Difference between == and .equals() methods in Java

In Java, the == operator is used to compare the memory references of objects, while the .equals() method is used to compare the actual content of objects.

When to use == operator:

Use the == operator when you need to compare primitive data types or when you want to check if two object references point to the same memory location.

When to use .equals() method:

Use the .equals() method when you need to compare the content of objects, especially when working with String objects or custom classes that override the equals() method to define their own comparison logic.

Understanding the Difference Between `==` and `.equals()` Methods in Java

When comparing objects in Java, the difference between `==` and `.equals()` methods lies in their functionality and use cases:

• `==` Operator: The `==` operator checks if two object references point to the same memory location in Java. It compares the memory addresses rather than the actual content of the objects.
• `.equals()` Method: The `.equals()` method is a method defined in the `Object` class that is used to compare the content or value of two objects. It is commonly overridden in classes to provide a custom comparison logic.

Therefore, in Java, you would typically use the `==` operator to compare primitive data types and to check if two object references point to the same memory location. On the other hand, you would use the `.equals()` method when you need to compare the actual content or value of objects, especially for objects of user-defined classes where a customized comparison is required.

It's important to note that for primitive data types like integers or booleans, both `==` and `.equals()` methods can be used interchangeably. However, for objects, it is recommended to use the `.equals()` method for content comparison.

Therefore, in conclusion, choose between `==` and `.equals()` methods in Java based on whether you need a memory location comparison (`==`) or a content/value comparison (`.equals()`) for the objects in question.