- A
Compilation fails
Why wrong: Incorrect.
- B
0
Why wrong: Incorrect.
- C
2
Why wrong: Incorrect.
- D
1
Correct because post-increment returns original.
Quick Answer
The answer is 1. This occurs because the Java post-increment operator in the expression i = i++ first stores the current value of i (which is 1) for the assignment, then increments i to 2, but finally assigns the stored original value back to i, effectively overwriting the increment. This classic Java i = i++ post increment assignment trap tests your understanding of operator precedence and the difference between post-increment and pre-increment, a concept frequently examined on the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam. Many candidates mistakenly expect 2, but the key is that post-increment returns the original value before incrementing, and the assignment happens after that return value is captured. For the exam, remember that i = i++ is a no-op—it leaves i unchanged. A simple memory tip: "Post-increment gives the old value first, then increments; assignment uses that old value, so the increment is lost."
1Z0-811 Primitives, Strings and Operators Practice Question
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 output of: int i = 1; i = i++; System.out.println(i);
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
1
Option D is correct because in Java, the expression `i = i++` uses the post-increment operator, which first stores the current value of `i` (1) for the assignment, then increments `i` to 2, but the stored original value (1) is then assigned back to `i`. Thus, `i` remains 1, and the output is 1.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Compilation fails
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
- ✗
0
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
- ✗
2
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
- ✓
1
Why this is correct
Correct because post-increment returns original.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume `i++` always increments the variable before the assignment, leading them to choose 2, but they miss that the post-increment operator returns the original value for the expression, which is then assigned back.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `i = i++` involves a temporary variable: the JVM evaluates `i++` by copying the current value of `i` (1) onto the operand stack, increments the local variable `i` to 2, then assigns the stack value (1) back to `i`. This behavior is defined by the Java Language Specification (JLS §15.14.2). In real-world code, such constructs are discouraged because they lead to confusing semantics; a common scenario is accidentally using post-increment in an assignment, which can cause subtle bugs in loop counters or index calculations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this 1Z0-811 question test?
Primitives, Strings and Operators — This question tests Primitives, Strings and Operators — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 1 — Option D is correct because in Java, the expression `i = i++` uses the post-increment operator, which first stores the current value of `i` (1) for the assignment, then increments `i` to 2, but the stored original value (1) is then assigned back to `i`. Thus, `i` remains 1, and the output is 1.
What should I do if I get this 1Z0-811 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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