Why the num3 += must be before num2 += num1 to print 17 not 5 like in this example?

Question

public class Program {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int num1 = 4;
int num2 = 8;
int num3 = 5;
num2 += num1 += num3;

System.out.println(num3);
}
}

Answer 1

num2 += num1 += num3;
means
num1 = num1 + num3; num2 = num2 + num1;
So num3 is not changed. It is evaluated from right to left, because by assignation you want to assign the rigt part to the left „part“/variable.

Answer 2

As halfpair stated, the statement is evaluated from left to right >>

In this case, value of num3 remains unchanged, and displays value of 5 when printed

However, adding/assigning...

int num4 = num2 += num1 += num3;

then printing num4...

Would give you that value of 17

I know, over explained and long winded, but it helps slow learners like myself 😊

Answer 3

...and like myself, thanks:)