Quick Answer
The answer is that both passing an anonymous array created with `new int[]{1,2,3}` directly to a method and passing a declared array variable like `arr` initialized with `{1,2,3}` are valid syntaxes for passing an array to a method in Java. The first option works because `new int[]{1,2,3}` is an anonymous array creation expression that instantiates an array object on the fly without needing a named variable, making it ideal for inline method arguments. The second option is the standard approach: you declare an array variable, assign it an array initializer (which is only allowed in a declaration), and then pass that reference to the method. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this tests your understanding of array creation contexts and method parameter passing, with a common trap being that you cannot use an array initializer like `{1,2,3}` directly as a method argument outside of a declaration—it must be wrapped in `new int[]{}`. Remember: if you see curly braces without `new`, they must be part of a variable declaration; otherwise, always use the anonymous array syntax.
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of arrays and methods. 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.
Which TWO are valid ways to pass an array to a method in Java?
myMethod(new int[]{1,2,3});
Correct anonymous array creation.
int[] arr = {1,2,3}; myMethod(arr);
Passing the array reference.
myMethod(1, 2, 3);
Why wrong: Method expects an array, not individual ints.
myMethod(int[] {1,2,3});
Why wrong: Missing 'new' keyword; should be new int[]{1,2,3}.
myMethod(new int[5] {1,2,3,4,5});
Why wrong: Cannot specify size when using initializer.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
myMethod(new int[]{1,2,3});
Option A is correct because `new int[]{1,2,3}` is an anonymous array creation expression that creates a new int array and passes it directly to the method. This syntax is valid in Java for passing an array literal without a variable. Option B is correct because it declares an array variable `arr` initialized with an array initializer `{1,2,3}` (which is allowed only in a declaration statement) and then passes that reference to the method, which is a standard way to pass an array.
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.
myMethod(new int[]{1,2,3});
Why this is correct
Correct anonymous array creation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
int[] arr = {1,2,3}; myMethod(arr);
Why this is correct
Passing the array reference.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
myMethod(1, 2, 3);
Why it's wrong here
Method expects an array, not individual ints.
myMethod(int[] {1,2,3});
Why it's wrong here
Missing 'new' keyword; should be new int[]{1,2,3}.
myMethod(new int[5] {1,2,3,4,5});
Why it's wrong here
Cannot specify size when using initializer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse array initializer syntax with array creation syntax, mistakenly thinking `int[] {1,2,3}` or `new int[5] {1,2,3,4,5}` are valid, when Java requires either a declaration with an initializer or an anonymous array creation with `new` and no size specifier.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Missing 'new' keyword; should be new int[]{1,2,3}.
Detailed technical explanation
In Java, array initializers like `{1,2,3}` can only be used in a declaration statement (e.g., `int[] arr = {1,2,3};`) or as part of an anonymous array creation with `new` (e.g., `new int[]{1,2,3}`). The array object is stored on the heap, and the method receives a reference to that object. This distinction is critical when passing arrays to methods, as the method can modify the array contents, affecting the caller's view.
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
Arrays and Methods — This question tests Arrays and Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: myMethod(new int[]{1,2,3}); — Option A is correct because `new int[]{1,2,3}` is an anonymous array creation expression that creates a new int array and passes it directly to the method. This syntax is valid in Java for passing an array literal without a variable. Option B is correct because it declares an array variable `arr` initialized with an array initializer `{1,2,3}` (which is allowed only in a declaration statement) and then passes that reference to the method, which is a standard way to pass an array.
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 25, 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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