1Z0-811 Arrays and Methods Practice Question
A method is declared as 'public void printElements(int... numbers)'. Which invocation will cause a compilation error?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly think an array initializer like `{1,2,3}` can be used anywhere an array is expected, but in Java it is only valid in declarations or with `new` — not as a standalone method argument.
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
✓
printElements({1,2,3});
The syntax `{1,2,3}` is an array initializer that can only be used in a variable declaration or as part of an array creation expression (e.g., `new int[]{1,2,3}`). It cannot be passed directly as an argument to a varargs method. The varargs parameter `int... numbers` expects either a sequence of `int` values or an `int[]` array reference, but not an anonymous array initializer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
printElements({1,2,3});
Why this is correct
The provided invocation `printElements({1,2,3});` will cause a compilation error. Array initializer syntax, such as `{1,2,3}`, is exclusively permitted during the declaration of an array (e.g., `int[] arr = {1,2,3};`). It cannot be used directly as a standalone expression or as an argument within a method call. Although the `int... numbers` varargs parameter internally accepts an `int[]`, the compiler requires either individual `int` values or an already instantiated `int[]` object. The given syntax is not a valid way to create an anonymous array for method arguments.
- ✗
printElements(1, 2, 3);
Why it's wrong here
Valid varargs invocation with multiple ints.
- ✗
printElements();
Why it's wrong here
Valid varargs invocation with zero arguments.
- ✗
printElements(new int[]{1,2,3});
Why it's wrong here
Valid varargs invocation with an array.
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