C++ with enum and references: is this code valid, and if so what is printed? #include enum xyz { a, b, c }; int main() { int x = a, y = b, z = c; int &p = x, &q = y, &r = z; p = ++x; q = ++y; r = ++c; // attempt to increment an enum constant cout << p << q << r; return 0; }

Introduction / Context: This question checks whether enum constants are modifiable lvalues. In C++, named enumeration constants are not variables; they are constant integral values and cannot be incremented.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• enum xyz { a, b, c }; defines constants a=0, b=1, c=2.
• Later code attempts r = ++c;.

Concept / Approach: An expression like ++c requires c to be a modifiable lvalue. Enum enumerators are not variables; they are constant values in the type's value space. Therefore the increment is ill-formed, causing a compile-time error.

Step-by-Step Solution: 1) p = ++x; and q = ++y; are fine because x and y are variables. 2) ++c attempts to modify an enumerator, which is not allowed. 3) The program fails to compile at that line.

Verification / Alternative check: Replace r = ++c; with r = ++z; (where z is an int) to obtain a compilable variant that prints values.

Why Other Options Are Wrong: All printed outputs assume compilation success, which is false here.

Common Pitfalls: Confusing enumerator names with variables; assuming they can be incremented like normal integers.

Final Answer: Compile-time error due to attempting to increment an enum constant.