Controlling Program Flow →easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

1Z0-829 Controlling Program Flow Practice Question

A developer is designing a loop to iterate through an array of integers and stop processing when the value -1 is encountered. Which loop construct should be used?

⚠ Common exam trap

Many candidates confuse `break` with `continue` or mistakenly use `return` or `exit` to exit a loop, not realizing that `break` is the precise mechanism for loop termination without affecting the rest of the method or JVM.

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

for(int i : array) { if(i == -1) break; }

The `break` statement immediately terminates the loop when the value -1 is encountered, which is exactly what the requirement specifies. In Java, `break` exits the innermost loop or switch statement, making it the appropriate control flow mechanism for stopping iteration upon a condition.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
for(int i : array) { if(i == -1) exit; }
Why it's wrong here
There is no exit keyword in Java; this is not valid syntax.
✗
for(int i : array) { if(i == -1) return; }
Why it's wrong here
The return statement exits the method, which stops the loop but also exits the method, which may not be intended.
✓
for(int i : array) { if(i == -1) break; }
Why this is correct
The break statement immediately exits the loop, which is the correct way to stop processing upon encountering -1.
✗
for(int i : array) { if(i == -1) continue; }
Why it's wrong here
The continue statement skips the current iteration and continues with the next, so the loop does not stop.

Go deeper

1Z0-829 Controlling Program Flow Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

Related to this question