Quick Answer
The answer is false. This output occurs because the `equals()` method is invoked on a `StringBuilder` object, which does not override `Object.equals()`, so it defaults to reference equality rather than value comparison. Since `sb1` and `sb2` are two distinct objects in memory, `equals()` returns `false` even if their string contents are identical. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this is a classic trap: many candidates mistakenly assume `equals()` always compares content, but only `String` overrides it for value equality, while `StringBuilder` does not. The exam tests your understanding of the `equals()` contract and inheritance hierarchy. A reliable memory tip is to remember that `StringBuilder` is a mutable sequence, not a `String`, so it inherits `Object`’s default behavior — think “builder builds, but doesn’t compare content.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit.
public class Test {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int a = 10;
int b = 20;
boolean result = a > b ? a < b : a == b;
System.out.println(result);
}
}What is the output of the program?
Refer to the exhibit.
public class Test {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int a = 10;
int b = 20;
boolean result = a > b ? a < b : a == b;
System.out.println(result);
}
}false
a > b false, then a == b false.
10
Why wrong: Output is boolean.
true
Why wrong: Condition false leads to false branch.
20
Why wrong: Output is boolean.
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
The program prints 'false' because the `equals()` method is called on a `StringBuilder` object, not a `String`. `StringBuilder` does not override `Object.equals()`, so it uses reference equality. Since `sb1` and `sb2` are distinct objects, `equals()` returns `false`.
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
Why this is correct
a > b false, then a == b false.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
10
Why it's wrong here
Output is boolean.
true
Why it's wrong here
Condition false leads to false branch.
20
Why it's wrong here
Output is boolean.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the misconception that `equals()` always compares content, but the trap here is that `StringBuilder` does not override `equals()`, so candidates mistakenly expect `true` based on identical string content.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Output is boolean.
Detailed technical explanation
`StringBuilder` is a mutable sequence of characters and inherits `equals()` from `Object`, which compares references (memory addresses). In contrast, `String` overrides `equals()` to compare character sequences. This distinction is critical when using collections like `HashMap` or `HashSet` with `StringBuilder` keys, as they rely on `equals()` and `hashCode()` — both of which `StringBuilder` inherits from `Object`, leading to unexpected behavior if content-based equality is assumed.
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.
Primitives, Strings and Operators — study guide chapter
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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: false — The program prints 'false' because the `equals()` method is called on a `StringBuilder` object, not a `String`. `StringBuilder` does not override `Object.equals()`, so it uses reference equality. Since `sb1` and `sb2` are distinct objects, `equals()` returns `false`.
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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