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Posted to dev@commons.apache.org by sc...@apache.org on 2003/08/16 14:40:31 UTC

cvs commit: jakarta-commons/lang/src/java/org/apache/commons/lang/builder CompareToBuilder.java

scolebourne    2003/08/16 05:40:31

  Modified:    lang/src/java/org/apache/commons/lang/builder
                        CompareToBuilder.java
  Log:
  Javadoc changes
  bug 22480, from Pete Gieser
  
  Revision  Changes    Path
  1.20      +295 -254  jakarta-commons/lang/src/java/org/apache/commons/lang/builder/CompareToBuilder.java
  
  Index: CompareToBuilder.java
  ===================================================================
  RCS file: /home/cvs/jakarta-commons/lang/src/java/org/apache/commons/lang/builder/CompareToBuilder.java,v
  retrieving revision 1.19
  retrieving revision 1.20
  diff -u -r1.19 -r1.20
  --- CompareToBuilder.java	21 Jul 2003 23:32:41 -0000	1.19
  +++ CompareToBuilder.java	16 Aug 2003 12:40:31 -0000	1.20
  @@ -63,44 +63,54 @@
   /** 
    * <p><code>CompareTo</code> generation routines.</p>
    *
  - * <p>This class provides methods to build a good <code>compareTo</code>
  - * method for any class. It is consistent with the <code>equals()</code> and
  + * <p>This class provides methods to assist in building a quality
  + * <code>compareTo(Object)</code>.  It is consistent with <code>equals(Object)</code> and
    * <code>hashcode()</code> built with {@link EqualsBuilder} and
    * {@link HashCodeBuilder}.</p>
    *
  - * <p>Two Objects that compare equal using <code>equals()</code> should normally
  - * also compare equal using <code>compareTo()</code></p>.
  + * <p>Two Objects that compare equal using <code>equals(Object)</code> should normally
  + * also compare equal using <code>compareTo(Object)</code>.</p>
    *
    * <p>All relevant fields should be included in the calculation of the
    * comparison. Derived fields may be ignored. The same fields, in the same
  - * order, should be used in both <code>compareTo()</code> and
  - * <code>equals()</code>.</p>
  + * order, should be used in both <code>compareTo(Object)</code> and
  + * <code>equals(Object)</code>.</p>
    *
  - * <p>Typical use for the code is as follows:</p>
  + * <p>To use this class write code as follows:</p>
    *
    * <pre>
  - *  public int compareTo(Object o) {
  - *    MyClass rhs = (MyClass) o;
  - *    return new CompareToBuilder()
  - *                 .appendSuper(super.compareTo(o)
  - *                 .append(field1, rhs.field1)
  - *                 .append(field2, rhs.field2)
  - *                 .append(field3, rhs.field3)
  - *                 .toComparison();
  - *  }
  + * public class MyClass {
  + *   String field1;
  + *   int field2;
  + *   boolean field3;
  + *
  + *   ...
  + *
  + *   public int compareTo(Object o) {
  + *     MyClass myClass = (MyClass) o;
  + *     return new CompareToBuilder()
  + *       .appendSuper(super.compareTo(o)
  + *       .append(this.field1, myClass.field1)
  + *       .append(this.field2, myClass.field2)
  + *       .append(this.field3, myClass.field3)
  + *       .toComparison();
  + *   }
  + * }
    * </pre>
    *
  - * <p>Alternatively, there is a method that uses reflection to determine
  - * the fields to test. Because these fields are usually private, the method,
  - * <code>reflectionCompare</code>, uses <code>AccessibleObject.setAccessible</code> to change
  - * the visibility of the fields. This will fail under a security manager,
  - * unless the appropriate permissions are set. It is also slower than testing
  - * explicitly.</p>
  + * <p>Alternatively, there is a method {@link #reflectionCompare reflectionCompare} that uses
  + * reflection to determine the fields to append. Because fields can be private,
  + * <code>reflectionCompare</code> uses <code>AccessibleObject.setAccessible</code> to
  + * bypass normal access control checks. This will fail under a security manager,
  + * unless the appropriate permissions are set up correctly. It is also
  + * slower than appending explicitly.</p>
    *
  - * <p>A typical invocation for this method would look like:</p>
  + * <p>A typical implementation of <code>compareTo(Object)</code> using
  + * <code>reflectionCompare</code> looks like:</p>
  +
    * <pre>
    * public int compareTo(Object o) {
  - *   return CompareToBuilder.reflectionCompare(this, obj);
  + *   return CompareToBuilder.reflectionCompare(this, o);
    * }
    * </pre>
    *
  @@ -114,7 +124,7 @@
   public class CompareToBuilder {
       
