Quick Answer
The answer is no, because Java uses pass-by-value for all parameters, including primitive types like int. When an int is passed to a method, a copy of the value is made and stored in the parameter variable; any modifications inside the method affect only that local copy, not the original variable in the caller’s scope. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this concept often appears in questions that test your understanding of method parameter behavior, with a common trap being the assumption that Java uses pass-by-reference for objects. Remember, even though object references are passed by value, for primitives like int, the distinction is simpler: the caller’s argument is never changed. A useful memory tip is to think of the parameter as a separate box—you can rearrange what’s inside your box, but you cannot reach into the caller’s box.
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of java basics and syntax. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A method receives an int parameter and modifies its value inside the method. Does this change affect the caller's argument?
No, unless the parameter is marked as volatile
Why wrong: volatile does not change pass-by-value semantics.
Yes, because the parameter is an int
Why wrong: The parameter is a copy, so changes are local.
No, because Java passes a copy of the value
Primitives are copied; the original is unaffected.
Yes, because Java passes a reference
Why wrong: Primitives are passed by value, not reference.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
No, because Java passes a copy of the value
Option C is correct because Java uses pass-by-value for all parameters. When an int is passed to a method, a copy of the value is made, so modifications inside the method affect only the copy, not the original variable in the caller's scope.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
No, unless the parameter is marked as volatile
Why it's wrong here
volatile does not change pass-by-value semantics.
Yes, because the parameter is an int
Why it's wrong here
The parameter is a copy, so changes are local.
No, because Java passes a copy of the value
Why this is correct
Primitives are copied; the original is unaffected.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Yes, because Java passes a reference
Why it's wrong here
Primitives are passed by value, not reference.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the misconception that Java passes objects by reference, leading candidates to incorrectly assume primitives also allow modification of the caller's variable, but the trap here is that all Java parameters are passed by value, including primitives.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, when a method is called, the JVM pushes the argument's value onto the stack as a local variable in the new stack frame. For primitives like int, this is a direct bitwise copy (32 bits). Any reassignment inside the method changes only that stack copy, leaving the caller's variable untouched. This contrasts with object references, where the copy of the reference still points to the same object, so object state can be modified, but reassigning the reference does not affect the caller's reference.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 1Z0-811 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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FAQ
Java Basics and Syntax — This question tests Java Basics and Syntax — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: No, because Java passes a copy of the value — Option C is correct because Java uses pass-by-value for all parameters. When an int is passed to a method, a copy of the value is made, so modifications inside the method affect only the copy, not the original variable in the caller's scope.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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