DataEngPrep.tech
QuestionsPracticeAI CoachDashboardPacksBlog
ProLogin
Home/Questions/Python/Coding/Stuff Function for XML Usages

Stuff Function for XML Usages

Python/Codingmedium0.4 min readPremium

**Why STUFF + FOR XML PATH:** SQL Server pattern for string aggregation pre-2017. Builds comma-separated lists, XML fragments. Replaced by STRING_AGG in modern SQL. **Syntax:** STUFF(string, start, length, replace)—replaces chars. Combined with FOR XML PATH(''): concatenates...

🤖 Analyze Your Answer
Frequency
Low
Asked at 1 company
Category
179
questions in Python/Coding
Difficulty Split
127E|24M|28H
in this category
Total Bank
1,863
across 7 categories
Asked at these companies
NAB
Key Concepts Tested
sql

Why This Question Matters

This medium-level Python/Coding question appears frequently in data engineering interviews at companies like NAB. While less common, it tests deeper understanding that distinguishes strong candidates. Mastering the underlying concepts (sql) will help you answer variations of this question confidently.

How to Approach This

Break this problem into components. Identify the core trade-offs involved, then walk the interviewer through your reasoning step by step. Demonstrate awareness of edge cases and production considerations - this is what separates good answers from great ones.

Expert Answer
75 words

Why STUFF + FOR XML PATH: SQL Server pattern for string aggregation pre-2017. Builds comma-separated lists, XML fragments. Replaced by STRING_AGG in modern SQL.

Syntax: STUFF(string, start, length, replace)—replaces chars. Combined with FOR XML PATH(''): concatenates rows into string; STUFF removes leading comma.

Scalability: FOR XML PATH scans all rows—O(n). For large aggregations (100K+ rows per group), consider CLR aggregate or application-layer concatenation. STRING_AGG is native, optimized.

SELECT STUFF((SELECT ','+name FROM t FOR XML PATH('')),1,1,'')

This answer is partially locked

Unlock the full expert answer with code examples and trade-offs

Recommended

Start AI Mock Interview

Practice real interviews with AI feedback, track progress, and get interview-ready faster.

  • Unlimited AI mock interviews
  • Instant feedback & scoring
  • Full answers to 1,800+ questions
  • Resume analyzer & SQL playground
Create Free Account

Pro starts at $24/mo - cancel anytime

Just need answers for quick revision?

Download curated PDF interview packs

Interview Packs
1,800+ real interview questions sourced from 5 top companies
AmazonGoogleDatabricksSnowflakeMeta
This answer is in the DE Mastery Vault 2026
1,863 questions with expert answers across 7 categories →

Free: Top 20 SQL Interview Questions (PDF)

Get the most asked SQL questions with expert answers. Instant download.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Related Python/Coding Questions

easyWhat are traits in Scala, and how are they different from classes?FreemediumWrite a Python function to check if a string is a palindrome.FreeeasyWhat is the difference between a list and a tuple in Python?FreeeasyExplain the difference between shallow copy and deep copy in Python.FreeeasyWrite a Python function to find the first non-repeating character in a string.Free

Want to know if YOUR answer is good enough?

Paste your answer and get instant AI feedback with a FAANG-level improved version.

Analyze My Answer — Free

According to DataEngPrep.tech, this is one of the most frequently asked Python/Coding interview questions, reported at 1 company. DataEngPrep.tech maintains a curated database of 1,863+ real data engineering interview questions across 7 categories, verified by industry professionals.

← Back to all questionsMore Python/Coding questions →