       /**
  -     * If the fields tested are equals.
  +     * Current state of the comparison as appended fields are checked.
        */
       private int comparison;
   
  @@ -130,121 +140,128 @@
           comparison = 0;
       }
   
  -    //-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  -    
  +    //-----------------------------------------------------------------------
       /** 
  -     * <p>This method uses reflection to determine the ordering between two
  -     * Objects.</p>
  +     * <p>Compares two <code>Object</code>s via reflection.</p>
        *
  -     * <p>It uses <code>AccessibleObject.setAccessible</code> to gain access to private
  -     * fields. This means that it will throw a security exception if run under
  -     * a security manager, if the permissions are not set up correctly. It is
  -     * also not as efficient as testing explicitly.</p>
  -     *
  -     * <p>Transient members will be not be tested, as they are likely derived
  -     * fields, and not part of the value of the object.</p>
  -     *
  -     * <p>Static fields will not be tested. Superclass fields will be included.</p>
  -     *
  -     * @param lhs  <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the other object
  -     * @return a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as this 
  -     *  Object is less than, equal to, or greater than the specified Object.
  -     * @throws NullPointerException  if either (but not both) parameter is
  +     * <p>Fields can be private, thus <code>AccessibleObject.setAccessible</code>
  +     * is used to bypass normal access control checks. This will fail under a 
  +     * security manager unless the appropriate permissions are set.</p>
  +     *
  +     * <ul>
  +     * <li>Static fields will not be compared</li>
  +     * <li>Transient members will be not be compared, as they are likely derived
  +     *     fields</li>
  +     * <li>Superclass fields will be compared</li>
  +     * </ul>
  +     *
  +     * <p>If both <code>lhs</code> and <code>rhs</code> are <code>null</code>,
  +     * they are considered equal.</p>
  +     *
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand object
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand object
  +     * @return a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as <code>lhs</code>
  +     *  is less than, equal to, or greater than <code>rhs</code>
  +     * @throws NullPointerException  if either (but not both) parameters are
        *  <code>null</code>
  -     * @throws ClassCastException  if the specified Object's type prevents it
  -     *  from being compared to this Object.
  +     * @throws ClassCastException  if <code>rhs</code> is not assignment-compatible
  +     *  with <code>lhs</code>
        */
       public static int reflectionCompare(Object lhs, Object rhs) {
           return reflectionCompare(lhs, rhs, false, null);
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>This method uses reflection to determine if the two Objects are
  -     * equal.</p>
  -     *
  -     * <p>It uses <code>AccessibleObject.setAccessible</code> to gain access to private
  -     * fields. This means that it will throw a security exception if run under
  -     * a security manager, if  the permissions are not set up correctly. It is
  -     * also not as efficient as testing explicitly.</p>
  -     *
  -     * <p>If the <code>testTransients</code> is set to <code>true</code>,
  -     * transient members will be tested, otherwise they are ignored, as they
  -     * are likely derived fields, and not part of the value of the object.</p>
  +     * <p>Compares two <code>Object</code>s via reflection.</p>
        *
  -     * <p>Static fields will not be tested. Superclass fields will be included.</p>
  -     * 
  -     * @param lhs  <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the other object
  -     * @param testTransients  whether to include transient fields
  -     * @return a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as this 
  -     *  Object is less than, equal to, or greater than the specified Object.
  -     * @throws NullPointerException  if either (but not both) parameter is
