Intro: Variable Scope

Where is a local variable declared?

• At the top of a Java source file

• Outside every method in the class body

• Inside a method, constructor, or block

• Directly beneath the class declaration

Answer explanation

A local variable is declared inside a method, constructor, or block and exists only within that scope. Variables declared outside all methods are instance or static variables.

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Blooms Level: Remember

Which keyword makes a variable a class (static) variable?

• Static

• Final

• Public

• Private

Answer explanation

The static keyword makes a variable belong to the class itself rather than to any individual object. public and private control access, not scope type.

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Blooms Level: Remember

How does an instance variable differ from a local variable?

• Declared inside a method body

• Requires the static keyword

• Belongs to an object; lives for the object's lifetime

• Accessible within one block only

Answer explanation

An instance variable is declared in the class body outside any method, so each object gets its own copy. A local variable exists only inside the method or block where it is declared.

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Blooms Level: Understand

A variable declared inside an if block is accessible

• Only within that if block

• Throughout the entire method

• Anywhere in the Java file

• From any method in the class

Answer explanation

A variable declared inside a block, such as an if statement, has block scope and cannot be used outside that block.

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Blooms Level: Remember

Where must an instance variable be declared in a Java class?

• Inside a constructor block only

• Inside a loop within a method body

• Inside the main method body

• In the class body, outside any method

Answer explanation

Instance variables are declared directly in the class body, outside any method or constructor, so every object gets its own copy. Variables inside constructors or methods are local variables.

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Blooms Level: Remember