1Z0-811 Java Basics and Syntax Practice Question
A developer declares an integer variable inside a method but does not assign a value. What is the result of attempting to print the variable?
⚠ Common exam trap
Oracle often tests the distinction between local variables (which must be initialized) and instance/class fields (which get default values), trapping candidates who assume all variables default to 0 or null.
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
✓
Compilation error
In Java, local variables (declared inside a method) must be initialized before use. The compiler performs definite assignment analysis and will reject code that attempts to read an uninitialized local variable, producing a compilation error. This rule ensures memory safety and prevents undefined behavior.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Prints null
Why it's wrong here
null is not a valid value for primitive int.
- ✓
Compilation error
Why this is correct
Local variables must be initialized before use.
- ✗
Prints 0
Why it's wrong here
Local variables do not have default values; only class fields do.
- ✗
Runtime exception
Why it's wrong here
The error occurs at compile time, not runtime.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 481 original 1Z0-811 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 1Z0-811 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Oracle certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 1Z0-811 exam.