java/11 : java.base/java/util/Arrays.java

Arrays
https://openjdk.java.net/
GPLv2 + Classpath Exception
/*
 * Copyright (c) 1997, 2018, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
 * DO NOT ALTER OR REMOVE COPYRIGHT NOTICES OR THIS FILE HEADER.
 *
 * This code is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it
 * under the terms of the GNU General Public License version 2 only, as
 * published by the Free Software Foundation.  Oracle designates this
 * particular file as subject to the "Classpath" exception as provided
 * by Oracle in the LICENSE file that accompanied this code.
 *
 * This code is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
 * ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or
 * FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License
 * version 2 for more details (a copy is included in the LICENSE file that
 * accompanied this code).
 *
 * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License version
 * 2 along with this work; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation,
 * Inc., 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA.
 *
 * Please contact Oracle, 500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood Shores, CA 94065 USA
 * or visit www.oracle.com if you need additional information or have any
 * questions.
 */

package java.util;

import jdk.internal.HotSpotIntrinsicCandidate;
import jdk.internal.util.ArraysSupport;

import java.lang.reflect.Array;
import java.util.concurrent.ForkJoinPool;
import java.util.function.BinaryOperator;
import java.util.function.Consumer;
import java.util.function.DoubleBinaryOperator;
import java.util.function.IntBinaryOperator;
import java.util.function.IntFunction;
import java.util.function.IntToDoubleFunction;
import java.util.function.IntToLongFunction;
import java.util.function.IntUnaryOperator;
import java.util.function.LongBinaryOperator;
import java.util.function.UnaryOperator;
import java.util.stream.DoubleStream;
import java.util.stream.IntStream;
import java.util.stream.LongStream;
import java.util.stream.Stream;
import java.util.stream.StreamSupport;

This class contains various methods for manipulating arrays (such as
sorting and searching). This class also contains a static factory
that allows arrays to be viewed as lists.
The methods in this class all throw a NullPointerException, if the specified array reference is null, except where noted. 
The documentation for the methods contained in this class includes
brief descriptions of the implementations. Such descriptions should
be regarded as implementation notes, rather than parts of the
specification. Implementors should feel free to substitute other algorithms, so long as the specification itself is adhered to. (For example, the algorithm used by sort(Object[]) does not have to be a MergeSort, but it does have to be stable.)
This class is a member of the

Java Collections Framework.
Author: Josh Bloch, Neal Gafter, John Rose
Since:  1.2/**
 * This class contains various methods for manipulating arrays (such as
 * sorting and searching). This class also contains a static factory
 * that allows arrays to be viewed as lists.
 *
 * <p>The methods in this class all throw a {@code NullPointerException},
 * if the specified array reference is null, except where noted.
 *
 * <p>The documentation for the methods contained in this class includes
 * brief descriptions of the <i>implementations</i>. Such descriptions should
 * be regarded as <i>implementation notes</i>, rather than parts of the
 * <i>specification</i>. Implementors should feel free to substitute other
 * algorithms, so long as the specification itself is adhered to. (For
 * example, the algorithm used by {@code sort(Object[])} does not have to be
 * a MergeSort, but it does have to be <i>stable</i>.)
 *
 * <p>This class is a member of the
 * <a href="{@docRoot}/java.base/java/util/package-summary.html#CollectionsFramework">
 * Java Collections Framework</a>.
 *
 * @author Josh Bloch
 * @author Neal Gafter
 * @author John Rose
 * @since  1.2
 */
public class Arrays {

    The minimum array length below which a parallel sorting
algorithm will not further partition the sorting task. Using
smaller sizes typically results in memory contention across
tasks that makes parallel speedups unlikely.
/**
     * The minimum array length below which a parallel sorting
     * algorithm will not further partition the sorting task. Using
     * smaller sizes typically results in memory contention across
     * tasks that makes parallel speedups unlikely.
     */
    private static final int MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN = 1 << 13;

    // Suppresses default constructor, ensuring non-instantiability.
    private Arrays() {}

    A comparator that implements the natural ordering of a group of
mutually comparable elements. May be used when a supplied
comparator is null. To simplify code-sharing within underlying
implementations, the compare method only declares type Object
for its second argument.
Arrays class implementor's note: It is an empirical matter
whether ComparableTimSort offers any performance benefit over
TimSort used with this comparator.  If not, you are better off
deleting or bypassing ComparableTimSort.  There is currently no
empirical case for separating them for parallel sorting, so all
public Object parallelSort methods use the same comparator
based implementation.
/**
     * A comparator that implements the natural ordering of a group of
     * mutually comparable elements. May be used when a supplied
     * comparator is null. To simplify code-sharing within underlying
     * implementations, the compare method only declares type Object
     * for its second argument.
     *
     * Arrays class implementor's note: It is an empirical matter
     * whether ComparableTimSort offers any performance benefit over
     * TimSort used with this comparator.  If not, you are better off
     * deleting or bypassing ComparableTimSort.  There is currently no
     * empirical case for separating them for parallel sorting, so all
     * public Object parallelSort methods use the same comparator
     * based implementation.
     */
    static final class NaturalOrder implements Comparator<Object> {
        @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
        public int compare(Object first, Object second) {
            return ((Comparable<Object>)first).compareTo(second);
        }
        static final NaturalOrder INSTANCE = new NaturalOrder();
    }

