Explain operator precedence and associativity with a tricky expression example.

Precedence and associativity

Precedence decides which operators bind tighter (* before +). Associativity decides grouping among equal precedence—most binary ops are left-associative; assignment is right-associative.

int x = 2 + 3 * 4;      // 14, not 20
boolean ok = a > 0 && b < 10; // && lower than comparisons
int y = a = b = 1;          // right-associative assignment

• Unary ! and casts bind tighter than arithmetic.
• Logical && / || short-circuit—second operand may not run.
• When unsure, use parentheses—clarity beats cleverness in interviews.