Hashcode

[Michael Carlson]

Where can I find good information on the hashcode contract?
Thank you

[Chris Allen]

Not really sure if there is a specified "contract" on what a hashcode method must do (other than return an int). The only thing to keep in mind is the following:

1. If two objects point to the same reference (i.e. a == b), then the hashcode for a and b MUST return the same value.

2. If the hashcode for a and b are equal, the objects MAY point to the same reference, but not necessarily.

If you are going to write your own custom hashcode method, make sure the above two items still hold true. Normally, the equals method is overriden if the hashcode method is, but not always (it depends on the implementation).

[marc weber]

The hashCode contract is defined in the API documentation for Object under the hashCode method.

Basically, if two objects are "equal" as defined by the equals method, then they must return the same hashCode. If they are not equal as defined by the equals method, then they are not required to return the same hashCode. Note that "equality" is defined here by the equals method, and not a simple reference comparison (==).
[ February 09, 2006: Message edited by: marc weber ]