    Checks that fromIndex and toIndex are in the range and throws an exception if they aren't. /**
     * Checks that {@code fromIndex} and {@code toIndex} are in
     * the range and throws an exception if they aren't.
     */
    static void rangeCheck(int arrayLength, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        if (fromIndex > toIndex) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(
                    "fromIndex(" + fromIndex + ") > toIndex(" + toIndex + ")");
        }
        if (fromIndex < 0) {
            throw new ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException(fromIndex);
        }
        if (toIndex > arrayLength) {
            throw new ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException(toIndex);
        }
    }

    /*
     * Sorting methods. Note that all public "sort" methods take the
     * same form: Performing argument checks if necessary, and then
     * expanding arguments into those required for the internal
     * implementation methods residing in other package-private
     * classes (except for legacyMergeSort, included in this class).
     */

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     */
    public static void sort(int[] a) {
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, a.length - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range
     * to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to
     * the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If {@code fromIndex == toIndex},
     * the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void sort(int[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     */
    public static void sort(long[] a) {
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, a.length - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range
     * to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to
     * the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If {@code fromIndex == toIndex},
     * the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void sort(long[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     */
    public static void sort(short[] a) {
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, a.length - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range
     * to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to
     * the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If {@code fromIndex == toIndex},
     * the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void sort(short[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     */
    public static void sort(char[] a) {
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, a.length - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range
     * to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to
     * the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If {@code fromIndex == toIndex},
     * the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void sort(char[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     */
    public static void sort(byte[] a) {
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, a.length - 1);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range
     * to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to
     * the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If {@code fromIndex == toIndex},
     * the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void sort(byte[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1);
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
The < relation does not provide a total order on all float values: -0.0f == 0.0f is true and a Float.NaN value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value, even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method Float.compareTo: -0.0f is treated as less than value 0.0f and Float.NaN is considered greater than any other value and all Float.NaN values are considered equal. 
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>The {@code <} relation does not provide a total order on all float
     * values: {@code -0.0f == 0.0f} is {@code true} and a {@code Float.NaN}
     * value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value,
     * even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method
     * {@link Float#compareTo}: {@code -0.0f} is treated as less than value
     * {@code 0.0f} and {@code Float.NaN} is considered greater than any
     * other value and all {@code Float.NaN} values are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     */
    public static void sort(float[] a) {
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, a.length - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. The < relation does not provide a total order on all float values: -0.0f == 0.0f is true and a Float.NaN value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value, even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method Float.compareTo: -0.0f is treated as less than value 0.0f and Float.NaN is considered greater than any other value and all Float.NaN values are considered equal. 
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range
     * to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to
     * the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If {@code fromIndex == toIndex},
     * the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>The {@code <} relation does not provide a total order on all float
     * values: {@code -0.0f == 0.0f} is {@code true} and a {@code Float.NaN}
     * value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value,
     * even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method
     * {@link Float#compareTo}: {@code -0.0f} is treated as less than value
     * {@code 0.0f} and {@code Float.NaN} is considered greater than any
     * other value and all {@code Float.NaN} values are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void sort(float[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
The < relation does not provide a total order on all double values: -0.0d == 0.0d is true and a Double.NaN value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value, even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method Double.compareTo: -0.0d is treated as less than value 0.0d and Double.NaN is considered greater than any other value and all Double.NaN values are considered equal. 
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>The {@code <} relation does not provide a total order on all double
     * values: {@code -0.0d == 0.0d} is {@code true} and a {@code Double.NaN}
     * value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value,
     * even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method
     * {@link Double#compareTo}: {@code -0.0d} is treated as less than value
     * {@code 0.0d} and {@code Double.NaN} is considered greater than any
     * other value and all {@code Double.NaN} values are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     */
    public static void sort(double[] a) {
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, a.length - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. The < relation does not provide a total order on all double values: -0.0d == 0.0d is true and a Double.NaN value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value, even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method Double.compareTo: -0.0d is treated as less than value 0.0d and Double.NaN is considered greater than any other value and all Double.NaN values are considered equal. 
Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending order. The range
     * to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to
     * the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If {@code fromIndex == toIndex},
     * the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>The {@code <} relation does not provide a total order on all double
     * values: {@code -0.0d == 0.0d} is {@code true} and a {@code Double.NaN}
     * value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value,
