== Why is this an issue?

There's no need to null-test a variable before an ``++instanceof++`` test because ``++instanceof++`` tests for ``++null++``. Similarly, there's no need to null-test a variable before dereferencing _some other_ object.


=== Noncompliant code example

[source,java]
----
if (myVar != null && myVar instanceof MyClass) { // Noncompliant
  // ...
} else if (myVar != null && myOtherVar.equals(myVar) {  // Noncompliant
  // ...
}
----


=== Compliant solution

[source,java]
----
if (myVar instanceof MyClass) {
  // ...
} else if (myVar != null && myVar.equals(myOtherVar) {
  // ...
}
----


ifdef::env-github,rspecator-view[]

'''
== Implementation Specification
(visible only on this page)

=== Message

* Remove the null-test of "xxx"; it is redundant.
* Remove the null-test of "xxx" or use its ".equals" method instead of "yyy's".


endif::env-github,rspecator-view[]