Quick Answer
The answer is false true. This output occurs because Java’s `equals()` method, when called on arrays, performs a reference comparison rather than a content comparison—meaning it checks whether two array variables point to the exact same object in memory, not whether their elements are identical. Since `arr1` and `arr2` are two distinct array objects, the first `equals()` returns false, while the second call compares `arr1` to itself, yielding true. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this question tests your understanding of the critical distinction between reference equality and content equality, a common trap where students mistakenly expect `equals()` to compare array contents as it does for Strings. To remember: arrays inherit `Object`’s `equals()`, so they compare references; use `Arrays.equals()` for content comparison. A quick mnemonic: “Array equals? Reference checks, not element checks.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit.
public class ArrayTest {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int[] a = {1,2,3};
int[] b = {1,2,3};
System.out.println(a == b);
System.out.println(a.equals(b));
}
}What is the output?
Refer to the exhibit.
public class ArrayTest {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int[] a = {1,2,3};
int[] b = {1,2,3};
System.out.println(a == b);
System.out.println(a.equals(b));
}
}false false
Both compare references, which are not equal.
true false
Why wrong: Both are false.
false true
Why wrong: equals also false.
true true
Why wrong: References are different.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
false false
The code uses `equals()` on two arrays, which compares object references, not contents. Since `arr1` and `arr2` are separate array objects, `equals()` returns `false`. The second `equals()` call compares `arr1` to itself, so it returns `true`. Thus, the output is `false true`, which corresponds to option A.
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.
false false
Why this is correct
Both compare references, which are not equal.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
true false
Why it's wrong here
Both are false.
false true
Why it's wrong here
equals also false.
true true
Why it's wrong here
References are different.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the distinction between `equals()` behavior on arrays versus objects like `String`, exploiting the candidate's assumption that `equals()` always compares contents.
Detailed technical explanation
In Java, arrays inherit `equals()` from `Object`, which uses reference equality (`==`). To compare array contents, use `Arrays.equals()` from `java.util.Arrays`, which performs element-by-element comparison. This is a common pitfall because `String` overrides `equals()` to compare content, but arrays do not. In real-world code, always use `Arrays.equals()` for array content comparison to avoid 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Arrays and Methods — study guide chapter
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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: false false — The code uses `equals()` on two arrays, which compares object references, not contents. Since `arr1` and `arr2` are separate array objects, `equals()` returns `false`. The second `equals()` call compares `arr1` to itself, so it returns `true`. Thus, the output is `false true`, which corresponds to option A.
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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