  -     *  <code>null</code>
  -     * @throws ClassCastException  if the specified Object's type prevents it
  -     *  from being compared to this Object.
  -     */
  -    public static int reflectionCompare(Object lhs, Object rhs, boolean testTransients) {
  -        return reflectionCompare(lhs, rhs, testTransients, null);
  +     * <p>Fields can be private, thus <code>AccessibleObject.setAccessible</code>
  +     * is used to bypass normal access control checks. This will fail under a 
  +     * security manager unless the appropriate permissions are set.</p>
  +     *
  +     * <ul>
  +     * <li>Static fields will not be compared</li>
  +     * <li>If <code>compareTransients</code> is <code>true</code>,
  +     *     compares transient members.  Otherwise ignores them, as they
  +     *     are likely derived fields.</li>
  +     * <li>Superclass fields will be compared</li>
  +     * </ul>
  +     *
  +     * <p>If both <code>lhs</code> and <code>rhs</code> are <code>null</code>,
  +     * they are considered equal.</p>
  +     *
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand object
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand object
  +     * @param compareTransients  whether to compare transient fields
  +     * @return a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as <code>lhs</code>
  +     *  is less than, equal to, or greater than <code>rhs</code>
  +     * @throws NullPointerException  if either <code>lhs</code> or <code>rhs</code>
  +     *  (but not both) is <code>null</code>
  +     * @throws ClassCastException  if <code>rhs</code> is not assignment-compatible
  +     *  with <code>lhs</code>
  +     */
  +    public static int reflectionCompare(Object lhs, Object rhs, boolean compareTransients) {
  +        return reflectionCompare(lhs, rhs, compareTransients, null);
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>This method uses reflection to determine if the two Objects are
  -     * equal.</p>
  -     *
  -     * <p>It uses <code>AccessibleObject.setAccessible</code> to gain access to private
  -     * fields. This means that it will throw a security exception if run under
  -     * a security manager, if  the permissions are not set up correctly. It is
  -     * also not as efficient as testing explicitly.</p>
  -     *
  -     * <p>If the <code>testTransients</code> is set to <code>true</code>,
  -     * transient members will be tested, otherwise they are ignored, as they
  -     * are likely derived fields, and not part of the value of the object.</p>
  -     *
  -     * <p>Static fields will not be included. Superclass fields will be appended
  -     * up to and including the specified superclass. A null superclass is treated
  -     * as java.lang.Object.</p>
  -     * 
  -     * @param lhs  <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the other object
  -     * @param testTransients  whether to include transient fields
  -     * @param reflectUpToClass  the superclass to reflect up to (inclusive), may be null
  -     * @return a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as this 
  -     *  Object is less than, equal to, or greater than the specified Object.
  -     * @throws NullPointerException  if either (but not both) parameter is
  -     *  <code>null</code>
  -     * @throws ClassCastException  if the specified Object's type prevents it
  -     *  from being compared to this Object.
  +     * <p>Compares two <code>Object</code>s via reflection.</p>
  +     *
  +     * <p>Fields can be private, thus <code>AccessibleObject.setAccessible</code>
  +     * is used to bypass normal access control checks. This will fail under a 
  +     * security manager unless the appropriate permissions are set.</p>
  +     *
  +     * <ul>
  +     * <li>Static fields will not be compared</li>
  +     * <li>If the <code>compareTransients</code> is <code>true</code>,
  +     *     compares transient members.  Otherwise ignores them, as they
  +     *     are likely derived fields.</li>
  +     * <li>Compares superclass fields up to and including <code>reflectUpToClass</code>.
  +     *     If <code>reflectUpToClass</code> is <code>null</code>, compares all superclass fields.</li>
