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What is the difference between == and equals()?

Entry Java
Quick Answer == compares references (memory addresses) for objects - checks if two variables point to the same object. equals() compares content/value - should be overridden to define logical equality. "abc" == "abc" may be true (string pool) but new String("abc") == new String("abc") is false. Always use equals() to compare object values, use == only for primitives or reference identity checks.

Answer

== compares references.
equals() compares values.
equals() can be overridden for custom comparison.
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team Verified Answer

This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.

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