What will be the output of the following code snippet? ``python x = 1 y = 2 z = x x = y y = z print(x, y) ``

Question

x = 1
y = 2
z = x
x = y
y = z
print(x, y)

Options

• A1 2
• B2 2
• C1 1
• D2 1

• A
  3% (1)
• B
  17% (5)
• C
  7% (2)
• D
  73% (22)

Explanation

Option D (2 1) is correct because the code performs a classic variable swap using a temporary variable: z captures the original value of x (which is 1), then x is overwritten with y's value (2), and finally y is restored to the original x via z (1), yielding x=2, y=1.

• A (1 2) is wrong because it reflects the original values - as if no swapping occurred at all.
• B (2 2) is wrong because it assumes y retains its value after the swap, ignoring that y = z reassigns it to 1.
• C (1 1) is wrong because it assumes x never changes, ignoring the x = y assignment.

Memory tip: Trace variable swaps step-by-step in a table - write out each variable's value after every line. The temporary variable (z) is the key: it's a "snapshot" of x before it gets overwritten, allowing the swap to complete without data loss.

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