  +     * </ul>
  +     *
  +     * <p>If both <code>lhs</code> and <code>rhs</code> are <code>null</code>,
  +     * they are considered equal.</p>
  +     *
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand object
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand object
  +     * @param compareTransients  whether to compare transient fields
  +     * @param reflectUpToClass  last superclass for which fields are compared
  +     * @return a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as <code>lhs</code>
  +     *  is less than, equal to, or greater than <code>rhs</code>
  +     * @throws NullPointerException  if either <code>lhs</code> or <code>rhs</code>
  +     *  (but not both) is <code>null</code>
  +     * @throws ClassCastException  if <code>rhs</code> is not assignment-compatible
  +     *  with <code>lhs</code>
        */
  -    public static int reflectionCompare(Object lhs, Object rhs, boolean testTransients, Class reflectUpToClass) {
  +    public static int reflectionCompare(Object lhs, Object rhs, boolean compareTransients, Class reflectUpToClass) {
           if (lhs == rhs) {
               return 0;
           }
           if (lhs == null || rhs == null) {
               throw new NullPointerException();
           }
  -        Class c1 = lhs.getClass();
  -        if (!c1.isInstance(rhs)) {
  +        Class lhsClazz = lhs.getClass();
  +        if (!lhsClazz.isInstance(rhs)) {
               throw new ClassCastException();
           }
           CompareToBuilder compareToBuilder = new CompareToBuilder();
  -        reflectionAppend(lhs, rhs, c1, compareToBuilder, testTransients);
  -        while (c1.getSuperclass() != null && c1 != reflectUpToClass) {
  -            c1 = c1.getSuperclass();
  -            reflectionAppend(lhs, rhs, c1, compareToBuilder, testTransients);
  +        reflectionAppend(lhs, rhs, lhsClazz, compareToBuilder, compareTransients);
  +        while (lhsClazz.getSuperclass() != null && lhsClazz != reflectUpToClass) {
  +            lhsClazz = lhsClazz.getSuperclass();
  +            reflectionAppend(lhs, rhs, lhsClazz, compareToBuilder, compareTransients);
           }
           return compareToBuilder.toComparison();
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Appends the fields and values defined by the given object of the
  -     * given Class.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to <code>builder</code> the comparison of <code>lhs</code>
  +     * to <code>rhs</code> using the fields defined in <code>clazz</code>.</p>
        * 
  -     * @param lhs  the left hand object
  -     * @param rhs  the right hand object
  -     * @param clazz  the class to append details of
  -     * @param builder  the builder to append to
  -     * @param useTransients  whether to test transient fields
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand object
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand object
  +     * @param clazz  <code>Class</code> that defines fields to be compared
  +     * @param builder  <code>CompareToBuilder</code> to append to
  +     * @param useTransients  whether to compare transient fields
        */
       private static void reflectionAppend(
           Object lhs,
  @@ -252,6 +269,7 @@
           Class clazz,
           CompareToBuilder builder,
           boolean useTransients) {
  +        
           Field[] fields = clazz.getDeclaredFields();
           AccessibleObject.setAccessible(fields, true);
           for (int i = 0; i < fields.length && builder.comparison == 0; i++) {
  @@ -262,21 +280,21 @@
                   try {
                       builder.append(f.get(lhs), f.get(rhs));
                   } catch (IllegalAccessException e) {
  -                    //this can't happen. Would get a Security exception instead
  -                    //throw a runtime exception in case the impossible happens.
  +                    // This can't happen. Would get a Security exception instead.
  +                    // Throw a runtime exception in case the impossible happens.
                       throw new InternalError("Unexpected IllegalAccessException");
                   }
               }
           }
       }
   
