Question

What does the compiler do upon reaching this variable declaration? int x;

a. converts variable x from a double to an integer
b. initializes x with the value -1
c. increments x's value by 1
d. allocates a memory location for x

Answer 1

The compiler allocates a memory location for the variable 'x' when it encounters the declaration 'int x'. No initialization or changes to the variable's value occur at this initial declaration stage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Upon reaching the variable declaration int x, the compiler acts allocating a memory location for x. The declaration statement int x does not perform any operations such as conversion, initialization with a specific value, or incrementing. Instead, it simply sets aside space in the computer's memory to hold an integer value that will be associated with the variable name 'x'. Until the variable is explicitly initialized, it may contain garbage value, which is random data that happens to exist at the memory location allocated for the variable.