     * even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method
     * {@link Double#compareTo}: {@code -0.0d} is treated as less than value
     * {@code 0.0d} and {@code Double.NaN} is considered greater than any
     * other value and all {@code Double.NaN} values are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: The sorting algorithm is a Dual-Pivot Quicksort
     * by Vladimir Yaroslavskiy, Jon Bentley, and Joshua Bloch. This algorithm
     * offers O(n log(n)) performance on many data sets that cause other
     * quicksorts to degrade to quadratic performance, and is typically
     * faster than traditional (one-pivot) Quicksort implementations.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void sort(double[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(byte[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(byte[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(byte[] a) {
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, n - 1);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJByte.Sorter
                (null, a, new byte[n], 0, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order.
     * The range to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex},
     * inclusive, to the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If
     * {@code fromIndex == toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(byte[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(byte[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(byte[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJByte.Sorter
                (null, a, new byte[n], fromIndex, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(char[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(char[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(char[] a) {
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, n - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJChar.Sorter
                (null, a, new char[n], 0, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order.
     * The range to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex},
     * inclusive, to the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If
     * {@code fromIndex == toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
      @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(char[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(char[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(char[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJChar.Sorter
                (null, a, new char[n], fromIndex, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(short[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(short[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(short[] a) {
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, n - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJShort.Sorter
                (null, a, new short[n], 0, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order.
     * The range to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex},
     * inclusive, to the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If
     * {@code fromIndex == toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(short[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(short[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(short[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJShort.Sorter
                (null, a, new short[n], fromIndex, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(int[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(int[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(int[] a) {
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, n - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJInt.Sorter
                (null, a, new int[n], 0, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order.
     * The range to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex},
     * inclusive, to the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If
     * {@code fromIndex == toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(int[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(int[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(int[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJInt.Sorter
                (null, a, new int[n], fromIndex, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(long[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(long[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(long[] a) {
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, n - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJLong.Sorter
                (null, a, new long[n], 0, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order.
     * The range to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex},
     * inclusive, to the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If
     * {@code fromIndex == toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(long[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(long[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(long[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJLong.Sorter
                (null, a, new long[n], fromIndex, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
The < relation does not provide a total order on all float values: -0.0f == 0.0f is true and a Float.NaN value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value, even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method Float.compareTo: -0.0f is treated as less than value 0.0f and Float.NaN is considered greater than any other value and all Float.NaN values are considered equal. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>The {@code <} relation does not provide a total order on all float
     * values: {@code -0.0f == 0.0f} is {@code true} and a {@code Float.NaN}
     * value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value,
     * even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method
     * {@link Float#compareTo}: {@code -0.0f} is treated as less than value
     * {@code 0.0f} and {@code Float.NaN} is considered greater than any
     * other value and all {@code Float.NaN} values are considered equal.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(float[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(float[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(float[] a) {
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, n - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJFloat.Sorter
                (null, a, new float[n], 0, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. The < relation does not provide a total order on all float values: -0.0f == 0.0f is true and a Float.NaN value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value, even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method Float.compareTo: -0.0f is treated as less than value 0.0f and Float.NaN is considered greater than any other value and all Float.NaN values are considered equal. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order.
     * The range to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex},
     * inclusive, to the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If
     * {@code fromIndex == toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>The {@code <} relation does not provide a total order on all float
     * values: {@code -0.0f == 0.0f} is {@code true} and a {@code Float.NaN}
     * value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value,
     * even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method
     * {@link Float#compareTo}: {@code -0.0f} is treated as less than value
     * {@code 0.0f} and {@code Float.NaN} is considered greater than any
     * other value and all {@code Float.NaN} values are considered equal.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(float[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(float[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(float[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJFloat.Sorter
