AP CSA Unit 3 Day 6: This Keyword

Unit 3, Classes & Objects • Cycle 2
Day 6 Advanced Practice • Harder Difficulty
Focus: this Keyword Hard this Keyword

Advanced Practice Question

Format: this Keyword

What is the output?
public class Point {
    private int x;
    
    public Point(int x) {
        x = x;
    }
    
    public int getX() {
        return x;
    }
}

// In another class:
Point p = new Point(7);
System.out.println(p.getX());
Difficulty: Hard  |  Topic: this Keyword  |  Cycle: 2 (Advanced)
Why This Answer?

Without this.x, the statement `x = x` assigns the parameter to itself, leaving the instance variable x at its default value of 0.

Common Mistake
Watch Out!

Thinking x = x will somehow figure out which x is which.

AP Exam Strategy

Use this.x to refer to the instance variable when parameter names match.

Master This Topic

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

  • Understanding this keyword
  • Tracing code execution accurately
  • Avoiding common pitfalls
View Unit 3 Study Guide

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