Java Switch Case MCQ Questions and Answers

1. What is the main purpose of the switch statement in Java?

a) To execute a specific block of code among many options based on a condition
b) To iterate over a collection of elements
c) To execute the same block of code multiple times
d) To define a new method

Answer:

a) To execute a specific block of code among many options based on a condition

Explanation:

The switch statement is used to select one of many code blocks to be executed based on the evaluation of an expression.

2. How is the expression in a switch statement evaluated?

a) Multiple times, once for each case
b) Only once at the start of the statement
c) Each time a case is matched
d) It is not evaluated; the cases are executed sequentially

Answer:

b) Only once at the start of the statement

Explanation:

The expression in a switch statement is evaluated once, and its value is compared against the values of each case.

3. What is the role of the 'break' keyword in a switch statement?

a) To pause the execution of the program
b) To exit the switch block when a case is matched
c) To break the program into multiple threads
d) To continue execution to the next case

Answer:

b) To exit the switch block when a case is matched

Explanation:

The 'break' keyword is used to break out of the switch block, stopping the execution of more code and case testing inside the block.

4. What does the 'default' keyword do in a switch statement?

a) Sets the default value of the switch expression
b) Executes a block of code if none of the cases are matched
c) Acts as the first case to be evaluated
d) Specifies the default action to be taken at the end of all cases

Answer:

b) Executes a block of code if none of the cases are matched

Explanation:

The 'default' keyword specifies some code to run if there is no case match in the switch statement.

5. How does a switch statement compare the switch expression with case values?

a) Using logical operators
b) Using relational operators
c) Using strict type comparison
d) Using equality comparison

Answer:

d) Using equality comparison

Explanation:

In a switch statement, the value of the switch expression is compared using equality comparison with the values of each case.

6. What happens if the 'break' keyword is omitted in a case of a switch statement?

a) The program will crash
b) The switch statement will execute all subsequent cases
c) The matching case will not execute
d) The default case will execute immediately

Answer:

b) The switch statement will execute all subsequent cases

Explanation:

If the 'break' keyword is omitted, the switch statement continues to execute the following cases until a break is encountered or the switch block ends.

7. Is the 'default' case mandatory in a switch statement?

a) Yes, it must always be included
b) No, but it is recommended for comprehensive case handling
c) Yes, but only if there are more than two cases
d) No, it can be omitted if all possible cases are covered

Answer:

d) No, it can be omitted if all possible cases are covered

Explanation:

The 'default' case in a switch statement is not mandatory and can be omitted if all possible cases are explicitly handled.

8. What is the correct syntax for a switch statement in Java?

a) switch(expression) { case x: //code }
b) switch x: { case(expression): //code }
c) switch (expression) { when x: //code }
d) switch { case(expression): //code }

Answer:

a) switch(expression) { case x: //code }

Explanation:

The correct syntax for a switch statement includes the keyword 'switch', followed by the expression in parentheses, and the case labels with the code blocks.

9. In a switch statement, what type of values can the cases have?

a) Only integer values
b) Only string values
c) Constant expressions
d) Any data type

Answer:

c) Constant expressions

Explanation:

In a switch statement, each case label must be a constant expression, typically literals or final variables.

10. Which of the following is a valid case label in a switch statement for an integer variable?

a) case > 5:
b) case "5":
c) case 5:
d) case x > 5:

Answer:

c) case 5:

Explanation:

In a switch statement for an integer variable, the case label must be a constant expression of an integer value, such as 'case 5:.

11. Can a switch statement in Java be used with String variables?

a) Yes, but only in Java 8 and later versions
b) No, switch statements only work with numeric values
c) Yes, in all versions of Java
d) Only if the strings are converted to integer values first

Answer:

a) Yes, but only in Java 8 and later versions

Explanation:

Starting from Java 8, switch statements can be used with String variables, allowing case labels to be String literals.

12. What is the output of the following Java code?

int day = 2;
switch (day) {
  case 1:
    System.out.println("Monday");
    break;
  case 2:
    System.out.println("Tuesday");
    break;
  case 3:
    System.out.println("Wednesday");
    break;
}
a) Monday
b) Tuesday
c) Wednesday
d) No output

Answer:

b) Tuesday

Explanation:

The switch statement evaluates the 'day' variable, and since its value is 2, it matches the case labeled 2, printing "Tuesday".


Comments