                (null, a, new float[n], fromIndex, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
The < relation does not provide a total order on all double values: -0.0d == 0.0d is true and a Double.NaN value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value, even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method Double.compareTo: -0.0d is treated as less than value 0.0d and Double.NaN is considered greater than any other value and all Double.NaN values are considered equal. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array into ascending numerical order.
     *
     * <p>The {@code <} relation does not provide a total order on all double
     * values: {@code -0.0d == 0.0d} is {@code true} and a {@code Double.NaN}
     * value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value,
     * even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method
     * {@link Double#compareTo}: {@code -0.0d} is treated as less than value
     * {@code 0.0d} and {@code Double.NaN} is considered greater than any
     * other value and all {@code Double.NaN} values are considered equal.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(double[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(double[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(double[] a) {
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, 0, n - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJDouble.Sorter
                (null, a, new double[n], 0, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order. The range to be sorted extends from the index fromIndex, inclusive, to the index toIndex, exclusive. If fromIndex == toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty. The < relation does not provide a total order on all double values: -0.0d == 0.0d is true and a Double.NaN value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value, even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method Double.compareTo: -0.0d is treated as less than value 0.0d and Double.NaN is considered greater than any other value and all Double.NaN values are considered equal. 
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the array into ascending numerical order.
     * The range to be sorted extends from the index {@code fromIndex},
     * inclusive, to the index {@code toIndex}, exclusive. If
     * {@code fromIndex == toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.
     *
     * <p>The {@code <} relation does not provide a total order on all double
     * values: {@code -0.0d == 0.0d} is {@code true} and a {@code Double.NaN}
     * value compares neither less than, greater than, nor equal to any value,
     * even itself. This method uses the total order imposed by the method
     * {@link Double#compareTo}: {@code -0.0d} is treated as less than value
     * {@code 0.0d} and {@code Double.NaN} is considered greater than any
     * other value and all {@code Double.NaN} values are considered equal.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(double[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(double[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > a.length}
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSort(double[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            DualPivotQuicksort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex - 1, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJDouble.Sorter
                (null, a, new double[n], fromIndex, n, 0,
                 ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified array of objects into ascending order, according to the natural ordering of its elements. All elements in the array must implement the Comparable interface. Furthermore, all elements in the array must be mutually comparable (that is, e1.compareTo(e2) must not throw a ClassCastException for any elements e1 and e2 in the array). This sort is guaranteed to be stable:  equal elements will
not be reordered as a result of the sort.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws: ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are not
        mutually comparable (for example, strings and integers)
IllegalArgumentException – (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is found to violate the Comparable contract
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array of objects into ascending order, according
     * to the {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} of its elements.
     * All elements in the array must implement the {@link Comparable}
     * interface.  Furthermore, all elements in the array must be
     * <i>mutually comparable</i> (that is, {@code e1.compareTo(e2)} must
     * not throw a {@code ClassCastException} for any elements {@code e1}
     * and {@code e2} in the array).
     *
     * <p>This sort is guaranteed to be <i>stable</i>:  equal elements will
     * not be reordered as a result of the sort.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(Object[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(Object[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects to be sorted
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     *
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are not
     *         <i>mutually comparable</i> (for example, strings and integers)
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException (optional) if the natural
     *         ordering of the array elements is found to violate the
     *         {@link Comparable} contract
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <T extends Comparable<? super T>> void parallelSort(T[] a) {
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            TimSort.sort(a, 0, n, NaturalOrder.INSTANCE, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJObject.Sorter<>
                (null, a,
                 (T[])Array.newInstance(a.getClass().getComponentType(), n),
                 0, n, 0, ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g, NaturalOrder.INSTANCE).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the specified array of objects into ascending order, according to the natural ordering of its elements. The range to be sorted extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty.) All elements in this range must implement the Comparable interface. Furthermore, all elements in this range must be mutually
comparable (that is, e1.compareTo(e2) must not throw a ClassCastException for any elements e1 and e2 in the array). This sort is guaranteed to be stable:  equal elements will
not be reordered as a result of the sort.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be sorted
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex or (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is found to violate the Comparable contract
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are
        not mutually comparable (for example, strings and
        integers).
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the specified array of objects into
     * ascending order, according to the
     * {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} of its
     * elements.  The range to be sorted extends from index
     * {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index {@code toIndex}, exclusive.
     * (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.)  All
     * elements in this range must implement the {@link Comparable}
     * interface.  Furthermore, all elements in this range must be <i>mutually
     * comparable</i> (that is, {@code e1.compareTo(e2)} must not throw a
     * {@code ClassCastException} for any elements {@code e1} and
     * {@code e2} in the array).
     *
     * <p>This sort is guaranteed to be <i>stable</i>:  equal elements will
     * not be reordered as a result of the sort.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(Object[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(Object[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects to be sorted
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be sorted
