Quick Answer
The answer is AB. This occurs because the switch statement exhibits fall-through behavior: when case 1 matches, it prints 'A' but lacks a break statement, so execution continues directly into case 2, which prints 'B' before the break exits the switch. The default case is never reached since a matching case was already found. On the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 exam, switch statement fall-through is a classic trick designed to test your understanding of control flow without break statements—a common trap where candidates mistakenly assume each case automatically exits. To avoid this, remember the mnemonic: "No break, no escape—fall-through takes shape." Always check for missing break keywords, especially in consecutive case labels, as the exam frequently hides fall-through in seemingly simple code to catch those who overlook this fundamental Java behavior.
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.
Given: int x=1; switch(x) { case 1: System.out.print("A"); case 2: System.out.print("B"); break; default: System.out.print("C"); } What is printed?
C
Why wrong: Incorrect; default is not reached because break after case 2.
ABC
Why wrong: Incorrect; break prevents fall-through to default.
AB
Correct: prints A then B due to fall-through.
A
Why wrong: Incorrect; fall-through occurs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AB
The switch statement does not have a break after case 1, so execution falls through to case 2 after printing 'A'. Case 2 prints 'B' and then hits the break, exiting the switch. The default case is skipped because a matching case was found. Thus, 'AB' is printed.
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.
C
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; default is not reached because break after case 2.
ABC
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; break prevents fall-through to default.
AB
Why this is correct
Correct: prints A then B due to fall-through.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
A
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; fall-through occurs.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates forget that without a break, execution falls through to the next case, so they incorrectly assume only the matching case executes.
Detailed technical explanation
In Java, the switch statement evaluates the expression and jumps to the matching case label, then executes all subsequent statements until a break, return, or end of switch is encountered. This fall-through behavior is intentional and can be used for shared logic, but it often leads to bugs if breaks are omitted. In real-world code, forgetting a break is a common source of unintended behavior, especially in menu-driven applications or state machines.
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: AB — The switch statement does not have a break after case 1, so execution falls through to case 2 after printing 'A'. Case 2 prints 'B' and then hits the break, exiting the switch. The default case is skipped because a matching case was found. Thus, 'AB' is printed.
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. What is the output when this code is executed?
mediumWhy A: The switch statement matches the value 2, so it executes the case 'Two' block, which prints 'Two ' and then falls through to the next case because there is no break statement. The case 'Three' block prints 'Three ' and then breaks, exiting the switch. The default case is skipped because a matching case was found and the break in case 'Three' prevents further fall-through. Thus, the output is 'Two Three '.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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