Quick Answer
The answer is A. This is correct because in an if-else-if chain execution, the moment a condition evaluates to true, its corresponding block runs and the entire chain terminates immediately—subsequent else-if and else blocks are completely skipped. Here, x is 5, so x > 0 is true, printing 'A', and the else-if (x > 2) and else blocks are never evaluated. On the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 exam, this concept tests your understanding of short-circuit evaluation within conditional chains; a common trap is assuming that multiple conditions can match or that the else-if will also run if its condition is true. Remember the golden rule: only the first true condition in the chain executes. A useful memory tip is “First true wins, the rest are done.”
This 1Z0-829 practice question tests your understanding of controlling program flow. 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 output of the following code snippet? int x = 5; if(x > 0) { System.out.print('A'); } else if(x > 2) { System.out.print('B'); } else { System.out.print('C'); }
AB
Why wrong: Only one branch executes.
C
Why wrong: The else branch is not reached because a prior condition was true.
B
Why wrong: The else-if branch is not reached because the first condition was true.
A
x > 0 is true, so the first branch executes and prints 'A'.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A
The correct answer is D because the condition `x > 0` evaluates to true (x = 5), so the code prints 'A' and then exits the entire if-else-if chain. The subsequent `else if` and `else` blocks are skipped entirely, so only 'A' is output.
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.
AB
Why it's wrong here
Only one branch executes.
C
Why it's wrong here
The else branch is not reached because a prior condition was true.
B
Why it's wrong here
The else-if branch is not reached because the first condition was true.
A
Why this is correct
x > 0 is true, so the first branch executes and prints 'A'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly think the `else if` condition is also evaluated or that multiple branches can execute, confusing the if-else-if chain with a series of independent if statements.
Detailed technical explanation
In Java, an if-else-if chain is evaluated sequentially from top to bottom; as soon as a condition yields true, its associated block executes and the remaining conditions are ignored. This is fundamentally different from a switch statement or a series of independent if statements, where each condition is evaluated regardless. Understanding this short-circuit behavior is crucial for control flow logic in real-world applications like input validation or multi-tier decision trees.
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 1Z0-829 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. 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
Controlling Program Flow — This question tests Controlling Program Flow — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: A — The correct answer is D because the condition `x > 0` evaluates to true (x = 5), so the code prints 'A' and then exits the entire if-else-if chain. The subsequent `else if` and `else` blocks are skipped entirely, so only 'A' is output.
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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Same concept, more angles
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Variation 1. Given the code snippet: int x = 10; if (x > 5) { System.out.print("A"); } else if (x > 7) { System.out.print("B"); } else { System.out.print("C"); } What is the output?
easyWhy C: The if-else chain evaluates conditions sequentially. Since x=10 satisfies x > 5, the first block executes and prints 'A'. The else if and else branches are skipped entirely because the first condition was true. Thus, only 'A' is output.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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