Java: SortedMap, TreeMap, Comparable? How to use?

Question

I have a list of objects I need to sort according to properties of one of their fields. I\'ve heard that SortedMap and Comparators are the best way to do this.

Answer 1

1.

That depends on the situation. Let's say the object A should sort before the object B in your set. If it generally makes sense to consider A less than B, then implementing Comparable would make sense. If the order only makes sense in the context in which you use the set, then you should probably create a Comparator.

2.

new TreeMap(new MyComparator());

Or without creating a MyComparator class:

new TreeMap(new Comparator() {
    int compare(MyClass o1, MyClass o2) { ... }
});

3. Yes.