Consider the following ANSI C program. #include int main() int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j = 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; Which one of the following options is correct? A) The program will not compile successfully. B) The program will compile successfully and output 10 when executed. C) The program will compile successfully and output 8 when executed. D) The program will compile successfully and output 13 when executed.

Official answer: B) The program will compile successfully and output 10 when executed.. Explanation: We trace the execution step-by-step: 1. Initialization: - `count = 0` - `i = 0` 2. Loop Iterations (`j` from -3 to 3): - `j = -3, -2, -1`: The condition `(j >= 0)` evaluates to `false` (0). Due to short-circuit evaluation of the logical AND operator (`&&`), the second operand `(i++)` is not evaluated. `i` remains 0 and `count` remains 0. - `j = 0`: The condition `(j >= 0)` is `true` (1). Therefore, `(i++)` is evaluated. Post-increment returns the current value of `i` (0, which is `false`), and then increments `i` to 1. Since the condition is `false`, the body does not execute. Now, `i = 1`, `count = 0`. - `j = 1`: `(j >= 0)` is `true`. `(i++)` evaluates to 1 (`true`), and then `i` becomes 2. The `if` condition succeeds: `count = count + j = 0 + 1 = 1`. Now, `i = 2`, `count = 1`. - `j = 2`: `(j >= 0)` is `true`. `(i++)` evaluates to 2 (`true`), and then `i` becomes 3. The `if` condition succeeds: `count = count + j = 1 + 2 = 3`. Now, `i = 3`, `count = 3`. - `j = 3`: `(j >= 0)` is `true`. `(i++)` evaluates to 3 (`true`), and then `i` becomes 4. The `if` condition succeeds: `count = count + j = 3 + 3 = 6`. Now, `i = 4`, `count = 6`. 3. After the Loop: - `count = count + i = 6 + 4 = 10`. 4. Output: - The program prints `10`. Hence, the correct option is (B).

A) The program will not compile successfully.

B) The program will compile successfully and output 10 when executed.

C) The program will compile successfully and output 8 when executed.

D) The program will compile successfully and output 13 when executed.

Programming and Data Structures · Programming in C

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GATE CSE 2021 Set 1 Q37 · MCQ · 2 marks

Consider the following ANSI C program. `#include <stdio.h> int main() { int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j <= 3; j++) { if ((j >= 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; } count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; }` Which one of the following options is correct?

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Programming in C

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How GATE tests Programming in C

In GATE CS, Programming in C is tested extensively through rigorous code tracing, pointer mechanics, and fundamental semantics rather than high-level syntax trivia. Questions emphasize pointer arithmetic and multidimensional array decay, storage classes (especially static local variables), evaluation order, side effects of increment/decrement operators, parameter passing mechanisms (pass-by-value vs pass-by-reference), and recursive program state tracking. The topic features a nearly balanced split between NAT and MCQ items across 1-mark and 2-mark categories, demanding precise, bug-free execution traces without a compiler.

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Programming and Data Structures · Programming in C

Official IIT answer key · IIT Bombay · Audited Aug 2026

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GATE CSE 2021 Set 1 Q37 · MCQ · 2 marks

Consider the following ANSI C program. `#include <stdio.h> int main() { int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j <= 3; j++) { if ((j >= 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; } count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; }` Which one of the following options is correct?

Select an option to check

Key concept

Programming in C

Step-by-step verified solution

Examiner trap & misconception

Topic notes

How GATE tests Programming in C

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Independent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.

Consider the following ANSI C program. `#include <stdio.h> int main() { int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j <= 3; j++) { if ((j >= 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; } count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; }` Which one of the following options is correct?

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Consider the following ANSI C program. `#include <stdio.h> int main() { int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j <= 3; j++) { if ((j >= 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; } count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; }` Which one of the following options is correct?

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Consider the following ANSI C program. #include <stdio.h> int main() { int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j <= 3; j++) { if ((j >= 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; } count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; } Which one of the following options is correct?

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Consider the following ANSI C program. #include <stdio.h> int main() { int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j <= 3; j++) { if ((j >= 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; } count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; } Which one of the following options is correct?

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Consider the following ANSI C program. `#include <stdio.h> int main() { int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j <= 3; j++) { if ((j >= 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; } count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; }` Which one of the following options is correct?

Consider the following ANSI C program. `#include <stdio.h> int main() { int i, j, count; count = 0; i = 0; for (j = -3; j <= 3; j++) { if ((j >= 0) && (i++)) count = count + j; } count = count + i; printf("%d", count); return 0; }` Which one of the following options is correct?