Identify the error in the following code :

1 class exam

2 { public :

3 virtual void show () = 0; 

4 };

5 int main (void)

6 {exam e;

7 exam * ep ; 

8 return 0 ; } 

The correct answer is: option 2: compiler error at line 6

Concept:

The class exam contains a pure virtual function (virtual void show() = 0;), which makes exam an abstract class.

In C++, you cannot create an object of an abstract class. Attempting to do so results in a compiler error.

Explanation of code lines:

• Line 6: exam e; ❌ ❗ This causes a **compiler error** because you cannot instantiate an object of an abstract class.
• Line 7: exam *ep; ✅ This is valid. You can create a pointer to an abstract class.

Explanation of options:

• Option 1 – compiler error at line 6 and 7: ❌ Incorrect. Line 7 is valid.
• Option 2 – compiler error at line 6: ✅ Correct.
• Option 3 – compiler error at line 7: ❌ Incorrect. Line 7 is legal.
• Option 4 – compiler error at 2, 4 and 6: ❌ Lines 2 and 4 are syntactically and semantically valid.

Hence, the correct answer is: option 2: compiler error at line 6