== Vs. .equals(): Know What is the Difference Between == and .equals() method
The major difference between the == operator and .equals() method is that one is an operator, and the other is the method. Both these == operators and equals() are used to compare objects to mark equality. Let’s analyze the difference between the == and .equals() method in Java.
What is == in Java?
== is an operator that compares the memory or reference location of an object in the heap.
What is the .equal() Method in Java?
.equal() is a method that compares the actual content of the object.
Difference between == and .equals() method in Java
S.No. |
== Operator |
Equals() Method |
1. |
== is considered an operator in Java. |
Equals() is considered as a method in Java. |
2. |
It is majorly used to compare the reference values and objects. |
It is used to compare the actual content of the object. |
3. |
We can use the == operator with objects and primitives. |
We cannot use the equals method with primitives. |
4. |
The == operator can’t compare conflicting objects, so at that time the compiler surrenders the compile-time error. |
The equals() method can compare conflicting objects utilizing the equals() method and returns “false”. |
5. |
== operator cannot be overridden. |
Equals() method and can be overridden. |
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