Why the variable x has to be initialized when using inputstreamreader class ?

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stream

import java.io.* ;
public class i2
{
public static void main(String[] args)
{
InputStreamReader e = new InputStreamReader ( System.in) ;

int x=12 ; // statement 1

try{
x = e.read() ;
}
catch (IOException p)
{

System.out.println(" caught ");
}

System.out.println(x); // statement 2

}

}


When x is not initialized at statement 1 to any value then it gives compile time error at statement 2 and says x is not initialized .

But I think x should be initialized when read is invoked since read () returns an Integer .
If not then what is the Concept behind this ? Please help .

What I have tried:

I have run this on netbeans .