1Z0-811 Java Basics and Syntax Practice Question
A developer writes: if (x = 5) { System.out.println("x is 5"); } What is the result?
⚠ Common exam trap
Oracle often tests the distinction between assignment (`=`) and comparison (`==`) in conditional statements, exploiting the common misconception that Java behaves like C/C++ where an assignment expression can be used as a boolean condition.
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, the assignment operator `=` is used for assignment, not comparison. The expression `x = 5` assigns the value 5 to variable `x` and returns the assigned value (5). Since the condition in an `if` statement must be a boolean expression, and `int` cannot be implicitly converted to `boolean`, the compiler throws a compilation error. This is a fundamental syntax rule in Java, unlike in C/C++ where such an assignment would be allowed as a truthy check.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Compilation error
Why this is correct
Assignment is not boolean and cannot be used in if condition.
- ✗
Prints "x is 5" if x equals 5
Why it's wrong here
Code does not compile.
- ✗
No output
Why it's wrong here
Code does not compile.
- ✗
Prints "x is 5" always
Why it's wrong here
Code does not compile.
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