  -    //-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  -    
  +    //-----------------------------------------------------------------------
       /**
  -     * <p>Adds the result of super.hashCode() to this builder.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the <code>compareTo(Object)</code>
  +     * result of the superclass.</p>
        *
  -     * @param superCompareTo  the result of calling <code>super.compareTo()</code>
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param superCompareTo  result of calling <code>super.compareTo(Object)</code>
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder appendSuper(int superCompareTo) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -286,49 +304,53 @@
           return this;
       }
       
  -    //-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  -    
  +    //-----------------------------------------------------------------------
       /**
  -     * <p>Comparison of two Object references.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>Object</code>s.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
  -     *  <li>Check if Objects are same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is null, a null object is less than a non-null</li>
  -     *  <li>Check the object contents</li>
  +     * <li>Check if <code>lhs == rhs</code></li>
  +     * <li>Check if either <code>lhs</code> or <code>rhs</code> is <code>null</code>,
  +     *     a <code>null</code> object is less than a non-<code>null</code> object</li>
  +     * <li>Check the object contents</li>
        * </ol>
        * 
  -     * <p>The first parameter to be compared must either be an array or implement
  -     * <code>Comparable</code>.</p>
  +     * <p><code>lhs</code> must either be an array or implement {@link Comparable}.</p>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  the Object from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the Object from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  -     * @throws ClassCastException if the specified Object's type prevents it
  -     * from being compared to this Object.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand object
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand object
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
  +     * @throws ClassCastException  if <code>rhs</code> is not assignment-compatible
  +     *  with <code>lhs</code>
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(Object lhs, Object rhs) {
           return append(lhs, rhs, null);
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Comparison of two Object references.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>Object</code>s.</p>
  +     *
        * <ol>
  -     *  <li>Check if Objects are same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is null, a null object is less than a non-null</li>
  -     *  <li>Check the object contents</li>
  -     * </ol>
  -     * 
  -     * <p>If the first parameter to be compared is an array, the array methods will
  -     * be used. Otherwise the comparator will be used. If the comparator is null, 
  -     * the <code>lhs</code> will be cast to <code>Comparable</code>.</p>
  -     *
  -     * @param lhs  the Object from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the Object from the other object
  -     * @param comparator  the comparator to use to compare the objects,
  -     *  <code>null</code> means to treat the <code>lhs</code> as <code>Comparable</code>.
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  -     * @throws ClassCastException if the specified Object's type prevents it
  -     * from being compared to this Object.
  +     * <li>Check if <code>lhs == rhs</code></li>
  +     * <li>Check if either <code>lhs</code> or <code>rhs</code> is <code>null</code>,
  +     *     a <code>null</code> object is less than a non-<code>null</code> object</li>
  +     * <li>Check the object contents</li>
  +     * </ol>
  +     *
  +     * <p>If <code>lhs</code> is an array, array comparison methods will be used.
  +     * Otherwise <code>comparator</code> will be used to compare the objects.
  +     * If <code>comparator</code> is <code>null</code>, <code>lhs</code> must
  +     * implement {@link Comparable} instead.</p>
  +     *
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand object
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand object
  +     * @param comparator  <code>Comparator</code> used to compare the objects,
  +     *  <code>null</code> means treat lhs as <code>Comparable</code>
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
  +     * @throws ClassCastException  if <code>rhs</code> is not assignment-compatible
  +     *  with <code>lhs</code>
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(Object lhs, Object rhs, Comparator comparator) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -345,11 +367,10 @@
               comparison = +1;
               return this;
           }
  -        Class lhsClass = lhs.getClass();
  -        if (lhsClass.isArray()) {
  -            // 'Switch' on type of array, to dispatch to the correct handler
  -            // This handles multi dimensional arrays
  -            // this could throw a ClassCastException is rhs is not the correct array type
  +        if (lhs.getClass().isArray()) {
  +            // switch on type of array, to dispatch to the correct handler
  +            // handles multi dimensional arrays
  +            // throws a ClassCastException if rhs is not the correct array type
               if (lhs instanceof long[]) {
                   append((long[]) lhs, (long[]) rhs);
               } else if (lhs instanceof int[]) {
  @@ -367,8 +388,8 @@
               } else if (lhs instanceof boolean[]) {
                   append((boolean[]) lhs, (boolean[]) rhs);
               } else {
  -                // Not an array of primitives
  -                // this could throw a ClassCastException is rhs is not an array
  +                // not an array of primitives
  +                // throws a ClassCastException if rhs is not an array
                   append((Object[]) lhs, (Object[]) rhs, comparator);
               }
           } else {
  @@ -382,12 +403,14 @@
           return this;
       }
   
