Check instance variable if null

Hey guys, doing a linked list project in school.
The list is implemented in a class, and nodes are stored as a different class within the LinkedList class.
So, I'm trying to verify that the instance variable next != null before doing a certain thing with the information, but the null pointer exception is thrown when trying to verify this.
here be code:

Code:

---

        ListElement<T> test = null;
        int testSize = 0;
        if(first != null){
            test = first;
            testSize = 1;
        }
        while(test.next != null){
            test = test.next;
            testSize++;
        }

---

The compiler highlights the test.next != null, where test.next is null by default, but may point to other ListElements. Whats my logical flaw here?

/T.S

You set test to null initially, then only reassign it to something non-null if first != null.
So if 'first' is null then so is test, so test.next gives you an NPE.

Of course. After a while with the code you miss even the simplest of logical flaws. Thank you, a small change and it'll work like a charm.

/T.S