Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Compilation fails.
Explanation:
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.
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