Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the code causes a compilation error due to a possible lossy conversion from int to short. This happens because Java performs numeric promotion on the operands in the expression `s + 5`: the `short` variable `s` is automatically promoted to an `int` to match the `int` literal, making the entire expression evaluate as an `int`. Attempting to assign that `int` result back into a `short` variable without an explicit cast triggers the compiler error, since an `int` can hold values outside the 16-bit range of a `short`. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this question tests your understanding of binary numeric promotion and assignment compatibility—a classic trap where students forget that arithmetic on smaller types always yields at least an `int`. Remember the mnemonic: "Small math makes big ints; cast back or pay the tax."
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of primitives, strings and operators. 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.
Given: short s = 10; s = s + 5; What is the result?
s = 10
Why wrong: No change, but code fails to compile.
Runtime exception
Why wrong: Compilation error occurs before runtime.
s = 15
Why wrong: Assignment requires cast; code does not compile.
Compilation fails: possible lossy conversion from int to short
s + 5 is int, cannot assign to short.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Compilation fails: possible lossy conversion from int to short
The expression `s + 5` performs arithmetic on a `short` and an `int` literal, so the result is promoted to `int`. Assigning that `int` back to a `short` variable without an explicit cast causes a compilation error because an `int` may be larger than a `short` (16-bit range), leading to possible lossy conversion. Therefore, option D is correct.
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.
s = 10
Why it's wrong here
No change, but code fails to compile.
Runtime exception
Why it's wrong here
Compilation error occurs before runtime.
s = 15
Why it's wrong here
Assignment requires cast; code does not compile.
Compilation fails: possible lossy conversion from int to short
Why this is correct
s + 5 is int, cannot assign to short.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the misconception that arithmetic on smaller numeric types (like `short` or `byte`) stays within that type, when in fact Java promotes them to `int` before the operation, causing a compilation error on assignment back without a cast.
Detailed technical explanation
In Java, binary numeric promotion automatically widens `short` to `int` when used in arithmetic operations with `int` literals (JLS §5.6.2). The `short` type is a 16-bit signed integer with a range of -32,768 to 32,767, and an `int` is 32-bit; assigning an `int` to `short` without a cast is a narrowing primitive conversion that requires an explicit cast (JLS §5.1.3). A real-world scenario where this matters is when processing sensor data stored as `short` to save memory, but arithmetic must be done with explicit casts to avoid compilation failures.
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Primitives, Strings and Operators — This question tests Primitives, Strings and Operators — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Compilation fails: possible lossy conversion from int to short — The expression `s + 5` performs arithmetic on a `short` and an `int` literal, so the result is promoted to `int`. Assigning that `int` back to a `short` variable without an explicit cast causes a compilation error because an `int` may be larger than a `short` (16-bit range), leading to possible lossy conversion. Therefore, option D is correct.
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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