Question 304 of 519
Utilizing Java Object-Oriented ApproachhardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Double-Checked Locking Singleton — Volatile Keyword

This 1Z0-829 practice question tests your understanding of utilizing java object-oriented approach. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: double-checked locking. 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.

Exhibit

public class Singleton {
    private static volatile Singleton instance;
    private Singleton() {}
    public static Singleton getInstance() {
        if (instance == null) {
            synchronized (Singleton.class) {
                if (instance == null) {
                    instance = new Singleton();
                }
            }
        }
        return instance;
    }
}

Refer to the exhibit. Which statement about this Singleton implementation is correct?

Exhibit

public class Singleton {
    private static volatile Singleton instance;
    private Singleton() {}
    public static Singleton getInstance() {
        if (instance == null) {
            synchronized (Singleton.class) {
                if (instance == null) {
                    instance = new Singleton();
                }
            }
        }
        return instance;
    }
}

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

It may still have a race condition due to instruction reordering.

Option B is correct because the provided Singleton implementation uses double-checked locking without declaring the instance variable as volatile. Without volatile, the JVM may reorder instructions such that a thread reads a non-null reference to a partially constructed object, leading to a race condition. This is a classic pitfall in Java concurrency.

Key principle: Double-checked locking

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Oracle often tests the misconception that volatile is unnecessary in double-checked locking. Without volatile, instruction reordering can expose a partially constructed object, even with synchronized blocks.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

The double-checked locking pattern relies on the `volatile` keyword to establish a happens-before relationship, but without proper memory barriers, the JIT compiler or CPU can reorder the assignment of the instance variable before the constructor completes. This is a classic concurrency pitfall that was only fully resolved in Java 5 with the introduction of the Java Memory Model (JSR 133), which guarantees that `volatile` fields prevent reordering. In real-world scenarios, this bug can manifest as intermittent failures in multi-threaded environments, such as web servers or caching systems.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • Double-checked locking
  • volatile keyword
  • Instruction reordering

TExam Day Tips

  • Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
  • Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.

Key takeaway

Double-checked locking

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A practitioner preparing for the 1Z0-829 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. Double-checked locking Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review double-checked locking, then practise related 1Z0-829 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 1Z0-829 question test?

Utilizing Java Object-Oriented Approach — This question tests Utilizing Java Object-Oriented Approach — Double-checked locking.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: It may still have a race condition due to instruction reordering. — Option B is correct because the provided Singleton implementation uses double-checked locking without declaring the instance variable as volatile. Without volatile, the JVM may reorder instructions such that a thread reads a non-null reference to a partially constructed object, leading to a race condition. This is a classic pitfall in Java concurrency.

What should I do if I get this 1Z0-829 question wrong?

Review double-checked locking, then practise related 1Z0-829 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Double-checked locking

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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026

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This 1Z0-829 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 1Z0-829 exam.