Java Collections: Comparable vs Comparator

In Java we can use a Comparable or Comparator interface to sort a collection. Both interfaces have some differences you should know in order for you to make the right decision.

Comparable Interface

• We can only sort the collection by a single member of an element.
• Comparable affects the current object being sorted.
• Override compareTo() method.
• Available in the java.lang package
• We sort collection by Collection.sort(collection).

Comparator Interface

• We can sort the collection by multiple members of an element.
• Comparable affects the current object being sorted.
• Override compare() method.
• Available in the java.util package
• We sort collection by Collection.sort(collection,Comparator).