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex} or
     *         (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is
     *         found to violate the {@link Comparable} contract
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are
     *         not <i>mutually comparable</i> (for example, strings and
     *         integers).
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <T extends Comparable<? super T>>
    void parallelSort(T[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            TimSort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex, NaturalOrder.INSTANCE, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJObject.Sorter<>
                (null, a,
                 (T[])Array.newInstance(a.getClass().getComponentType(), n),
                 fromIndex, n, 0, ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g, NaturalOrder.INSTANCE).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified array of objects according to the order induced by
the specified comparator.  All elements in the array must be
mutually comparable by the specified comparator (that is, c.compare(e1, e2) must not throw a ClassCastException for any elements e1 and e2 in the array). This sort is guaranteed to be stable:  equal elements will
not be reordered as a result of the sort.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
cmp – the comparator to determine the order of the array. A null value indicates that the elements' natural ordering should be used.
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws: ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are
        not mutually comparable using the specified comparator
IllegalArgumentException – (optional) if the comparator is found to violate the Comparator contract
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified array of objects according to the order induced by
     * the specified comparator.  All elements in the array must be
     * <i>mutually comparable</i> by the specified comparator (that is,
     * {@code c.compare(e1, e2)} must not throw a {@code ClassCastException}
     * for any elements {@code e1} and {@code e2} in the array).
     *
     * <p>This sort is guaranteed to be <i>stable</i>:  equal elements will
     * not be reordered as a result of the sort.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(Object[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(Object[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a
     * working space no greater than the size of the original array. The
     * {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is used to
     * execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects to be sorted
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param cmp the comparator to determine the order of the array.  A
     *        {@code null} value indicates that the elements'
     *        {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} should be used.
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are
     *         not <i>mutually comparable</i> using the specified comparator
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException (optional) if the comparator is
     *         found to violate the {@link java.util.Comparator} contract
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <T> void parallelSort(T[] a, Comparator<? super T> cmp) {
        if (cmp == null)
            cmp = NaturalOrder.INSTANCE;
        int n = a.length, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            TimSort.sort(a, 0, n, cmp, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJObject.Sorter<>
                (null, a,
                 (T[])Array.newInstance(a.getClass().getComponentType(), n),
                 0, n, 0, ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g, cmp).invoke();
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the specified array of objects according to the order induced by the specified comparator. The range to be sorted extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty.) All elements in the range must be mutually comparable by the specified comparator (that is, c.compare(e1, e2) must not throw a ClassCastException for any elements e1 and e2 in the range). This sort is guaranteed to be stable:  equal elements will
not be reordered as a result of the sort.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be sorted
cmp – the comparator to determine the order of the array. A null value indicates that the elements' natural ordering should be used.
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex or (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is found to violate the Comparable contract
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are
        not mutually comparable (for example, strings and
        integers).
Implementation Note: The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate Arrays.sort method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original array. The ForkJoin common pool is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since: 1.8/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the specified array of objects according
     * to the order induced by the specified comparator.  The range to be
     * sorted extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be sorted is empty.)  All elements in the range must be
     * <i>mutually comparable</i> by the specified comparator (that is,
     * {@code c.compare(e1, e2)} must not throw a {@code ClassCastException}
     * for any elements {@code e1} and {@code e2} in the range).
     *
     * <p>This sort is guaranteed to be <i>stable</i>:  equal elements will
     * not be reordered as a result of the sort.
     *
     * @implNote The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the
     * array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When
     * the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is
     * sorted using the appropriate {@link Arrays#sort(Object[]) Arrays.sort}
     * method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum
     * granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate {@link
     * Arrays#sort(Object[]) Arrays.sort} method. The algorithm requires a working
     * space no greater than the size of the specified range of the original
     * array. The {@link ForkJoinPool#commonPool() ForkJoin common pool} is
     * used to execute any parallel tasks.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects to be sorted
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be sorted
     * @param cmp the comparator to determine the order of the array.  A
     *        {@code null} value indicates that the elements'
     *        {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} should be used.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex} or
     *         (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is
     *         found to violate the {@link Comparable} contract
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are
     *         not <i>mutually comparable</i> (for example, strings and
     *         integers).
     *
     * @since 1.8
     */
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <T> void parallelSort(T[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                        Comparator<? super T> cmp) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        if (cmp == null)
            cmp = NaturalOrder.INSTANCE;
        int n = toIndex - fromIndex, p, g;
        if (n <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN ||
            (p = ForkJoinPool.getCommonPoolParallelism()) == 1)
            TimSort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex, cmp, null, 0, 0);
        else
            new ArraysParallelSortHelpers.FJObject.Sorter<>
                (null, a,
                 (T[])Array.newInstance(a.getClass().getComponentType(), n),
                 fromIndex, n, 0, ((g = n / (p << 2)) <= MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN) ?
                 MIN_ARRAY_SORT_GRAN : g, cmp).invoke();
    }

