Quick Answer
The answer is "hello" — or more precisely, any compile-time constant of a type compatible with the switch expression. In a traditional switch statement (non-pattern), valid case values must be compile-time constants, meaning their value is known at compile time and cannot involve variables or method calls. The allowed types for these constants are byte, short, char, int, their corresponding wrapper classes (Byte, Short, Character, Integer), String, and enum types. On the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 exam, this concept tests your understanding of what qualifies as a constant expression, and a common trap is assuming that non-final variables or runtime values like method return values are valid. A helpful memory tip is to remember the acronym BSC-IS-EN: Byte, Short, Char, Integer, String, Enum — these are the only types whose compile-time constants can appear as case labels in a traditional switch.
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 three of the following are valid case values in a traditional switch statement (non-pattern)?
42
Correct: int is allowed.
true
Why wrong: Incorrect; boolean is not allowed.
3.14
Why wrong: Incorrect; double is not allowed in traditional switch.
Monday (assuming an enum constant)
Correct: enum constants are allowed.
"hello"
Correct: String is allowed.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
42
Option A is correct because in a traditional switch statement (non-pattern), the case values must be compile-time constants of types that are compatible with the switch expression. Integer literals like 42 are valid case values, as they are constant expressions of type int, which is one of the allowed types (byte, short, char, int, their wrapper classes, String, and enum types).
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.
42
Why this is correct
Correct: int is allowed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
true
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; boolean is not allowed.
3.14
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; double is not allowed in traditional switch.
Monday (assuming an enum constant)
Why this is correct
Correct: enum constants are allowed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
"hello"
Why this is correct
Correct: String is allowed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often assume any primitive type or literal can be used in a switch case, forgetting that only byte, short, char, int, String, and enum constants are allowed, and that boolean and floating-point types are explicitly excluded.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the Java compiler translates a traditional switch statement into either a tableswitch or lookupswitch bytecode instruction, which requires integer-based keys. For String and enum case values, the compiler maps them to integer hash codes or ordinal values at compile time, ensuring all case labels are effectively integer constants. This restriction prevents floating-point types due to precision issues and boolean due to its limited two-value nature, which would make switch redundant.
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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Controlling Program Flow — study guide chapter
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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: 42 — Option A is correct because in a traditional switch statement (non-pattern), the case values must be compile-time constants of types that are compatible with the switch expression. Integer literals like 42 are valid case values, as they are constant expressions of type int, which is one of the allowed types (byte, short, char, int, their wrapper classes, String, and enum types).
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
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.
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