34 MVC Interview Questions (With Example Answers and Tips)

Updated 22 March 2023

Developers sometimes use a model-view-controller (MVC) framework in the software or application development process. This design pattern enables them to manage the relationship between the user interface and data efficiently. If pursuing a career in web development interests you or you're applying for a job that requires you to use an MVC framework, reviewing possible interview questions can help you prepare. In this article, we list 34 MVC interview questions and provide example answers and tips to guide you.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

10 general MVC interview questions

General MVC interview questions allow a potential employer to discover more about you and understand how your MVC knowledge can benefit the organisation. Proactively preparing answers to interview questions can help you express yourself clearly and impress a hiring manager. Asking general questions gives the interviewer greater insight into your character, which can help them determine if you're a suitable candidate for the role. Here are 10 general interview questions for you to review:

Why does this position appeal to you?
What are you most passionate about?
What are some of your professional strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want to work for this company?
What do you find challenging when using an MVC framework?
What types of MVC frameworks are you familiar with?
What makes you a suitable candidate for this position?
What key skills and knowledge does using an MVC design pattern require?
How do you stay up to date with industry trends, such as new MVC features and upgrades?
What are you passionate about?

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10 questions about your experience and background

In an interview, hiring managers typically ask questions regarding your experience, skills and educational background. They may refer to your previously completed MVC projects or relevant certifications you possess. The following is a list of 10 background and experience questions for you to consider when you prepare for an interview:

Can you describe some projects you worked on using the MVC platform?
How many years of experience do you have using the MVC framework?
Describe your responsibilities in previous roles and how they relate to this position.
What other types of architectural patterns are you familiar with?
What educational qualifications do you have that make you suitable for this position?
Describe a scenario where you collaborated with other teammates on an MVC project.
How would you explain MVC to individuals who lack technical knowledge?
What programming languages are you familiar with?
What operating systems do you have experience with?
Tell me about a time you exceeded expectations. Were you rewarded, and how did it make you feel?

10 in-depth questions

Interviewers may ask in-depth questions to determine your ability to solve problems or react quickly. Situational questions also enable them to evaluate your technical knowledge of MVC projects. Here are some examples of in-depth questions a hiring manager may ask you in an interview:

How would you handle a situation in which you had several assignments due before the end of the day, and there was no conceivable way that you could complete them?
Tell me about a time an MVC project failed, and describe what would you do differently to ensure its success.
Describe an MVC project you worked on recently and your approach during each stage.
Have you used ViewState in the past?
Can you explain the beforeFilter() and afterFilter() functions?
Can you explain the difference between ViewResult and ActionResult?
What are the different return types of a controller action method in MVC?
Describe the assembly that defines the MVC framework.
How do you maintain sessions in MVC?
Can you explain partial view in MVC?

Interview questions with example answers

A hiring manager may ask you exploratory questions in an interview to evaluate how you would act in certain situations. Preparing effective responses can help you to distinguish yourself from other candidates and impress the interviewer. Here are some questions regarding MVC and example answers to guide you:

1. Can you explain the MVC application framework?

An interviewer asks this question to test your knowledge and familiarity using the MVC framework and web development process. To answer this question effectively, describe the three MVC components individually. Then explain how the components interact with each other.

Example: ‘The MVC model consists of three components: model, view and controller. These architecture components of the MVC pattern separate the business logic and presentation layer, which improves the development process. The model contains all the data logic, the view displays the model data and the controller handles user input and tells the model or view how to update itself accordingly.

2. What are the necessary steps for creating and implementing an MVC project?

Asking this question enables a hiring manager to determine whether you understand how the MVC framework operates during the project implementation process. Application and web developers deploy and implement projects frequently. Prepare a brief explanation that communicates your project planning and execution skills to the interviewer clearly and concisely.

Example: ‘After receiving a request from the browser or application, the first step is to perform a routing, which involves mapping the request to the controller action. Then you create an MVC request handler to process and manipulate data, and define a response and create and execute the controller. The final step is to invoke the requested action and render the result.'

3. What are some benefits of using MVC?

An interviewer may want to assess your knowledge of the MVC design pattern and how it compares to other framework architectures. You can answer this question effectively by explaining your familiarity with different frameworks and detailing your practical experience. To impress the interviewer, consider outlining the key benefits of MVC in relation to user experience, development and project planning in your response.

Example: ‘Using the MVC framework offers several considerable benefits. First, the MVC design pattern allows multiple users to work on a project simultaneously and permits development from the client and server sides. This enables the implementation of business logic and helps accelerate the development process. Another benefit is that the MVC architectural pattern provides a developer with guidelines on how to arrange their ideas into actual code while avoiding code duplication and simplifying the project planning and maintenance stages.'

4. How do you handle feedback regarding MVC projects?

An interviewer may ask this question to determine how you handle positive and negative feedback regarding your work performance. Developers typically work in teams, so being able to communicate effectively allows for a better exchange of ideas and cooperation between teammates, which can improve project execution. In your answer, emphasise how you use your interpersonal and active listening skills to articulate ideas and create a receptive work environment.

Example: ‘I am always receptive to positive and negative feedback. I consider myself an essential part of a work team, so I try to make my colleagues feel like their opinions matter. If a team member approaches me and offers feedback, I establish what the issue is and review my coding to see if I can make any changes or implement their ideas. I also use other resources, such as peers or programmer forums, to help me resolve the situation and achieve the team's goal.'

Interview tips

The following tips can help you make a positive impression in your interview:

Study the job description. Read the job posting and skill requirements closely to determine what qualities the employer is seeking to show you can fulfil the role's requirements.
Prepare example. Preparing examples of times when you've displayed specific skills provides opportunities to quantify your skills, which helps to establish credibility and validate your experience.
Organise a mock interview. Asking a close friend or acquaintance to help you practise delivering your answers can help you become more confident.
Prepare your own questions. Hiring managers often ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview, so preparing two or three relevant questions can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.