Decrement operator in while condition and post-loop values: predict x and y. int x = l, y = 6; // note: the source uses letter l (ell), not digit 1 while (y--) { x++; } System.out.println("x = " + x + " y = " + y);

Introduction / Context:
This question examines two issues at once: the semantics of post-decrement in a while condition and the correctness of variable initialization. However, the code as written will not compile due to an undeclared identifier.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• x is initialized with l (lowercase L), not the digit 1.
• y starts at 6 and is decremented after each loop-condition evaluation due to y--.

Concept / Approach:
Before discussing loop mechanics, compilation must succeed. Since l is not declared anywhere, the compiler signals “cannot find symbol” for l, and the program never runs.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Compilation stage: variable l is unresolved ⇒ error.No bytecode is produced; there is no runtime behavior to analyze.

Verification / Alternative check:
Fix the initialization to int x = 1;. Then the loop runs 7 times (for y values 6→0 inclusive), yielding x = 8 and y = -1. But that is for the corrected version, not the original.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
All printed outputs assume successful compilation and execution.

Common Pitfalls:
Misreading the letter l as the digit 1, and overlooking that post-decrement returns the old value before decrementing.

Final Answer:
Compilation fails.