1Z0-811 Arrays and Methods Practice Question
A method is declared as: public static int[] generateSequence(int n) { ... }. Which return statement is valid inside this method?
⚠ Common exam trap
Oracle often tests the distinction between primitive types and array types, trapping candidates who think returning a single `int` or a literal `0` is acceptable because they overlook the `[]` in the return type.
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
✓
return new int[n];
The method's return type is `int[]`, meaning it must return a reference to an integer array. Option B, `return new int[n];`, creates an array of length `n` and returns it, which is valid. Option D, `return new int[0];`, also creates an integer array (of length 0) and returns it, which is syntactically valid as well. Options A and C are invalid because they return primitive `int` values, not `int[]` references. Therefore, both B and D are correct return statements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
return result; where result is an int variable
Why it's wrong here
Returns an `int` variable, which is a primitive, not an `int[]` array. This causes a compile-time error because the return type is `int[]`.
- ✓
return new int[n];
Why this is correct
Creates an integer array of length `n` and returns it. This is both syntactically and semantically valid for the method `generateSequence`.
- ✗
return 0;
Why it's wrong here
Returns an `int` literal `0`, which is a primitive, not an array. This causes a compile-time error.
- ✓
return new int[0];
Why this is correct
Creates an integer array of length `0` and returns it. This is syntactically valid because the return type is `int[]`; the length does not affect validity.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every 1Z0-811 question from scratch — 481 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. 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.