Can Java's hashCode produce same value for different strings?

Question

Is it possible to have same hashcode for different strings using java\'s hashcode function?or if it is possible then what is the % of its possibility?

Answer 1

Yes this is possible, because one of the contract between equals() & hashCode() method of Object class is.......... If two object are not equal according to equals() method then there is no guaranty that their hashCode will be same, the hashCode may/may not be equal. i.e, if obj1.equals(obj2) return false then obj1.hashCode()==obj2.hashCode() may/may not return true. Example:

    String str1 = "FB";
    String str2 = "Ea";
    System.out.println(str1.equals(str2));// false
    System.out.println(str1.hashCode() == str2.hashCode()); // true