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.