Quick Answer
The answer is 0. This result occurs because the ternary operator first evaluates the condition (a != null), which is false since a is a null Integer reference, so it selects the second operand, the int literal 0, without ever attempting to unbox the null reference. The key technical concept here is that Java’s ternary operator short-circuits: when the condition is false, the true-branch expression (which would require unboxing a null Integer) is never evaluated, thereby avoiding a NullPointerException. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this question tests your understanding of how the ternary operator interacts with null and unboxing—a common trap is assuming that the expression a (the first operand) is always evaluated, leading to an NPE. Remember the memory tip: “false branch, no unboxing crash”—the ternary only unboxes what it actually uses.
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.
What is the result of: Integer a = null; int b = (a != null) ? a : 0; System.out.println(b);
0
Correct. Ternary returns 0.
NullPointerException
Why wrong: Incorrect. a is not unboxed.
Compilation error
Why wrong: Incorrect. Code compiles fine.
null
Why wrong: Incorrect. b is a primitive int.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
0
The ternary operator evaluates the condition (a != null). Since a is null, the condition is false, so the expression returns the second operand, which is the int literal 0. This value is assigned to int b, and System.out.println(b) prints 0. No NullPointerException occurs because the ternary operator never attempts to unbox a null reference.
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.
0
Why this is correct
Correct. Ternary returns 0.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
NullPointerException
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. a is not unboxed.
Compilation error
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Code compiles fine.
null
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. b is a primitive int.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the misconception that accessing a null reference in any part of a ternary expression will throw a NullPointerException, but the key is that the unboxing only occurs if the selected branch actually references the null object.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the ternary operator in Java evaluates the condition first; if false, it returns the second operand without evaluating the first. This short-circuit behavior prevents any unboxing of the null Integer reference. In real-world scenarios, this pattern is commonly used to safely convert nullable Integer objects to primitive int with a default value, avoiding NullPointerException in data processing pipelines.
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: 0 — The ternary operator evaluates the condition (a != null). Since a is null, the condition is false, so the expression returns the second operand, which is the int literal 0. This value is assigned to int b, and System.out.println(b) prints 0. No NullPointerException occurs because the ternary operator never attempts to unbox a null reference.
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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