Quick Answer
The correct choices are that the switch statement supports String objects and can be used as an expression that yields a value. Since Java 7, the switch statement has allowed String comparison by internally using the string's hashCode() method to select a case and then verifying equality with the equals() method, making it both efficient and type-safe for textual branching. Additionally, Java 14 introduced switch expressions with arrow syntax, enabling the switch to directly produce a value that can be assigned to a variable or returned, which is a key feature tested on the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 exam. A common trap is forgetting that the default case is optional in both statements and expressions, but when used in an expression, it must cover all possible values to avoid a compilation error. Memory tip: think "hash equals arrow" — String uses hashCode and equals, and arrow syntax yields a value.
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.
Which TWO statements are true about the switch statement in Java?
Case values can be variables that are not final.
Why wrong: Case values must be compile-time constants.
It can be used with String objects.
String is allowed in switch since Java 7.
It requires a default case.
Why wrong: Default is optional.
It can be used as an expression that yields a value.
Switch expressions were introduced in Java 14.
Each case must have a unique code block.
Why wrong: Multiple case labels can share a code block.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It can be used with String objects.
Option B is correct because Java's switch statement supports String objects since Java 7, allowing comparison based on the string's hashCode() and equals() methods. Option D is correct because switch can be used as an expression (e.g., with the arrow syntax) that yields a value, which can be assigned to a variable or returned.
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.
Case values can be variables that are not final.
Why it's wrong here
Case values must be compile-time constants.
It can be used with String objects.
Why this is correct
String is allowed in switch since Java 7.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It requires a default case.
Why it's wrong here
Default is optional.
It can be used as an expression that yields a value.
Why this is correct
Switch expressions were introduced in Java 14.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Each case must have a unique code block.
Why it's wrong here
Multiple case labels can share a code block.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the misconception that case values can be any variable, but the trap here is that they must be compile-time constants (final or literals), and that switch expressions require exhaustiveness, not a default case.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, switch on String uses the string's hash code to select a case, then calls equals() to confirm the match, which can have performance implications compared to integer switches. Switch expressions (introduced in Java 14) use the arrow syntax or yield keyword to produce a value, and they must be exhaustive (cover all possible values) when used with enums or sealed classes. A common subtlety is that fall-through in traditional switch statements can lead to unintended execution if break is omitted, but switch expressions avoid this by design.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Controlling Program Flow — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Controlling Program Flow practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 1Z0-829 questions
509 questions across all exam domains
Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
1Z0-829 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to Handling Date, Time, Text, Numeric and Boolean Values.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to Controlling Program Flow.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to Utilizing Java Object-Oriented Approach.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to Handling Exceptions.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to Working with Arrays and Collections.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to Working with Streams and Lambda Expressions.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to Java Platform Overview and Packaging.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to Java I/O API and Securing Applications.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to 1Z0-829 fundamentals.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to 1Z0-829 scenario.
Practise 1Z0-829 questions linked to 1Z0-829 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Controlling Program Flow — This question tests Controlling Program Flow — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: It can be used with String objects. — Option B is correct because Java's switch statement supports String objects since Java 7, allowing comparison based on the string's hashCode() and equals() methods. Option D is correct because switch can be used as an expression (e.g., with the arrow syntax) that yields a value, which can be assigned to a variable or returned.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
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. Which TWO statements about the switch statement in Java are correct?
mediumWhy A: Option A is correct because the Java Language Specification allows the default case to appear anywhere within the switch block, not just at the end. The switch statement evaluates the expression and jumps to the matching case label; if no match is found, it jumps to the default label regardless of its position. This flexibility is important for code organization and readability.
Variation 2. Which TWO statements about the switch statement in Java are true?
easyWhy A: Option A is correct because in a Java switch statement, the break statement is optional. If omitted, execution falls through to the next case (fall-through behavior), which can be intentional or lead to bugs. This is a core feature of the switch construct, not a requirement.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.