    /*
     * Sorting of complex type arrays.
     */

    Old merge sort implementation can be selected (for
compatibility with broken comparators) using a system property.
Cannot be a static boolean in the enclosing class due to
circular dependencies. To be removed in a future release.
/**
     * Old merge sort implementation can be selected (for
     * compatibility with broken comparators) using a system property.
     * Cannot be a static boolean in the enclosing class due to
     * circular dependencies. To be removed in a future release.
     */
    static final class LegacyMergeSort {
        private static final boolean userRequested =
            java.security.AccessController.doPrivileged(
                new sun.security.action.GetBooleanAction(
                    "java.util.Arrays.useLegacyMergeSort")).booleanValue();
    }

    Sorts the specified array of objects into ascending order, according to the natural ordering of its elements. All elements in the array must implement the Comparable interface. Furthermore, all elements in the array must be mutually comparable (that is, e1.compareTo(e2) must not throw a ClassCastException for any elements e1 and e2 in the array). This sort is guaranteed to be stable:  equal elements will
not be reordered as a result of the sort.
Implementation note: This implementation is a stable, adaptive,
iterative mergesort that requires far fewer than n lg(n) comparisons
when the input array is partially sorted, while offering the
performance of a traditional mergesort when the input array is
randomly ordered.  If the input array is nearly sorted, the
implementation requires approximately n comparisons.  Temporary
storage requirements vary from a small constant for nearly sorted
input arrays to n/2 object references for randomly ordered input
arrays.
The implementation takes equal advantage of ascending and
descending order in its input array, and can take advantage of
ascending and descending order in different parts of the same
input array.  It is well-suited to merging two or more sorted arrays:
simply concatenate the arrays and sort the resulting array.
The implementation was adapted from Tim Peters's list sort for Python
(
TimSort).  It uses techniques from Peter McIlroy's "Optimistic
Sorting and Information Theoretic Complexity", in Proceedings of the
Fourth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp 467-474,
January 1993.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
Throws: ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are not
        mutually comparable (for example, strings and integers)
IllegalArgumentException – (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is found to violate the Comparable contract/**
     * Sorts the specified array of objects into ascending order, according
     * to the {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} of its elements.
     * All elements in the array must implement the {@link Comparable}
     * interface.  Furthermore, all elements in the array must be
     * <i>mutually comparable</i> (that is, {@code e1.compareTo(e2)} must
     * not throw a {@code ClassCastException} for any elements {@code e1}
     * and {@code e2} in the array).
     *
     * <p>This sort is guaranteed to be <i>stable</i>:  equal elements will
     * not be reordered as a result of the sort.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: This implementation is a stable, adaptive,
     * iterative mergesort that requires far fewer than n lg(n) comparisons
     * when the input array is partially sorted, while offering the
     * performance of a traditional mergesort when the input array is
     * randomly ordered.  If the input array is nearly sorted, the
     * implementation requires approximately n comparisons.  Temporary
     * storage requirements vary from a small constant for nearly sorted
     * input arrays to n/2 object references for randomly ordered input
     * arrays.
     *
     * <p>The implementation takes equal advantage of ascending and
     * descending order in its input array, and can take advantage of
     * ascending and descending order in different parts of the same
     * input array.  It is well-suited to merging two or more sorted arrays:
     * simply concatenate the arrays and sort the resulting array.
     *
     * <p>The implementation was adapted from Tim Peters's list sort for Python
     * (<a href="http://svn.python.org/projects/python/trunk/Objects/listsort.txt">
     * TimSort</a>).  It uses techniques from Peter McIlroy's "Optimistic
     * Sorting and Information Theoretic Complexity", in Proceedings of the
     * Fourth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp 467-474,
     * January 1993.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are not
     *         <i>mutually comparable</i> (for example, strings and integers)
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException (optional) if the natural
     *         ordering of the array elements is found to violate the
     *         {@link Comparable} contract
     */
    public static void sort(Object[] a) {
        if (LegacyMergeSort.userRequested)
            legacyMergeSort(a);
        else
            ComparableTimSort.sort(a, 0, a.length, null, 0, 0);
    }

