Question 258 of 481
1Z0-811 Java Basics and Syntax Practice Question
A class has a static variable counter initialized to 0. Two threads increment counter 1000 times each using counter++. What is a possible final value of counter?
⚠ Common exam trap
Oracle often tests the misconception that `counter++` is atomic, leading candidates to incorrectly choose 2000, when in fact the non-atomic nature allows any value between 1000 and 2000 due to lost updates.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Any value between 1000 and 2000 inclusive
`counter++` is not an atomic operation; it consists of three steps: read, increment, and write. When two threads execute this non-atomic operation concurrently without synchronization, interleaving can cause lost updates, resulting in a final value that is less than 2000 but at least 1000 (since each thread increments at least once). The possible final value is any integer between 1000 and 2000 inclusive.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
1000
Why it's wrong here
Too low; both threads perform increments.
- ✗
0
Why it's wrong here
Impossible because each thread increments counter.
- ✗
2000
Why it's wrong here
Theoretical maximum but not guaranteed due to race condition.
- ✓
Any value between 1000 and 2000 inclusive
Why this is correct
Actual range due to race condition.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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