Are you pessimistic?

What this C++ language-knowledge question tests

This is an easy C++ question that probes your understanding of how the language handles certain constructs—specifically, whether you can read code carefully and predict its output without running it. These questions reward attention to detail and familiarity with C++ semantics rather than algorithmic insight.

To answer correctly, you need to trace through the code as the compiler sees it, paying close attention to operator precedence, type conversions, scope rules, and any implicit or explicit language features that might surprise you. The "pessimistic" framing suggests the question is testing whether you avoid making false assumptions about what code will do.

• Operator precedence and associativity
• Type conversion and implicit casting
• Scope and name resolution
• Standard library behaviour