Once or twice?

Understanding C++ code execution and output

This is a beginner-level question that tests your ability to read and trace through a C++ code snippet. It rewards careful attention to syntax, operator precedence, and the order in which statements execute—skills that are fundamental to writing reliable code in any programming context.

To approach problems like this, work through the code line by line, keeping track of variable state and any side effects. Pay special attention to how operators interact, whether control flow branches, and what values get printed or modified. These "read and predict" questions build the mental model you need to debug larger systems quickly.

• Variable scope and assignment
• Operator precedence and associativity
• Output and stream behaviour