/**
 * The Comparator interface specifies a collection comparison methods.
 *
 * @version     1.2    June 20, 2000
 * @author      Franck van Breugel
 */
public interface Comparator 
{

    /** Tests if the first specified object is less than the second one. */
    public boolean isLessThan(Object first, Object second);

    /** 
     * Tests if the first specified object is less than or equal to 
     * the second one. 
     */
    public boolean isLessThanOrEqualTo(Object first, Object second);

    /** Tests if the first specified object is equal to the second one. */
    public boolean isEqualTo(Object first, Object second);

    /** Tests if the first specified object is greater than the second one. */
    public boolean isGreaterThan(Object first, Object second);

    /** 
     * Tests if the first specified object is greater than or equal to 
     * the second one. 
     */
    public boolean isGreaterThanOrEqualTo(Object first, Object b);

    /** Tests if the specified element is comparable. */
    public boolean isComparable(Object key);
}