Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Compilation fails.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The snippet checks knowledge of Java’s primitive type system and reserved keywords. Unlike C/C++, Java does not use the “signed” or “unsigned” modifiers. All integer primitives (byte, short, int, long) are signed by definition except char, which is unsigned.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The presence of “signed” in a variable declaration is not valid Java syntax. The compiler flags this with an error such as “not a statement” or “illegal start of type,” preventing any bytecode generation or execution.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Replace with int x = 10; to compile and run. Then the output would be “10, 9, 8, 7, 6,” because x is decremented after each print due to the for-loop’s update expression.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Porting C/C++ idioms to Java without adjusting for language differences; assuming signedness modifiers exist in Java.
Final Answer:
Compilation fails.
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