Comparing Class objects

Question

I have to compare a Class object against a list of pre-defined classes.

Is it safe to use == or should I use equals?

if        (klass == KlassA.class) { } else if (klass == KlassB.class) { } else if (klass == KlassC.class) { } else { } 

Note: I cannot use instanceof, I don't have an object, I just have the Class object. I (mis)use it like an enum in this situation!

Answer 1

java.lang.Class does not override the equals method from java.lang.Object, which is implemented like this:

public boolean equals(Object obj) {     return (this == obj); } 

So a == b is the same as a.equals(b) (except if a is null).

Answer 2

I am not sure if this will work for your specific situation, but you could try Class.isAssignableFrom(Class).

KlassA.class.isAssignableFrom(klass)