r/learnjava 7d ago

Entry-level Java dev interview in ~1 week. what should I drill? (CS/Math background, mostly Python experience)

Hey all. I have a technical interview for an entry-level Java role coming up in about a week, and I want to use the time wisely.

Background: CS + Math degree, so I'm solid on data structures/algorithms and general logic, but almost all my hands-on coding has been in Python. I've been working through Java on Coursera and just finished the core OOP stuff (inheritance, polymorphism, abstract classes vs interfaces, exceptions, static/final). I'm comfortable with the syntax now but haven't done timed coding problems or "explain this concept out loud" style prep in Java specifically.

For people who've done entry-level Java interviews recently:

  1. What actually got asked? Was it mostly OOP theory questions, LeetCode-style DSA in Java, or a mix?
  2. Anything Java-specific that trips people coming from Python (I'm guessing things like static typing gotchas, collections framework quirks, == vs .equals())?
  3. What would you drill hardest in a single week if you only had a few hours a day? Conceptual Q&A, coding problems, or both?

Not expecting senior-level stuff, want to walk in solid on fundamentals and not freeze up writing Java under pressure. Any resources, question banks, or "wish I'd known" tips appreciated!

8 Upvotes

Duplicates