Quick Answer
The answer is "Not equal" because the == operator in Java compares object references, not the actual string content. When you write String s1 = "Java", the literal is stored in the string pool, while new String("Java") creates a distinct object on the heap, so s1 and s2 point to different memory locations, making the reference equality check false. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this distinction between == and .equals() is a classic trap—many newcomers expect string content comparison but forget that == only checks if two references point to the same object. The exam frequently tests this by contrasting string literals with explicitly constructed String objects, so always look for the new keyword as a red flag. A simple memory tip: "== asks 'Are you the same object?', while .equals() asks 'Do you have the same value?'"
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 developer writes the following code to compare two strings: String s1 = "Java"; String s2 = new String("Java");
if (s1 == s2) { System.out.println("Equal"); } else { System.out.println("Not equal"); }What is the output?
Compilation error
Why wrong: Code compiles fine.
Not equal
== compares references, and they are different.
Equal
Why wrong: References are different.
Runtime error
Why wrong: Code runs without exception.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Not equal
Option B is correct because the == operator compares object references, not the actual string content. Variable s1 refers to a string literal from the string pool, while s2 is a new String object created on the heap, so they are different objects and the comparison returns false, printing 'Not equal'.
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.
Compilation error
Why it's wrong here
Code compiles fine.
Not equal
Why this is correct
== compares references, and they are different.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Equal
Why it's wrong here
References are different.
Runtime error
Why it's wrong here
Code runs without exception.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the distinction between reference equality (==) and value equality (.equals()) with String objects, trapping candidates who assume == compares the actual text content.
Detailed technical explanation
String literals in Java are interned and stored in the string constant pool, so s1 references the pooled instance. The new keyword forces creation of a new String object on the heap, even if an identical string exists in the pool. To compare string content, the .equals() method must be used, which checks character-by-character equality.
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
Java Basics and Syntax — This question tests Java Basics and Syntax — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Not equal — Option B is correct because the == operator compares object references, not the actual string content. Variable s1 refers to a string literal from the string pool, while s2 is a new String object created on the heap, so they are different objects and the comparison returns false, printing 'Not equal'.
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. Given the code: String s1 = "Java"; String s2 = new String("Java"); if (s1 == s2) { System.out.print("Equal"); } else { System.out.print("Not Equal"); } What is the output?
hardWhy D: Option D is correct because the == operator compares object references, not the actual string content. s1 is a string literal stored in the string pool, while s2 is a new String object created on the heap, so they refer to different memory locations, making the comparison false and printing 'Not Equal'.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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