Using NULL vs null in Java: what does this program do? public class Test { public static void main (String args[]) { String str = NULL; System.out.println(str); } }

Introduction / Context:
This question targets the correct spelling and case-sensitivity of Java’s null literal. In Java, the literal is null (all lowercase). Writing NULL attempts to reference an identifier named NULL, which does not exist by default.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Declares String str = NULL; in main.
• No NULL constant is defined anywhere.

Concept / Approach:
Java is case-sensitive. Literals like null, true, and false are reserved lowercase tokens. Using uppercase NULL is interpreted as an undeclared variable or constant, causing a compile-time “cannot find symbol” error.

Step-by-Step Solution:
The compiler reads NULL as an identifier, not a literal. Because it is undeclared, the compiler reports: “cannot find symbol: variable NULL” (or similar). Compilation fails; program does not run.

Verification / Alternative check:
Change to String str = null; and the code compiles; it prints null because printing a null reference writes the string “null”.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
There is no runtime because compilation fails; printing “NULL” or “null” requires a successful run.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing literals with identifiers; carrying over uppercase NULL from other languages or SQL; overlooking Java’s strict case sensitivity.

Final Answer:
Compile Error