Difference between IComparable and IComparer Interface in C#

IComparable Interface in C#

Use the IComparable Interface in C# to sort elements. It is also used to compare the current instance with another object of same type.

It provides you with a method of comparing two objects of a particular type. Remember, while implementing the IComparable interface, CompareTo() method should also be implemented.

Let us see an example −

int IComparable.CompareTo(object ob) {    Vehicle v=(Vehicle)ob;    return String.Compare(this.make,v.make); }

IComparer interface in C#

The IComparer interface is used to sort elements that compare two objects and provides additional comparison method.

Example

private class sortYearAscendingHelper : IComparer {    int IComparer.Compare(object ob1, object ob2) {       Vehicle v1=(Vehicle)ob1;       Vehicle v2=(Vehicle)ob2;       if (v1.year > v2.year)       return 1;       if (v1.year < v2.year)       return -1;       else       return 0;    } }

Now return an instance of IComparer object.

public static IComparer sortYearAscending() {    return (IComparer) new sortYearAscendingHelper(); }