Question

If the following code fragment is executed in an otherwise complete and correct program, which

expression will be executed?
x = 0;
if (x = 12)
yes_statement;
else
no_statement;
a) The no_statement will be executed because x is not 12.
b) The statement has incorrect syntax so will not compile at all.
c) x=12 is illegal in the Boolean expression of an if statement.
d) The yes_statement will be executed.

Answer 1

The correct answer is that the yes_statement will be executed because the assignment within the if statement is legal and evaluates to true, causing the yes_statement to run.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the given code fragment is executed in a complete and correct program, the behavior will depend on the language semantics. In languages such as C or C++, the assignment within the if statement (x = 12) is legal and will assign the value 12 to x, then evaluate to 12, which is true in a boolean context. Consequently, the yes_statement will be executed. Therefore, the correct answer is:

d) The yes_statement will be executed.

It's important to note that in many programming languages, an assignment inside an if condition is generally considered a programming error, as the intention is often to compare (x == 12) rather than to assign. However, based on the syntax shared in the question, it is a valid statement that will execute the yes_statement.