In C++ (references and post-increment), evaluate the following code and determine the final printed values of m and n. Explain how the references x and y affect the updates. #include<iostream.h> int main() { int m = 2, n = 6; int &x = m; int &y = n; m = x++; x = m++; n = y++; y = n++; cout << m << " " << n; return 0; }

Introduction / Context: This tests how references alias variables and how post-increment (x++) yields the old value while still performing a side effect. Assignments may overwrite the incremented value, which is a classic source of confusion in interview questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• x aliases m; y aliases n.
• Both increments are post-increments (value used first, then incremented).

Concept / Approach: Track each statement carefully: compute the rvalue (old value for post-increment), perform the side effect (increment), then perform the assignment to the left-hand side which may overwrite the incremented value.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check: Replace references with direct variables (m in place of x, n in place of y); the trace is identical because x and y alias m and n.

Why Other Options Are Wrong: They assume the incremented values survive the subsequent overwriting assignments; they do not in this sequence.

Common Pitfalls: Forgetting that post-increment returns the old value and that later assignments through references can revert the increment.

Final Answer: The program will print output 2 6.