Why must we define both == and != in C#?

Question

The C# compiler requires that whenever a custom type defines operator ==, it must also define != (see here).

Why?

I\'m curious to k

Answer 1

In short, forced consistency.

'==' and '!=' are always true opposites, no matter how you define them, defined as such by their verbal definition of "equals" and "not equals." By only defining one of them, you open yourself up to an equality operator inconsistency where both '==' and '!=' can both be true or both be false for two given values. You must define both since when you elect to define one, you must also define the other appropriately so that it is blatantly clear what your definition of "equality" is. The other solution for the compiler is to only allow you to override '==' OR '!=' and leave the other as inherently negating the other. Obviously, that isn't the case with the C# compiler and I'm sure there's a valid reason for that that may be attributable strictly as a choice of simplicity.

The question you should be asking is "why do I need to override the operators?" That is a strong decision to make which requires strong reasoning. For objects, '==' and '!=' compare by reference. If you are to override them to NOT compare by reference, you are creating a general operator inconsistency that is not apparent to any other developer who would peruse that code. If you are attempting to ask the question "is the state of these two instances equivalent?," then you should implement IEquatible, define Equals() and utilize that method call.

Lastly, IEquatable() does not define NotEquals() for the same reasoning: potential to open up equality operator inconsistencies. NotEquals() should ALWAYS return !Equals(). By opening up the definition of of NotEquals() to the class implementing Equals(), you are once again forcing the issue of consistency in determining equality.

Edit: This is simply my reasoning.