AP CSA Unit 3 Day 21: Null Reference

Unit 3, Classes & Objects • Cycle 2
Day 21 Advanced Practice • Harder Difficulty
Focus: Null Reference Hard Null Reference

Advanced Practice Question

Format: Null Reference

What is the output?
public class Node {
    private int data;
    
    public int getData() {
        return data;
    }
}

// In another class:
Node n = null;
System.out.println(n.getData());
Difficulty: Hard  |  Topic: Null Reference  |  Cycle: 2 (Advanced)
Why This Answer?

Calling a method on a null reference causes a NullPointerException at runtime.

Common Mistake
Watch Out!

Thinking null has default values for its instance variables.

AP Exam Strategy

Null = no object. Can't call methods on nothing → NullPointerException.

Master This Topic

This Cycle 2 HARD question tests null reference. Review Unit 3 concepts to build mastery of classes & objects.

  • Understanding null reference
  • Tracing code execution accurately
  • Avoiding common pitfalls
View Unit 3 Study Guide

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