C#.NET — Use the conditional (ternary) operator to rewrite: int a = 1, b = 2, c = 0; if (a < b) c = a;

Introduction / Context:
This item asks for an equivalent one-liner using the conditional operator ?: that mirrors the behavior of setting c based on a < b with c initialized to 0.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Initial values: a = 1, b = 2, c = 0.
• Original logic: if (a < b) c = a; else leave c as its current value (here 0).

Concept / Approach:
With c initially 0, an equivalent expression is c = a < b ? a : 0; which assigns a when true, or 0 otherwise, preserving the initial default value when false.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
If c had a nonzero initial value, the strict equivalence would be c = a < b ? a : c;. But for the provided initialization (c = 0), c = a < b ? a : 0; is behaviorally the same.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• B: syntactically unusual but can work; however, option A is the standard and directly equivalent form.
• C: malformed conditional nesting; does not compile as intended.
• D: uses return in an invalid context.
• E: incorrect ternary syntax.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a general equivalence (needing : c) with this specific snippet where c is known to be 0.

Final Answer:
c = a < b ? a : 0;