Java keywords and for-loop tracing: identify the compile-time outcome of using “signed”.\n\npublic class Test {\n public static void main(String[] args) {\n signed int x = 10;\n for (int y = 0; y < 5; y++, x--)\n System.out.print(x + ", ");\n }\n}

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:

  • Declaration attempts: signed int x = 10;
  • Loop would otherwise print a countdown of x in tandem with y.


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:

Compilation step parses “signed int x = 10;”.Java grammar has no modifier “signed” → syntax error.Build fails; the program never runs.


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:

  • Numeric outputs assume successful compilation and execution.
  • Runtime exception presupposes the program ran.
  • Empty output is not specific; the correct outcome is a compile-time failure.


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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