Top 25 Web Developer Interview Questions for Freshers (With Real Answers & Zero Fluff)
So, you’re about to walk into your first web developer interview and you’re sweating bullets? Relax, we’ve all been there. Interviews are nerve-wracking but hey, you gotta start somewhere. Here’s a (very real) cheat sheet of the most common interview questions you’ll probably get, plus how to not sound like a total robot when you answer them.
1. Basic Web Dev Stuff
1. What’s the difference between HTML and HTML5?
Alright, so HTML4 is like that old Nokia phone—gets the job done, but don’t expect it to play YouTube. HTML5 is the cool upgrade. You get native support for audio, video, some shiny new tags (like <video>, <audio>, <canvas>). It’s got better form elements, makes offline storage possible, and is just generally less annoying.
2. Explain the CSS Box Model.
Think of it like a Russian doll, but for web pages. You’ve got your content, wrapped in padding (like bubble wrap), then a border (like duct tape), and then margin (space so your element isn’t clingy with its neighbors). That’s the box model. Simple, right?
3. How can you add CSS to HTML?
Three ways, pick your poison:
– Inline: style=”color: red;” slapped right onto your tag (don’t do this unless you’re in a rush).
– Internal: <style> in the head (okay for small stuff).
– External: link to a .css file (this is what cool kids do).
2. JavaScript Questions That Always Come Up
4. What’s JavaScript, and how is it different from Java?
JavaScript is like the extroverted cousin—runs in the browser, handles all the dynamic stuff. Java is the serious, older sibling—compiled, runs on servers, powers banking apps and boring corporate stuff.
5. What the heck is a closure?
Closures let a function remember stuff from its parent function, even after the parent’s done running. Like, it’s got a secret stash of variables. For example:
function outer() {
let name = “John”;
function inner() {
console.log(name);
}
return inner;
}
const myFunc = outer();
myFunc(); // Prints “John”. Magic!
6. let, var, const—what’s the diff?
– var: Old-school, function-scoped, can be redeclared and is kinda messy.
– let: Block-scoped, can’t redeclare in the same block, cleaner.
– const: Like let but you can’t reassign it. If you try, JavaScript yells at you.
3. Frontend Questions (where things get flashy)
7. == vs === in JavaScript?
– == is chill, doesn’t care about type. 1 == “1” is true.
– === is strict, wants type and value to match. 1 === “1” is false.
8. What are media queries in CSS?
Responsive design’s best friend. With media queries, your site doesn’t look like a hot mess on mobile. For example:
@media (max-width: 768px) {
body {
background: lightblue;
}
}
9. What’s React.js and why does everyone talk about it?
React is a JS library for building interfaces with reusable components. It uses a virtual DOM to make updates super fast. Facebook made it, and now it’s everywhere.
4. Backend & Database Stuff
10. Node.js—what is it?
Node lets you run JavaScript on the server. No more just browser stuff. Backend, APIs, whatever—Node’s got you.
11. REST API—explain it like I’m five.
REST is a way for web services to talk using HTTP verbs (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE). Basically, it’s how your front-end and back-end DM each other.
12. SQL vs NoSQL?
– SQL (like MySQL, Postgres): Structured, tables, boring but reliable.
– NoSQL (MongoDB, Firebase): Documents/collections, flexible, more “startup vibes”.
5. Problem Solving & Logic
13. How do you make a website load faster?
– Cut down HTTP requests.
– Use CDN and caching.
– Compress images.
– Minify your files (CSS, JS).
14. GET vs POST?
– GET: For fetching data, params show up in the URL (not for secrets).
– POST: For sending data, more secure, params aren’t in the URL.
15. How do you debug JavaScript?
– console.log() everywhere—classic move.
– Use browser DevTools (hit F12, poke around).
– Throw in a debugger; statement if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for Absolute Beginners
✅ Code on LeetCode, HackerRank, whatever—just practice.
✅ Build side projects. Even a to-do app counts.
✅ Nail your basics: HTML, CSS, JS, React, Node. Don’t just memorize—try stuff out.
Final Thoughts
Look, landing your first web dev gig is tough, but the more you practice, the less you’ll sweat. Don’t just cram theory—get your hands dirty building stuff. You’ll sound a lot more confident (and less like you just copy-pasted answers from the internet… even if you did).
Good luck out there. Knock ‘em dead! 🚀
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“Going for a web dev interview? Here are 25 must-know interview questions for freshers, with honest answers on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node, and more!”