    To be removed in a future release. /** To be removed in a future release. */
    private static void legacyMergeSort(Object[] a) {
        Object[] aux = a.clone();
        mergeSort(aux, a, 0, a.length, 0);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the specified array of objects into ascending order, according to the natural ordering of its elements. The range to be sorted extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty.) All elements in this range must implement the Comparable interface. Furthermore, all elements in this range must be mutually
comparable (that is, e1.compareTo(e2) must not throw a ClassCastException for any elements e1 and e2 in the array). This sort is guaranteed to be stable:  equal elements will
not be reordered as a result of the sort.
Implementation note: This implementation is a stable, adaptive,
iterative mergesort that requires far fewer than n lg(n) comparisons
when the input array is partially sorted, while offering the
performance of a traditional mergesort when the input array is
randomly ordered.  If the input array is nearly sorted, the
implementation requires approximately n comparisons.  Temporary
storage requirements vary from a small constant for nearly sorted
input arrays to n/2 object references for randomly ordered input
arrays.
The implementation takes equal advantage of ascending and
descending order in its input array, and can take advantage of
ascending and descending order in different parts of the same
input array.  It is well-suited to merging two or more sorted arrays:
simply concatenate the arrays and sort the resulting array.
The implementation was adapted from Tim Peters's list sort for Python
(
TimSort).  It uses techniques from Peter McIlroy's "Optimistic
Sorting and Information Theoretic Complexity", in Proceedings of the
Fourth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp 467-474,
January 1993.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be sorted
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex or (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is found to violate the Comparable contract
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are
        not mutually comparable (for example, strings and
        integers)./**
     * Sorts the specified range of the specified array of objects into
     * ascending order, according to the
     * {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} of its
     * elements.  The range to be sorted extends from index
     * {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index {@code toIndex}, exclusive.
     * (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the range to be sorted is empty.)  All
     * elements in this range must implement the {@link Comparable}
     * interface.  Furthermore, all elements in this range must be <i>mutually
     * comparable</i> (that is, {@code e1.compareTo(e2)} must not throw a
     * {@code ClassCastException} for any elements {@code e1} and
     * {@code e2} in the array).
     *
     * <p>This sort is guaranteed to be <i>stable</i>:  equal elements will
     * not be reordered as a result of the sort.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: This implementation is a stable, adaptive,
     * iterative mergesort that requires far fewer than n lg(n) comparisons
     * when the input array is partially sorted, while offering the
     * performance of a traditional mergesort when the input array is
     * randomly ordered.  If the input array is nearly sorted, the
     * implementation requires approximately n comparisons.  Temporary
     * storage requirements vary from a small constant for nearly sorted
     * input arrays to n/2 object references for randomly ordered input
     * arrays.
     *
     * <p>The implementation takes equal advantage of ascending and
     * descending order in its input array, and can take advantage of
     * ascending and descending order in different parts of the same
     * input array.  It is well-suited to merging two or more sorted arrays:
     * simply concatenate the arrays and sort the resulting array.
     *
     * <p>The implementation was adapted from Tim Peters's list sort for Python
     * (<a href="http://svn.python.org/projects/python/trunk/Objects/listsort.txt">
     * TimSort</a>).  It uses techniques from Peter McIlroy's "Optimistic
     * Sorting and Information Theoretic Complexity", in Proceedings of the
     * Fourth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp 467-474,
     * January 1993.
     *
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be sorted
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex} or
     *         (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is
     *         found to violate the {@link Comparable} contract
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are
     *         not <i>mutually comparable</i> (for example, strings and
     *         integers).
     */
    public static void sort(Object[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        if (LegacyMergeSort.userRequested)
            legacyMergeSort(a, fromIndex, toIndex);
        else
            ComparableTimSort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex, null, 0, 0);
    }

    To be removed in a future release. /** To be removed in a future release. */
    private static void legacyMergeSort(Object[] a,
                                        int fromIndex, int toIndex) {
        Object[] aux = copyOfRange(a, fromIndex, toIndex);
        mergeSort(aux, a, fromIndex, toIndex, -fromIndex);
    }

    Tuning parameter: list size at or below which insertion sort will be
used in preference to mergesort.
To be removed in a future release.
/**
     * Tuning parameter: list size at or below which insertion sort will be
     * used in preference to mergesort.
     * To be removed in a future release.
     */
    private static final int INSERTIONSORT_THRESHOLD = 7;

    Src is the source array that starts at index 0
Dest is the (possibly larger) array destination with a possible offset
low is the index in dest to start sorting
high is the end index in dest to end sorting
off is the offset to generate corresponding low, high in src
To be removed in a future release.
/**
     * Src is the source array that starts at index 0
     * Dest is the (possibly larger) array destination with a possible offset
     * low is the index in dest to start sorting
     * high is the end index in dest to end sorting
     * off is the offset to generate corresponding low, high in src
     * To be removed in a future release.
     */
    @SuppressWarnings({"unchecked", "rawtypes"})
    private static void mergeSort(Object[] src,
                                  Object[] dest,
                                  int low,
                                  int high,
                                  int off) {
        int length = high - low;

        // Insertion sort on smallest arrays
        if (length < INSERTIONSORT_THRESHOLD) {
            for (int i=low; i<high; i++)
                for (int j=i; j>low &&
                         ((Comparable) dest[j-1]).compareTo(dest[j])>0; j--)
                    swap(dest, j, j-1);
            return;
        }

