What are the best practices for using comparators in Java?

What are the best practices for using comparators in Java?

When using comparators in Java, it's important to ensure consistency, handle null values, and avoid side effects.

Can you explain how to handle null values in comparators?

You can handle null values by defining a specific order for them, such as placing nulls at the beginning or end of the sorted list.

What about performance considerations?

For performance, prefer using natural ordering when possible, and avoid unnecessary object creation in your comparator implementations.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid?

Yes, common mistakes include not being consistent with equals and compare methods, and not considering the stability of sorting.