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? Core C Programming (Logic & Concepts)

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? Core C Programming (Logic & Concepts)

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raguleceskct
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© © All Rights Reserved
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🧠 Core C Programming (Logic & Concepts)

1. What is a pointer in C?

Answer: A pointer is a variable that stores the address of another variable.

CopyEdit

int a = 10;

int *p = &a; // p points to the address of a

2. What is the difference between call by value and call by reference?

Answer:

Call by value: Passes a copy of the variable (changes don’t affect original).
Call by reference: Passes the address (changes affect the original).

3. What is a dangling pointer?

Answer: A pointer pointing to a memory location that has been freed or deleted.

4. What is the difference between structure and union in C?

Answer:

Structure: Allocates memory for all members.


Union: Allocates memory for the largest member only, shared by all.

5. What is the use of typedef in C?

Answer: Used to create alias names for data types.

CopyEdit

typedef unsigned int uint;

6. Write a C program to reverse a string without using strrev().

CopyEdit

void reverse(char *str) {

int i, len = strlen(str);


for (i = 0; i < len/2; i++) {

char temp = str[i];

str[i] = str[len - i - 1];

str[len - i - 1] = temp;

🔌 Embedded Systems Basics


7. What is an embedded system?

Answer: A specialized computer system designed to perform dedicated functions within a larger
system (e.g., microwave, pacemaker).

8. What is the difference between microcontroller and microprocessor?

Answer:

Feature Microcontroller Microprocessor

Components CPU + RAM + ROM + I/O Only CPU

Applications Embedded systems General computing

9. What is the use of watchdog timer?

Answer: It resets the system if the software becomes unresponsive or hangs.

10. Explain GPIO pin configuration.

Answer: GPIO pins can be configured as input or output to interface with sensors, LEDs, switches,
etc., usually via register settings.

📡 Communication Protocols
11. Explain the differences between I2C, SPI, and UART.
Feature I2C SPI UART

Wires 2 (SDA, SCL) 4 (MISO, MOSI, 2 (TX, RX)


SCLK, SS)

Speed Moderate Fast Moderate

Sync Yes Yes No

Devices Multiple Multiple (limited) Point-to-point

12. What is DMA?

Answer: Direct Memory Access allows peripherals to access memory without involving the CPU,
increasing performance.

⚙️ RTOS & Real-Time Concepts


13. What is an RTOS?

Answer: A real-time operating system is designed to process data and respond within a strict time
deadline.

14. What are semaphores and mutex?

Answer:

Semaphore: Signaling mechanism used to control access to a shared resource.


Mutex: Mutual exclusion, used for locking resources between threads.

15. Difference between task, process, and thread?

Answer:

Task (RTOS): A basic unit of work (like a lightweight thread).


Thread: A lightweight sub-process sharing the same memory.
Process: An independent program with its own memory.

💻 Memory & Optimization


16. What is stack vs heap memory?

Answer:

Stack: Used for static memory allocation (function calls, local vars).
Heap: Used for dynamic memory (malloc, free).

17. What is memory leak?

Answer: When memory is allocated but not properly deallocated (free), causing the program to use
more and more RAM over time.

🛠️ Debugging & Development


18. How do you debug embedded code?

Answer:

Using JTAG/SWD debugger


UART/Serial log outputs
LEDs for status indication
Simulation and emulation tools

19. What tools do you use for development?

Answer:

Keil, MPLAB, STM32CubeIDE, IAR, Atmel Studio


Hardware: Oscilloscope, Logic analyzer, Multimeter
Protocol analyzer for I2C/SPI/UART

📁 Project-Based Questions
20. Explain your academic project.

Answer Format:

What problem it solves


Hardware/software used (mention MCU, language, tools)
Communication protocol (if any)
Your role (coding, testing, circuit, etc.)

🗣️ HR Round Questions
21. Tell me about yourself.

Answer Tip: Start with your education, project work, any internship, technical interests, and
strengths.

22. Why do you want to join HCL?

Answer: HCL is a leading tech company with global opportunities, strong embedded systems
projects, and a learning-friendly environment where I can grow technically and contribute
meaningfully.
23. Are you ready to relocate or work in any domain?

Answer: Yes, I am flexible and open to relocate or work in any domain where I can learn and
contribute.

24. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Answer:

Strengths: Quick learner, strong in C, good at debugging.


Weakness: Sometimes overthink logic—but I’m improving by writing more clean code.

25. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Answer: I see myself as a key embedded system developer, possibly leading a team, contributing to
real-time products, and continuing to grow in software-hardware integration.

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