Post

Created by @nathanedwards
 at November 29th 2023, 8:27:53 pm.

Question:

Consider the following code segment:

```java
public class VariableScopeExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int x = 5;
        if (x > 3) {
            int y = 10;
            System.out.println(x + y);
        }
        System.out.println(x);
    }
}

What is the scope and lifetime of the variables x and y in the given code segment? Explain your answer in detail.

A) Both x and y have a scope within the main method and a lifetime for the duration of the program's execution. B) x has a scope within the main method and a lifetime for the duration of the program's execution, while y has a scope within the if block and a lifetime until the if block is completed. C) Both x and y have a scope within the if block and a lifetime until the if block is completed. D) x has a scope within the main method and a lifetime until the main method is completed, while y has a scope within the if block and a lifetime until the if block is completed.

Choose the correct answer and explain your reasoning.

Answer:

The correct answer is B) x has a scope within the main method and a lifetime for the duration of the program's execution, while y has a scope within the if block and a lifetime until the if block is completed.

Explanation:

In the given code segment, variable x is declared and initialized at the beginning of the main method, making its scope limited to the main method. The lifetime of x is for the duration of the program's execution, as it exists throughout the entire execution of the main method.

On the other hand, variable y is declared and initialized within the if block. This means that the scope of y is limited to the if block. The lifetime of y is until the if block is completed. Once the if block is executed, y goes out of scope and is no longer accessible outside the if block.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer, as it accurately describes the scope and lifetime of variables x and y in the given code segment.