joined my previous company. We were working on a project that required a language called Ruby on Rails. I approached it by first reading documentation and online tutorials to get a basic understanding of the language. I also reached out to other more experienced team members for guidance and asked for their recommended resources. Additionally, I attended workshops and meetups to learn from experts in the field. I dedicated a specific amount of time each day to practice writing code in Ruby on Rails and gradually took on more complex tasks as I became more comfortable with the language.
A more solid answer
During my previous role at XYZ Company, I had to quickly learn a new programming language, Kotlin, for an upcoming project. I began by familiarizing myself with the basics of the language through online tutorials and documentation. To accelerate my learning, I joined a coding bootcamp that focused on Kotlin. This hands-on experience allowed me to delve into real-world projects and collaborate with industry professionals. I also actively sought feedback from senior developers and participated in code reviews to ensure I was following best practices. Within a month, I gained enough proficiency in Kotlin to start contributing to the project. My ability to quickly adapt to new technologies not only enabled me to meet project deadlines but also enhanced my overall programming skills.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer includes specific details about the programming language (Kotlin), the candidate's approach to learning (bootcamp, online tutorials, coding projects), and the impact of their learning on the project and their skills. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and their commitment to ongoing learning.
An exceptional answer
In my previous role at ABC Company, I was assigned to a project that required me to learn a new technology stack consisting of Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB within a tight deadline of two weeks. Recognizing the urgency, I developed a comprehensive learning plan. I began by diving into online courses and tutorials to grasp the fundamentals of each component of the stack. Concurrently, I set up a personal project to practice implementing features using the new technologies. This allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical context. To deepen my understanding, I enrolled in a virtual workshop led by industry experts, where I had the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from their real-world experiences. As the deadline approached, I collaborated closely with senior developers, seeking their guidance and feedback to fine-tune my code. By the end of the two weeks, not only did I successfully deliver the project on time, but I also gained a solid foundation in the new technology stack. My ability to rapidly learn and apply new technologies was instrumental in the project's success.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing more specific details about the technology stack (Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB), the candidate's comprehensive learning plan (online courses, personal project, virtual workshop), and their collaboration with senior developers. It also highlights the impact of their learning on the project's success. This answer demonstrates the candidate's exceptional ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies in a high-pressure environment.
How to prepare for this question
- Stay updated with the latest programming languages and technologies by reading technology news and following influential bloggers and industry leaders.
- Join coding bootcamps, workshops, or online courses that focus on learning new programming languages or technologies.
- Practice implementing small projects using different programming languages to develop your problem-solving and adaptability skills.
- Seek opportunities to collaborate with experienced developers and seek feedback from them on your code and approach to learning new technologies.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Programming skills
- Learning agility
Related Interview Questions
More questions for Software Engineer interviews