What is the output of this <code>switch</code> statement in C? Note the statement before any <code>case</code> label. #include<stdio.h> int main() { int i = 1; switch (i) { printf("Hello "); case 1: printf("Hi "); break; case 2: printf("Bye "); break; } return 0; }
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AHello Hi
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BHello Bye
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CHi
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DBye
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ENo output
Answer
Correct Answer: Hi
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This question checks knowledge of switch control flow. Statements inside a switch that precede any case label are not “default prelude” statements; control transfers directly to the matching case label, skipping earlier statements.
Given Data / Assumptions:
i = 1.- There is a
printf("Hello");placed before thecaselabels. - Standard C
switchsemantics apply: jump to the matching label and execute from there.
Concept / Approach:When switch (i) is executed, the implementation looks for a matching case label (here case 1) and transfers control directly to that label. No statement before that label will run. Therefore, only the statements under case 1 (up to the break) execute.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Evaluateswitch (1) → jump to case 1.Execute: printf("Hi");.Encounter break → exit the switch.Verification / Alternative check:Move printf("Hello"); after case 1: and before the printf("Hi");. Then both lines will print; this confirms the role of label placement.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options including “Hello” assume the pre-label statement executes; it does not.“Bye” corresponds tocase 2, which does not match.“No output” contradicts the executed printf in case 1.Common Pitfalls:Assuming topmost statements run before label dispatch; forgetting that code before the first case is dead unless jumped to.
Final Answer:Hi.