1 <p> This class defines a <code>hashCode()</code> method but inherits its
2 <code>equals()</code> method from <code>java.lang.Object</code>
3 (which defines equality by comparing object references). Although
4 this will probably satisfy the contract that equal objects must have
5 equal hashcodes, it is probably not what was intended by overriding
6 the <code>hashCode()</code> method. (Overriding <code>hashCode()</code>
7 implies that the object's identity is based on criteria more complicated
8 than simple reference equality.)</p>
9 <p>If you don't think instances of this class will ever be inserted into a HashMap/HashTable,
10 the recommended <code>hashCode</code> implementation to use is:</p>
11 <p><pre>public int hashCode() {
12 assert false : "hashCode not designed";
13 return 42; // any arbitrary constant will do