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12 Data Tools Questions Combined

The document outlines 12 interview questions and answers related to data cleaning and preprocessing, emphasizing the importance of preparing raw data for analysis. It covers techniques for cleaning large datasets, preprocessing steps, the use of pivot tables, and various Python libraries utilized in data analysis and model building. Additionally, it discusses the YOLOv8 object detection model and the tools used for data analysis, highlighting the choice between SQL and Python based on the data's location.

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2 views5 pages

12 Data Tools Questions Combined

The document outlines 12 interview questions and answers related to data cleaning and preprocessing, emphasizing the importance of preparing raw data for analysis. It covers techniques for cleaning large datasets, preprocessing steps, the use of pivot tables, and various Python libraries utilized in data analysis and model building. Additionally, it discusses the YOLOv8 object detection model and the tools used for data analysis, highlighting the choice between SQL and Python based on the data's location.

Uploaded by

zdtyg
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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12 Data Cleaning & Tool-Based Interview Questions with Answers

1. What is data cleaning and preprocessing, and why do we need it?

Data cleaning and preprocessing means preparing raw data so its ready for analysis or model

building. Raw data is usually messy it may have missing values, errors, duplicates, or inconsistent

formats.

We clean it to remove noise, fix structure, and make it accurate and usable.

Preprocessing includes steps like:

- Removing missing values or filling them

- Converting data types

- Removing duplicates

- Scaling or normalizing data

- Encoding text into numbers (for ML)

Its important because dirty data gives wrong results, while clean data improves model accuracy and

analysis quality.

2. How do you clean large datasets?

To clean large datasets:

- I first load the data using Pandas (if using Python) or SQL (if using a database).

- I check for missing values using isnull().sum().

- I use dropna() to remove or fillna() to replace missing values.

- I remove duplicates using drop_duplicates().

- I use str.lower() to clean text data, and convert columns to proper data types.

For huge datasets, I use chunking (processing data in parts) or SQL queries to filter and clean in
steps. SQL is faster for large databases, while Python is more flexible.

3. How do you preprocess data?

Preprocessing means preparing the cleaned data for modeling. I usually:

- Normalize or scale numeric columns

- Encode categorical columns using label encoding or one-hot encoding

- Split data into training and testing sets

- Remove outliers if needed

- Feature selection or extraction

In Python, I use scikit-learns tools for these tasks. Proper preprocessing helps the model understand

the data better and improves results.

4. What is a pivot table and why is it used?

A pivot table is an Excel tool (also in Python's Pandas) used to summarize and analyze large

datasets quickly.

For example:

- You can get average sales per region

- Count students per course

- Sum profit per product

Its useful because you can group data, apply calculations, and see patterns without writing code. I

use it often in Excel and sometimes in Pandas (pivot_table() function).

5. What Python libraries have you used and why?

Ive used:

- Pandas for data cleaning, filtering, merging, and analysis

- NumPy for handling arrays and numeric data

- Matplotlib and Seaborn for data visualization (charts and graphs)


- Scikit-learn for machine learning model building and evaluation

- OpenCV for image and video processing (used in YOLOv8 project)

These libraries are powerful and beginner-friendly. Each one plays a specific role in the data

pipeline.

6. What is model building?

Model building means training a machine learning algorithm on historical data to make predictions or

decisions.

Steps involved:

- Clean and preprocess the data

- Split into training and testing datasets

- Choose a suitable model (like Decision Tree, KNN, etc.)

- Train it using fit()

- Test and evaluate with metrics (accuracy, precision, etc.)

In my crop recommendation project, I used Scikit-learn to build a classification model that predicts

the best crop based on soil and weather inputs.

7. What is the full form of YOLOv8?

YOLO = You Only Look Once

YOLOv8 = 8th version of the YOLO model. It's an object detection algorithm that detects and

classifies objects in images or video in real time.

8. Why did you use YOLOv8 instead of YOLOv7 or YOLOv9?

I chose YOLOv8 because it was the latest stable release with better accuracy and performance than

YOLOv7.

YOLOv8 also supports better real-time detection, has built-in tracking, and is easy to integrate with

OpenCV and Python.


YOLOv9 was not yet officially released or tested widely when I did the project so YOLOv8 was the

best choice.

9. What is the use of YOLOv8 in your project?

In my project, I used YOLOv8 to detect people in public places from video input and count them in

real-time.

This helps estimate crowd density, which is useful for smart city monitoring, safety, and

management.

YOLOv8 gave fast and accurate results even on a basic system using CPU.

10. After cleaning and preprocessing, how do you analyze the data?

After cleaning and preparing the data:

- I use SQL or Pandas to filter, group, and explore

- I use Power BI or Matplotlib/Seaborn for visualizing trends, correlations, and patterns

- I create charts like bar, pie, line, scatter to present the findings

- I summarize the insights with KPIs or dashboards

These tools help explain complex data in a simple and visual way to decision-makers.

11. What tools do you use to analyze data and why?

- Python (Pandas/Seaborn) for scripting, analysis, and quick charts

- Power BI for interactive dashboards and visual storytelling

- Excel for quick pivot tables and filters

- SQL for working with databases and joining large tables

I use these because each tool has its strengths. SQL is great for raw data extraction, Python for

flexibility, and Power BI for presenting insights.

12. How do you clean data: with SQL or Python? And why?

I use both, depending on where the data is:


- If the data is in a database, I use SQL its faster for filtering large tables and doing joins.

- If the data is in a CSV or Excel, I use Python with Pandas it gives more flexibility to handle

complex cleaning steps (like text cleaning or feature engineering).

So I pick the tool based on the situation both are important in a data analysts job.

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