== Why is this an issue?

Failing to null-test the argument to an ``++equals++`` method could result in a null pointer dereference, leading to runtime failures.


=== Noncompliant code example

[source,text]
----
public bool Equals (object obj) {  // Noncompliant
  return getValue() == obj.getValue() ;
}
----


=== Compliant solution

[source,text]
----
public bool Equals (object obj) {
  if (obj == null) {
    return false;
  }
  return getValue() == obj.getValue() ;
}
----


== Resources

* CWE - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/476[CWE-476 - NULL Pointer Dereference]