== versus equals()

A distinction where == compares references while equals() usually compares object content.

What does == versus equals() do in Java?

== versus equals() — A distinction where == compares references while equals() usually compares object content.

class AnswerChecker {
    boolean isYes(String answer) {
        return answer.equalsIgnoreCase("yes");
    }
}

Level: Apprentice · More Java terms at this level

Updated September 27, 2026