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javaenumscomparable

Is "implements Comparable<Foo>" redundant for enums?

In the following example, is there any difference in behavior or allowed usages for the enum Foo with or without the implements Comparable<Foo>?

enum Foo implements Comparable<Foo> {
    a, b, c
}

I'm not interested in differences observable through reflection (e.g. by calling Foo.class.getInterfaces()), but if there are any more such differences you know of, please note them!

Solution

  • I would say it clearly is:

    public abstract class Enum<E extends Enum<E>>
        implements Comparable<E>, Serializable { ... }

    Any enum MyEnum is automatically Comparable<MyEnum>.