The correct answer is that the code compiles and runs correctly, returning the appropriate message. This is because Java 14 and later support switch expressions with the arrow syntax, where each case can list multiple constants separated by commas, as seen with `case 90, 80 -> "Excellent"`. The arrow form eliminates fall-through and does not require a `yield` statement when the right side is a single expression or a block—here each case directly yields a string literal. On the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 exam, this question tests your understanding of switch expression syntax with arrow, a common topic that distinguishes expressions from statements. A frequent trap is assuming that a `break` or `yield` is needed in the arrow form, but remember: with `->`, the right side is the result. For a quick memory tip: "Arrow points to the value, no break or yield needed."
1Z0-829 Controlling Program Flow Practice Question
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.
A developer writes a method that processes a grade and returns a message using a switch expression. The code is:
```java
public static String getMessage(int grade) {
return switch (grade) {
case 90, 80 -> "Excellent";
case 70, 60 -> "Good";
case 50 -> "Pass";
default -> "Fail";
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The code compiles and runs correctly, returning the appropriate message.
Option C is correct because the switch expression uses the arrow form with a list of constants per case, which is valid syntax in Java 14+. The arrow form does not require a 'yield' statement when the right side is a single expression or block; here, each case yields a string literal directly. The 'default' clause is mandatory in a switch expression to cover all possible values, and it is correctly included.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The code does not compile because the switch expression must be enclosed in parentheses.
Why it's wrong here
Switch expressions do not require parentheses; they are used as values directly.
✗
The code does not compile because the arrow form requires a 'yield' statement.
Why it's wrong here
In the arrow form, if the case is a single expression, 'yield' is not needed; it is implicit.
✓
The code compiles and runs correctly, returning the appropriate message.
Why this is correct
The switch expression is valid and will return the correct string for each grade.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The code does not compile because 'default' is not allowed in a switch expression.
Why it's wrong here
Switch expressions require a default case or coverage of all possible values; default is allowed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the arrow form's syntax with the colon form, incorrectly assuming 'yield' is always required, or they mistakenly think 'default' is optional in switch expressions, when in fact it is mandatory for exhaustiveness.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Switch expressions were introduced as a preview in Java 12 and standardized in Java 14 (JEP 361). The arrow form (->) treats the right side as an expression, so no 'break' or 'yield' is needed unless the right side is a block. The compiler enforces exhaustiveness: every possible value must be covered by a case or a default clause. This prevents runtime errors from unhandled values, a key improvement over switch statements.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Controlling Program Flow — This question tests Controlling Program Flow — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The code compiles and runs correctly, returning the appropriate message. — Option C is correct because the switch expression uses the arrow form with a list of constants per case, which is valid syntax in Java 14+. The arrow form does not require a 'yield' statement when the right side is a single expression or block; here, each case yields a string literal directly. The 'default' clause is mandatory in a switch expression to cover all possible values, and it is correctly included.
What should I do if I get this 1Z0-829 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Given an enum Direction { NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST } and a variable d of type Direction, which code snippet correctly uses a switch expression to map each direction to an abbreviation (N, S, E, W) without using a default branch?
medium
✓ A.switch (d) { case NORTH -> "N"; case SOUTH -> "S"; case EAST -> "E"; case WEST -> "W"; }
B.switch (d) { case NORTH: yield "N"; case SOUTH: yield "S"; case EAST: yield "E"; case WEST: yield "W"; }
C.switch (d) { case NORTH -> "N"; case SOUTH -> "S"; case EAST -> "E"; }
D.switch (d) { case NORTH: yield "N"; case SOUTH: yield "S"; case EAST: yield "E"; default: yield "W"; }
Why A: Option C is correct because it covers all enum constants with arrow cases, and no default is needed because the switch is exhaustive. Option A is wrong because it uses colon syntax and yields are not used correctly in switch expressions with colon syntax. Option B is wrong because it uses a default which is unnecessary and not allowed in exhaustive switch expressions? Actually default is allowed but not needed; however the question specifically says without using default. Option D is wrong because it doesn't handle all constants, so it doesn't compile.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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