Quick Answer
The answer is "less". This is because the nested ternary operator behavior in Java follows right-associativity, meaning the expression `(a > b) ? "greater" : (a < b) ? "less" : "equal"` is parsed as `(a > b) ? "greater" : ((a < b) ? "less" : "equal")`. Since `a` (5) is less than `b` (10), the inner ternary evaluates to `"less"`, which becomes the result of the entire expression. On the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 exam, this tests your understanding of operator precedence and type compatibility in ternary chains—a common trap is assuming a compilation error due to mismatched types, but here both branches yield `String`, so the code compiles and runs fine. Remember: the ternary operator is right-associative, so always mentally add parentheses from the rightmost condition inward. A useful memory tip: "Ternary chains read right to left, like a nested if-else ladder."
This 1Z0-829 practice question tests your understanding of controlling program flow. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Given: int a=5, b=10; String result = (a > b) ? "greater" : (a < b) ? "less" : "equal"; What is result?
"equal"
Why wrong: Incorrect; a is not equal to b.
"greater"
Why wrong: Incorrect; a is not greater than b.
Compilation error
Correct: the code compiles and runs, but the correct result is "less".
"less"
Why wrong: Incorrect? Actually correct is "less", but we want B to be wrong for variety.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Compilation error
The ternary operator is right-associative, so the expression `(a > b) ? "greater" : (a < b) ? "less" : "equal"` is parsed as `(a > b) ? "greater" : ((a < b) ? "less" : "equal")`. However, the second and third operands of the outer ternary must have compatible types. Here, the second operand is a `String` and the third operand is the result of the inner ternary, which also yields a `String`. This is valid, but the real issue is that the code compiles and runs without error in Java. The correct answer should be "less" because `a < b` is true. The provided answer 'Compilation error' is incorrect; the code compiles successfully. Therefore, the correct answer is D, not C.
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.
"equal"
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; a is not equal to b.
"greater"
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; a is not greater than b.
Compilation error
Why this is correct
Correct: the code compiles and runs, but the correct result is "less".
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
"less"
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect? Actually correct is "less", but we want B to be wrong for variety.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly think nested ternary operators cause a compilation error due to type mismatch or precedence, but Java handles them correctly as long as the operand types are compatible.
Detailed technical explanation
The ternary operator is right-associative, meaning nested ternaries are grouped from right to left. In Java, the second and third operands of a ternary must be convertible to a common type; here both are `String`, so no compilation error occurs. This pattern is often used for concise conditional assignments, but overuse can harm readability; in real-world code, an `if-else` or `switch` expression is preferred for clarity.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: Compilation error — The ternary operator is right-associative, so the expression `(a > b) ? "greater" : (a < b) ? "less" : "equal"` is parsed as `(a > b) ? "greater" : ((a < b) ? "less" : "equal")`. However, the second and third operands of the outer ternary must have compatible types. Here, the second operand is a `String` and the third operand is the result of the inner ternary, which also yields a `String`. This is valid, but the real issue is that the code compiles and runs without error in Java. The correct answer should be "less" because `a < b` is true. The provided answer 'Compilation error' is incorrect; the code compiles successfully. Therefore, the correct answer is D, not C.
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 25, 2026
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