equals() method.

Hi, in my code I have

Code :

---

public boolean equals(Object obj) {
		if (this.equals(obj)){
			return true;
		}
		return false;
	}

---

Im just making sure I know what the equals method does...

Does this check if all of the attributes in 'obj' are this same as in the object the method belongs to?

Thanks.

You can define equals to behave however you wish to define object equality. The way you have written, you will create an infinite loop. Often, equals should check for a null parameter and return false if it is null. Then go to check things you wish to check - for instance of the object is an instanceof the class you are checking, then compare the equality of the variables of the objects (whichever variables you wish to use to define equality).

You should also read the API for info on how to correctly override this method
Object (Java Platform SE 6)

Thanks. :)