When to use IComparable<T> Vs. IComparer<T>

.net icomparable icomparer
Micah picture Micah · Feb 11, 2009 · Viewed 29.8k times · Source

I'm trying to figure out which of these interfaces I need to implement. They both essentially do the same thing. When would I use one over the other?

Answer

Andrew Hare picture Andrew Hare · Feb 11, 2009

Well they are not quite the same thing as IComparer<T> is implemented on a type that is capable of comparing two different objects while IComparable<T> is implemented on types that are able to compare themselves with other instances of the same type.

I tend to use IComparable<T> for times when I need to know how another instance relates to this instance. IComparer<T> is useful for sorting collections as the IComparer<T> stands outside of the comparison.

Related questions

difference between IComparable and IComparer

What is the difference between IComparable and IComparer Interfaces? Is it necessary to use this interface always with Array.Sort() method

Read More
How to compare values of generic types?

How do I compare values of generic types? I have reduced it to a minimal sample: public class Foo<T> where T : IComparable { private T _minimumValue = default(T); public bool IsInRange(T value) { return (value >= _minimumValue); // <…

Read More
Generics and Implementing IComparable

I am very new to generics and I am trying to write a simple class which will be generic but also allow sorting of some description on a string member variable. At the moment I have a basic class but …

Read More