Quick Answer
The answer is Yes, because the nested ternary operator evaluates to 15. This result stems from Java’s right-associativity of the ternary operator, meaning the expression `(a > b) ? (a > c) ? a : c : (b > c) ? b : c` is parsed as `(a > b) ? ((a > c) ? a : c) : ((b > c) ? b : c)`. Since `a > b` (10 > 5) is true, only the first branch `(a > c) ? a : c` is evaluated; here `a > c` (10 > 15) is false, so it returns `c`, which is 15, making `result == 15` true. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this tests your understanding of operator precedence and associativity—a common trap is assuming left-to-right evaluation, which would incorrectly group the conditionals. Remember the mnemonic: “Ternary ties to the right—each colon pairs with the nearest question mark to its left.”
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.
String str = "Hello";
if (str instanceof String) {
System.out.println("Yes");
} else {
System.out.println("No");
}What is the output?
Refer to the exhibit.
String str = "Hello";
if (str instanceof String) {
System.out.println("Yes");
} else {
System.out.println("No");
}Yes
Correct.
Compilation fails
Why wrong: Incorrect.
No
Why wrong: Incorrect.
Runtime error
Why wrong: Incorrect.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Yes
The code uses the ternary operator `(a > b) ? (a > c) ? a : c : (b > c) ? b : c;` which is right-associative. Since `a > b` is true (10 > 5), it evaluates `(a > c) ? a : c`. Here `a > c` is false (10 > 15 is false), so it returns `c` which is 15. The output is "Yes" because the condition `result == 15` is true.
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.
Yes
Why this is correct
Correct.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Compilation fails
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
No
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
Runtime error
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the associativity of the ternary operator, leading candidates to incorrectly assume left-to-right evaluation and thus miscompute the result.
Detailed technical explanation
The ternary operator in Java is right-associative, meaning nested ternary expressions are grouped from right to left. This is equivalent to `a > b ? (a > c ? a : c) : (b > c ? b : c)`. Understanding associativity is crucial when chaining ternary operators, as it affects evaluation order. In real-world code, such nesting is often replaced with if-else or switch for readability, but it can appear in compact conditional assignments.
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: Yes — The code uses the ternary operator `(a > b) ? (a > c) ? a : c : (b > c) ? b : c;` which is right-associative. Since `a > b` is true (10 > 5), it evaluates `(a > c) ? a : c`. Here `a > c` is false (10 > 15 is false), so it returns `c` which is 15. The output is "Yes" because the condition `result == 15` is true.
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
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