  +    //-------------------------------------------------------------------------
       /**
  -     * <p>Test if two <code>long</code>s are &lt;, &gt; or ==.</p>
  +     * Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>long</code>s.
        *
  -     * @param lhs  the <code>long</code> from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the <code>long</code> from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand value
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand value
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(long lhs, long rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -398,11 +421,12 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Test if two <code>int</code>s are &lt;, &gt; or ==.</p>
  +     * Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>int</code>s.
        *
  -     * @param lhs  the <code>int</code> from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the <code>int</code> from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand value
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand value
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(int lhs, int rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -413,11 +437,12 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Test if two <code>short</code>s are &lt;, &gt; or ==.</p>
  +     * Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>short</code>s.
        * 
  -     * @param lhs  the <code>short</code> from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the <code>short</code> from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand value
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand value
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(short lhs, short rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -428,11 +453,12 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Test if two <code>char</code>s are &lt;, &gt; or ==.</p>
  +     * Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>char</code>s.
        *
  -     * @param lhs  the <code>char</code> from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the <code>char</code> from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand value
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand value
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(char lhs, char rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -443,11 +469,12 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Test if two <code>byte</code>s are &lt, &gt; or ==.</p>
  +     * Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>byte</code>s.
        * 
  -     * @param lhs  the <code>byte</code> from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the <code>byte</code> from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand value
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand value
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(byte lhs, byte rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -458,16 +485,17 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Test if two <code>double</code>s are &lt;, &gt; or ==.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>double</code>s.</p>
        *
        * <p>This handles NaNs, Infinties, and <code>-0.0</code>.</p>
        *
        * <p>It is compatible with the hash code generated by
        * <code>HashCodeBuilder</code>.</p>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  the <code>double</code> from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the <code>double</code> from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand value
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand value
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(double lhs, double rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -478,16 +506,17 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Test if two <code>float</code>s are &lt;, &gt; or ==.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>float</code>s.</p>
        *
        * <p>This handles NaNs, Infinties, and <code>-0.0</code>.</p>
        *
        * <p>It is compatible with the hash code generated by
        * <code>HashCodeBuilder</code>.</p>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  the <code>float</code> from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the <code>float</code> from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand value
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand value
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(float lhs, float rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -498,11 +527,12 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Test if two <code>booleans</code>s are &lt;, &gt; or ==.</p>
  +     * Appends to the <code>builder</code> the comparison of
  +     * two <code>booleans</code>s.
        *
  -     * @param lhs  the <code>boolean</code> from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  the <code>boolean</code> from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand value
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand value
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
         */
       public CompareToBuilder append(boolean lhs, boolean rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -519,50 +549,53 @@
           return this;
       }
   
  +    //-----------------------------------------------------------------------
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of an <code>Object</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>Object</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a short length array is less than a long length array</li>
  -     *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(long, long)}</li>
  +     *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(Object, Object, Comparator)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
        * <p>This method will also will be called for the top level of multi-dimensional,
        * ragged, and multi-typed arrays.</p>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  -     * @throws ClassCastException  if the specified Object's type prevents it
  -     *  from being compared to this Object.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
  +     * @throws ClassCastException  if <code>rhs</code> is not assignment-compatible
  +     *  with <code>lhs</code>
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(Object[] lhs, Object[] rhs) {
           return append(lhs, rhs, null);
       }
       
