JavaComparison Operators
Comparison Operators
Comparison operators are used to compare two values (or variables). This is important in programming, because it helps us to find answers and make decisions.
The return value of a comparison is eithertrue orfalse. These values are known asBoolean values, and you will learn more about them in theBooleans andIf..Else chapter.
In the following example, we use thegreater than operator (>) to find out if 5 is greater than 3:
Example
int x = 5;int y = 3;System.out.println(x > y); // returns true, because 5 is higher than 3A list of all comparison operators:
| Operator | Name | Example | Try it |
|---|---|---|---|
| == | Equal to | x == y | Try it » |
| != | Not equal | x != y | Try it » |
| > | Greater than | x > y | Try it » |
| < | Less than | x < y | Try it » |
| >= | Greater than or equal to | x >= y | Try it » |
| <= | Less than or equal to | x <= y | Try it » |
Real-Life Examples
Comparison operators are often used in real-world conditions, such as checking if a person is old enough to vote:
Example
int age = 18;System.out.println(age >= 18); // true, old enough to voteSystem.out.println(age < 18); // falseAnother common use is checking if a password is long enough:
Example
int passwordLength = 5;System.out.println(passwordLength >= 8); // false, too shortSystem.out.println(passwordLength < 8); // true, needs more characters
