In Java, given an array of object references, how do I check that all the references in the array are the same?

Question

We just started learning references in Java and this one stumped me a bit. Any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

You iterate the array and use == to compare the first array member against all others.

If there is any mismatch, you can stop, knowing that at least one entry is not the same.

Answer 2

Use the method equals in Arrays utility class.

More info: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/api/java/util/Arrays.html#equals-java.lang.Object:A-java.lang.Object:A-

Answer 3

Equality operator will work to check if they have same reference and point to same object. eg:

array[0]==array[1]