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of an <code>Object</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>Object</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  -     *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
  +     *  <li>Check array length, a short length array is less than a long length array</li>
        *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(Object, Object, Comparator)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
        * <p>This method will also will be called for the top level of multi-dimensional,
        * ragged, and multi-typed arrays.</p>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @param comparator  the comparator to use to compare the objects,
  -     *  <code>null</code> means to treat the <code>lhs</code> as <code>Comparable</code>.
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  -     * @throws ClassCastException  if the specified Object's type prevents it
  -     *  from being compared to this Object.
  -     */
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @param comparator  <code>Comparator</code> to use to compare the array elements,
  +     *  <code>null</code> means to treat <code>lhs</code> elements as <code>Comparable</code>.
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
  +     * @throws ClassCastException  if <code>rhs</code> is not assignment-compatible
  +       *  with <code>lhs</code>
  +       */
       public CompareToBuilder append(Object[] lhs, Object[] rhs, Comparator comparator) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
               return this;
  @@ -589,18 +622,19 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of a <code>long</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>long</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
        *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(long, long)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(long[] lhs, long[] rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -628,18 +662,19 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of an <code>int</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>int</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
        *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(int, int)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(int[] lhs, int[] rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -667,18 +702,19 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of a <code>short</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>short</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
        *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(short, short)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(short[] lhs, short[] rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -706,18 +742,19 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of a <code>char</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>char</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
        *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(char, char)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(char[] lhs, char[] rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -745,18 +782,19 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of a <code>byte</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>byte</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
        *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(byte, byte)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(byte[] lhs, byte[] rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -784,18 +822,19 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of a <code>double</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>double</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
        *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(double, double)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(double[] lhs, double[] rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -823,18 +862,19 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of a <code>float</code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>float</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
  -     *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(float, float)}
  +     *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(float, float)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(float[] lhs, float[] rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -862,18 +902,19 @@
       }
   
       /**
  -     * <p>Deep comparison of a <code>boolean/code> array.</p>
  +     * <p>Appends to the <code>builder</code> the deep comparison of
  +     * two <code>boolean</code> arrays.</p>
        *
        * <ol>
        *  <li>Check if arrays are the same using <code>==</code></li>
  -     *  <li>Check if either is <code>null</code>, a null array is less than a non-null</li>
  +     *  <li>Check if for <code>null</code>, <code>null</code> is less than non-<code>null</code></li>
        *  <li>Check array length, a shorter length array is less than a longer length array</li>
        *  <li>Check array contents element by element using {@link #append(boolean, boolean)}</li>
        * </ol>
        *
  -     * @param lhs  array from <code>this</code> object
  -     * @param rhs  array from the other object
  -     * @return CompareToBuilder - used to chain calls.
  +     * @param lhs  left-hand array
  +     * @param rhs  right-hand array
  +     * @return this - used to chain append calls
        */
       public CompareToBuilder append(boolean[] lhs, boolean[] rhs) {
           if (comparison != 0) {
  @@ -900,14 +941,14 @@
           return this;
       }
   
  +    //-----------------------------------------------------------------------
       /**
  -     * <p>Return a negative integer if this <code>Object</code> is less
  -     * than, a positive integer if this <code>Object</code> is greater than,
  -     * or <code>0</code> if this <code>Object</code> is equal to the specified
  -     * Object.</p>
  +     * Returns a negative integer, a positive integer, or zero as
  +     * the <code>builder</code> has judged the "left-hand" side
  +     * as less than, greater than, or equal to the "right-hand"
  +     * side.
        * 
  -     * @return int - a negative integer, zero, or a positive integer as this 
  -     *  Object is less than, equal to, or greater than the specified Object.
  +     * @return final comparison result
        */
       public int toComparison() {
           return comparison;