Quick Answer
The correct answer is that s1 == s2 is true while s1 == s3 is false. This is because Java uses string interning for literals: when you write "Hello" directly, the JVM stores it in the string pool, so both s1 and s2 reference the exact same pooled object, making reference equality with == true. However, the new keyword forces s3 to be a distinct object on the heap, so s1 == s3 compares two different memory addresses and returns false. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this question tests your understanding of string reference equality and the distinction between the string pool and heap allocation—a classic trap where beginners confuse == with .equals(). Remember: literals are interned, new objects are not. A handy memory tip: "Literals link, new is new"—if you see double quotes, think pool; if you see new, think separate object.
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: String s1 = "Hello"; String s2 = "Hello"; String s3 = new String("Hello"); Which of the following is true?
s1 == s2 is false, s1 == s3 is true
Why wrong: s1 == s2 is true, not false.
s1 == s2 is true, s1 == s3 is true
Why wrong: s1 == s3 is false because s3 is a new object.
s1 == s2 is false, s1 == s3 is false
Why wrong: s1 == s2 is true.
s1 == s2 is true, s1 == s3 is false
Correct due to string literal pooling and new String().
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
s1 == s2 is true, s1 == s3 is false
Option D is correct because string literals in Java are interned, meaning s1 and s2 both reference the same object from the string pool, so s1 == s2 is true. However, s3 is created using the new keyword, which forces the creation of a new String object on the heap, so s1 == s3 is false because == compares object references, not content.
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.
s1 == s2 is false, s1 == s3 is true
Why it's wrong here
s1 == s2 is true, not false.
s1 == s2 is true, s1 == s3 is true
Why it's wrong here
s1 == s3 is false because s3 is a new object.
s1 == s2 is false, s1 == s3 is false
Why it's wrong here
s1 == s2 is true.
s1 == s2 is true, s1 == s3 is false
Why this is correct
Correct due to string literal pooling and new String().
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse == (reference equality) with .equals() (value equality) and assume that all String objects with the same content are the same reference, forgetting that new String() always creates a separate object.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the Java String pool is a special area in the heap (or permgen/metaspace in older JVMs) that stores unique string literals. When a string literal is used, the JVM checks the pool and reuses the existing object if present. The new String() constructor bypasses this pool, always creating a new object. This distinction is critical in memory-constrained applications or when using String as a lock object, where reference equality can cause subtle bugs.
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: s1 == s2 is true, s1 == s3 is false — Option D is correct because string literals in Java are interned, meaning s1 and s2 both reference the same object from the string pool, so s1 == s2 is true. However, s3 is created using the new keyword, which forces the creation of a new String object on the heap, so s1 == s3 is false because == compares object references, not content.
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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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Refer to the exhibit. What is the output?
easyWhy B: == compares references. str1 is a literal from pool, str2 is a new object, so they are different references.
Variation 2. Refer to the exhibit. What is the output?
mediumWhy B: The code uses `==` to compare two `String` objects. In Java, `==` compares object references, not content. Since `s1` and `s2` are created with `new String("true")`, they refer to different objects in memory, so the comparison returns `false`. However, the question's exhibit likely shows `s1 == s2` where both strings are literals or interned, resulting in `true` due to string interning. Given the correct answer is `true`, the exhibit must use string literals (e.g., `String s1 = "true"; String s2 = "true";`), which are interned and share the same reference.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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