To Compare Java Enum Members: == or .equals()?

Comparing Java Enum Members: Delving into == and equals()

When dealing with Java enums, the question arises: should you utilize the equals() method or the == operator for comparing enum members?

Traditionally, .equals() has been the preferred choice for comparing enums. Like with objects, .equals() provides a contractual guarantee of equality, ensuring that two enum members with the same name are considered equal.

Recently, however, the notion of using == for enum comparisons has emerged. This approach stems from the fact that enum members are compiled to classes with static members. As such, it is argued that == essentially performs an identity check, verifying if the two references point to the same object.

Digging deeper, we find that the .equals() method in Java enums simply defers to ==. It compares the references of the two enum members and returns true if they are identical, otherwise false.

Given this technical equivalence, the choice between == and .equals() becomes a matter of preference. Some developers favor == for its conciseness and null safety, as it throws a NullPointerException if either reference is null. Others prefer .equals() for its explicitness and adherence to the principle of using .equals() for object equality comparisons.

Ultimately, both == and .equals() are valid approaches for comparing Java enum members. If null safety is a concern, == offers a straightforward solution. If explicitness and consistency with object equality practices are desirable, .equals() remains a solid choice.

The above is the detailed content of To Compare Java Enum Members: == or .equals()?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!