Prospecta Software interview experience Real time questions & tips from candidates to crack your interview

Development Engineer

Prospecta Software

3 rounds | 10 Coding problems

Srishti Harit

Fresher | Dec 2024

Rejected

Interview preparation journey

Journey

My journey for this interview started with a strong focus on understanding the basics of Java, Spring Boot, and SQL. I worked on projects like the Electronics Management System, which provided me with hands-on experience in API development and database management. Preparing for tasks like solving the CSV formula evaluation problem further strengthened my problem-solving skills. Consistent practice, reviewing project details, and revisiting core concepts helped me build confidence.

Application story

I applied through a referral, which helped me get noticed for the position. After that, the HR reached out to me for a quick call where she asked about my background and projects. She then sent me an assignment link, which I had to submit within 2-3 days. Once I submitted the assignment, the HR contacted me again to inform me that my submission was selected, and I had moved to the next round—a technical interview. This was followed by a third round, which was also technical and conducted by the Head of Development Engineering based in Sydney. The interview was scheduled for 9 AM in the morning and lasted 30 minutes.

Preparation

Duration: 1.5 month

Topics: Java (Core concepts, OOP, multithreading), Spring Boot (REST APIs, JPA, exception handling), SQL (Joins, GROUP BY, CRUD operations), Problem-Solving (Assignment tasks and coding challenges)

Tip

Tip 1: Focus on understanding the core concepts thoroughly before diving into advanced topics; strong fundamentals make learning easier.
Tip 2: Work on hands-on projects and practice coding challenges regularly to improve problem-solving and implementation skills.

Application process

Where: Referral

Eligibility: No criteria, (Salary Package - 5 LPA)

Resume tip

Tip 1: Tailor your resume to the job description by highlighting relevant skills, projects, and experiences that align with the position you're applying for.
Tip 2: Keep your resume concise and focused—ensure it's clear, well-organized, and highlights your key achievements, such as project outcomes or technologies you've mastered.

Interview rounds

Round

Medium

Online Coding Interview

Duration120 minutes

Interview date3 Dec 2024

Coding problem0

Web problem/projects2

1. API Integration and Development Project

Using [https://fakestoreapi.com](https://fakestoreapi.com/) complete the following tasks in any language/server.

1. **Task 1:** Create an API that lists the product details (title, price, description, etc.) based on the category passed as an input parameter. Use the following endpoint to retrieve the data:

API Reference: [GET /products/category/](https://fakestoreapi.com/products/category/jewelery)

2. **Task 2:** Create an API that allows adding a new product entry with all the relevant properties. Use the following endpoint to perform the POST request:

API Reference: [POST /products](https://fakestoreapi.com/products)

3. **Question:** What are the key things you would consider when creating/consuming an API to ensure that it is secure and reliable?

2. CSV Formula Parsing and Evaluation Project

Theoretical Challenge

Suppose you have a CSV file with the data below.

A1: 5, A2: 7, A3: 9, B1: 3, B2: 8, B3: =4+5, C1: =5+A1, C2: =A2+B2, C3: =C2+B3

This can be represented in an excel sheet below:

| | A | B | C |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 5 | 3 | =5+A1 |
| 2 | 7 | 8 | =A2+B2 |
| 3 | 9 | =4+5 | =C2+B3 |

I want a program that will take the CSV input above and produce CSV output with the results. If

it is a value, then return a value. If it is a formula then calculate the formula and return the

value of that formula.

1. How will you tackle the challenge above?

2. What type of errors you would you check for?

3. How might a user break your code?

Round

Medium

Face to Face

Duration45 minutes

Interview date16 Dec 2024

Coding problem7

1. Spring Boot Advantages

Differences and Benefits of Spring Boot Over Traditional Java.

2. Garbage Collection

What is a Garbage Collection? Explain how it works, and what its purpose is, and explain the finalize() method.

3. OOP Concepts

What are OOP concepts? Explain polymorphism, inheritance, abstraction, and encapsulation. (Learn)
Please explain the difference between Runnable and Thread, and synchronization.

4. Java Concepts

Difference between List, Set, and Map.
Difference between checked vs unchecked exceptions. (Learn)
What is try-catch-finally? (Learn)

5. DBMS

What is the difference between ORDER BY and GROUP BY? (Learn)

6. DBMS

What is the difference between DELETE and TRUNCATE based on their behaviour, rollback, and whether they are DDL or DML? (Learn)

7. Spring boot

Difference between Spring and Spring Boot based on simplified configuration and embedded server. (Learn)
What are Annotations in Springboot? (Learn)
Annotations: @RestController, @Service, @Repository.
Dependency Injection. (Learn)
REST APIs: Exception handling.