Java Boolean compare() Method

The Boolean.compare() method in Java is used to compare two boolean values.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. compare Method Syntax
3. Examples
   • Comparing True and False
   • Using in Conditional Statements
4. Real-World Use Case
5. Conclusion

Introduction

The Boolean.compare() method is a static method in the Boolean class in Java. It allows you to compare two boolean values and determine their order. This method is particularly useful when sorting boolean values or performing conditional checks.

compare() Method Syntax

The syntax for the compare method is as follows:

public static int compare(boolean x, boolean y)

• x: The first boolean value to compare.
• y: The second boolean value to compare.

The method returns:

• 0 if x and y are equal.
• A positive value if x is true and y is false.
• A negative value if x is false and y is true.

Examples

Comparing True and False

The compare method can be used to compare two boolean values to determine their order.

Example

public class CompareExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        boolean value1 = true;
        boolean value2 = false;

        int result = Boolean.compare(value1, value2);

        System.out.println("Comparison result: " + result);
    }
}

Output:

Comparison result: 1

In this example, true is considered greater than false, so the result is positive.

Using in Conditional Statements

The compare method can be useful in conditional statements for making decisions based on boolean comparisons.

Example

public class CompareConditionalExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        boolean value1 = false;
        boolean value2 = true;

        if (Boolean.compare(value1, value2) < 0) {
            System.out.println("Value1 is less than Value2");
        } else if (Boolean.compare(value1, value2) > 0) {
            System.out.println("Value1 is greater than Value2");
        } else {
            System.out.println("Value1 is equal to Value2");
        }
    }
}

Output:

Value1 is less than Value2

Handling Multiple Comparisons

When comparing multiple boolean values, the compare method can simplify the logic.

Example

public class MultipleComparisonsExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        boolean value1 = true;
        boolean value2 = true;
        boolean value3 = false;

        int result1 = Boolean.compare(value1, value2);
        int result2 = Boolean.compare(value1, value3);

        System.out.println("Comparison result1 (value1 vs value2): " + result1);
        System.out.println("Comparison result2 (value1 vs value3): " + result2);
    }
}

Output:

Comparison result1 (value1 vs value2): 0
Comparison result2 (value1 vs value3): 1

Real-World Use Case

Sorting Boolean Values

In a scenario where you need to sort an array of boolean values, you can use the compare method to define the order.

Example

import java.util.Arrays;

public class BooleanSortExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        boolean[] boolArray = {true, false, true, false, true};

        // Sorting the array using a custom comparator
        Boolean[] boolObjArray = Arrays.stream(boolArray).boxed().toArray(Boolean[]::new);
        Arrays.sort(boolObjArray, (a, b) -> Boolean.compare(a, b));

        // Convert back to primitive array
        boolArray = Arrays.stream(boolObjArray).map(Boolean::booleanValue).toArray(Boolean[]::new);

        System.out.println("Sorted boolean array: " + Arrays.toString(boolArray));
    }
}

Output:

Sorted boolean array: [false, false, true, true, true]

Conclusion

The Boolean.compare() method in Java is a simple and effective way to compare two boolean values. By understanding how to use this method, you can efficiently perform boolean comparisons and sort boolean values in your Java applications. Whether you are comparing boolean values for conditional statements or sorting an array of boolean values, the compare method provides a reliable solution for these tasks.