Before or after?

What this C++ code-observation question tests

This is an easy C++ question that checks whether you understand the order of evaluation and side effects in common language constructs. Rather than asking you to write code, it asks you to predict output—a skill that matters when reasoning about correctness and debugging in a live interview.

The question rewards careful reading of operator precedence, pre- and post-increment semantics, and how statements execute in sequence. Getting this right requires attention to detail and a solid grasp of C++ fundamentals, not advanced techniques.

• Pre-increment vs. post-increment
• Order of evaluation in expressions
• Side effects and statement boundaries