Java: Which statement about Comparable vs Comparator is the strongest interview answer?

Difficulty:

Easy

Questions:

1

Time Limit:

2 minutes

Passing Score:

100%

Question

Which statement about Comparable vs Comparator is the strongest interview answer?

  1. Comparable defines a natural order for a type, while Comparator provides external or alternative ordering logic.
  2. Comparable vs Comparator is mostly a naming style choice and has little effect on runtime or design.
  3. Comparable vs Comparator exists mainly to reduce the number of Java files in a project.
  4. Comparable vs Comparator matters only for frontend frameworks, not for core Java applications.

Hint

Start with the core rule behind Comparable vs Comparator.

Answer and rationale

Correct answer: A. Comparable defines a natural order for a type, while Comparator provides external or alternative ordering logic.

Comparable defines a natural order for a type, while Comparator provides external or alternative ordering logic. This is the base concept interviewers commonly test first.

Track: Java