Quick Answer
The answer is true. This result occurs because of the Integer autoboxing cache, a performance optimization in Java that caches Integer objects for values in the range -128 to 127. When you write Integer a = 100 and Integer b = 100, autoboxing converts each int literal to an Integer object, but both variables end up referencing the same cached instance, so the == operator, which compares object references, returns true. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this concept frequently appears as a trick question designed to test your understanding of object equality versus primitive equality—many students mistakenly expect false because they confuse == with .equals(). The common trap is assuming autoboxing always creates new objects, but the cache applies only within that specific range. For a quick memory tip, remember the mnemonic "128 is too late"—values from -128 up to 127 are cached, but anything outside that range creates distinct objects.
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.
What is the result of the following code? Integer a = 100; Integer b = 100; System.out.println(a == b);
true
Correct: both refer to same cached Integer object.
false
Why wrong: False would be for values outside cache range, e.g., 200.
Compilation error
Why wrong: Code compiles fine.
Runtime exception
Why wrong: No exception thrown.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
true
Option A is correct because Java caches Integer objects for values between -128 and 127. When autoboxing converts the int literal 100 to an Integer object, both a and b reference the same cached object. Therefore, the == operator, which compares object references, returns true.
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.
true
Why this is correct
Correct: both refer to same cached Integer object.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
false
Why it's wrong here
False would be for values outside cache range, e.g., 200.
Compilation error
Why it's wrong here
Code compiles fine.
Runtime exception
Why it's wrong here
No exception thrown.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the Integer cache behavior by using values within the cached range (like 100) to trick candidates who assume that == always compares references and would be false for Integer objects.
Detailed technical explanation
The Integer class maintains an internal cache (IntegerCache) that stores Integer objects for values from -128 to 127 by default. This cache is used during autoboxing and valueOf() calls to improve performance and memory usage. For values outside this range, new Integer objects are created, so == would return false. This behavior is specified in the Java Language Specification (JLS §5.1.7) and can be adjusted via the system property java.lang.Integer.IntegerCache.high.
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: true — Option A is correct because Java caches Integer objects for values between -128 and 127. When autoboxing converts the int literal 100 to an Integer object, both a and b reference the same cached object. Therefore, the == operator, which compares object references, returns true.
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
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.
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