Java Enum toString vs valueOf Output
Short answer
C The program prints the ordinal of SUNNY (0) followed by the result of the overridden toString() method (SNOWY).
Question
Key Takeaways
The exam tests knowledge of enum internals: ordinal() gives the index (0), while printing an enum calls its toString(), which can be overridden to return any string, such as 'SNOWY'.
This question tests the behavior of Java enums, specifically how ordinal() and overridden toString() methods interact with valueOf(). The correct result is determined by understanding that valueOf returns the enum constant, which triggers the custom toString method.
Common mistake: Learners often choose D or A because they assume the enum prints its name (RAINY or CLOUDY) instead of recognizing that the toString() method has been explicitly overridden to return 'SNOWY'.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The code defines an enum Forecast with constants SUNNY, CLOUDY, and RAINy. The ordinal method returns the zero-based index of the enum constant, so Forecast.SUNNY.ordinal outputs 0. The second part uses Forecast.valueOf("cloudy".toUpperCase), which resolves to Forecast.CLOUDY. When this enum constant is passed to System.out.print, it implicitly calls the toString method. Since toString is overridden to return "SNOWY", the output is 0 SNOWY.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they fail to account for the overridden toString method. Option A assumes the name is printed but gets the ordinal wrong or confuses the constant. Option B suggests a different ordinal or name. Option D suggests the name is printed without override. Option E is incorrect because the code is syntactically valid Java.
Community Comment Notes
The community consensus strongly supports answer C. As user james2033 noted, the code results in 0 SNOWY due to the override. User minhdev explained that ordinal gets the index and valueOf returns the constant, triggering the custom toString.
Exam Strategy
Always check if an enum has an overridden toString() method when printing enum values. If not overridden, it prints the constant name; if overridden, it prints whatever the method returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does valueOf return CLOUDY but print SNOWY?
Is ordinal always 0 for the first enum?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 4 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 4
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james2033 👍 3 Answered Cpackage q07; public class Weather { public enum Forecast { SUNNY, CLOUDY, RAINY; @Override public String toString() { return "SNOWY"; } } public static void main(String[] args) { System.out.print(Forecast.SUNNY.ordinal() + " "); System.out.print(Forecast.valueOf("cloudy".toUpperCase())); } } // Result: // 0 SNOWY
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minhdev 👍 2C is correct answer. Explanation: ordinal() -> get the index of enum_value - 0 valueOf(CLOUDY) = CLOUDY, but it prints a enum -> toString is called -> SNOWY
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Uteman 👍 1C is the correct answer
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Samps 👍 1 Answered CC is correct
Reader comments & corrections
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