        // Recursively sort halves of dest into src
        int destLow  = low;
        int destHigh = high;
        low  += off;
        high += off;
        int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
        mergeSort(dest, src, low, mid, -off);
        mergeSort(dest, src, mid, high, -off);

        // If list is already sorted, just copy from src to dest.  This is an
        // optimization that results in faster sorts for nearly ordered lists.
        if (((Comparable)src[mid-1]).compareTo(src[mid]) <= 0) {
            System.arraycopy(src, low, dest, destLow, length);
            return;
        }

        // Merge sorted halves (now in src) into dest
        for(int i = destLow, p = low, q = mid; i < destHigh; i++) {
            if (q >= high || p < mid && ((Comparable)src[p]).compareTo(src[q])<=0)
                dest[i] = src[p++];
            else
                dest[i] = src[q++];
        }
    }

    Swaps x[a] with x[b].
/**
     * Swaps x[a] with x[b].
     */
    private static void swap(Object[] x, int a, int b) {
        Object t = x[a];
        x[a] = x[b];
        x[b] = t;
    }

    Sorts the specified array of objects according to the order induced by
the specified comparator.  All elements in the array must be
mutually comparable by the specified comparator (that is, c.compare(e1, e2) must not throw a ClassCastException for any elements e1 and e2 in the array). This sort is guaranteed to be stable:  equal elements will
not be reordered as a result of the sort.
Implementation note: This implementation is a stable, adaptive,
iterative mergesort that requires far fewer than n lg(n) comparisons
when the input array is partially sorted, while offering the
performance of a traditional mergesort when the input array is
randomly ordered.  If the input array is nearly sorted, the
implementation requires approximately n comparisons.  Temporary
storage requirements vary from a small constant for nearly sorted
input arrays to n/2 object references for randomly ordered input
arrays.
The implementation takes equal advantage of ascending and
descending order in its input array, and can take advantage of
ascending and descending order in different parts of the same
input array.  It is well-suited to merging two or more sorted arrays:
simply concatenate the arrays and sort the resulting array.
The implementation was adapted from Tim Peters's list sort for Python
(
TimSort).  It uses techniques from Peter McIlroy's "Optimistic
Sorting and Information Theoretic Complexity", in Proceedings of the
Fourth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp 467-474,
January 1993.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
c – the comparator to determine the order of the array. A null value indicates that the elements' natural ordering should be used.
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws: ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are
        not mutually comparable using the specified comparator
IllegalArgumentException – (optional) if the comparator is found to violate the Comparator contract/**
     * Sorts the specified array of objects according to the order induced by
     * the specified comparator.  All elements in the array must be
     * <i>mutually comparable</i> by the specified comparator (that is,
     * {@code c.compare(e1, e2)} must not throw a {@code ClassCastException}
     * for any elements {@code e1} and {@code e2} in the array).
     *
     * <p>This sort is guaranteed to be <i>stable</i>:  equal elements will
     * not be reordered as a result of the sort.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: This implementation is a stable, adaptive,
     * iterative mergesort that requires far fewer than n lg(n) comparisons
     * when the input array is partially sorted, while offering the
     * performance of a traditional mergesort when the input array is
     * randomly ordered.  If the input array is nearly sorted, the
     * implementation requires approximately n comparisons.  Temporary
     * storage requirements vary from a small constant for nearly sorted
     * input arrays to n/2 object references for randomly ordered input
     * arrays.
     *
     * <p>The implementation takes equal advantage of ascending and
     * descending order in its input array, and can take advantage of
     * ascending and descending order in different parts of the same
     * input array.  It is well-suited to merging two or more sorted arrays:
     * simply concatenate the arrays and sort the resulting array.
     *
     * <p>The implementation was adapted from Tim Peters's list sort for Python
     * (<a href="http://svn.python.org/projects/python/trunk/Objects/listsort.txt">
     * TimSort</a>).  It uses techniques from Peter McIlroy's "Optimistic
     * Sorting and Information Theoretic Complexity", in Proceedings of the
     * Fourth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp 467-474,
     * January 1993.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects to be sorted
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param c the comparator to determine the order of the array.  A
     *        {@code null} value indicates that the elements'
     *        {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} should be used.
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are
     *         not <i>mutually comparable</i> using the specified comparator
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException (optional) if the comparator is
     *         found to violate the {@link Comparator} contract
     */
    public static <T> void sort(T[] a, Comparator<? super T> c) {
        if (c == null) {
            sort(a);
        } else {
            if (LegacyMergeSort.userRequested)
                legacyMergeSort(a, c);
            else
                TimSort.sort(a, 0, a.length, c, null, 0, 0);
        }
    }

    To be removed in a future release. /** To be removed in a future release. */
    private static <T> void legacyMergeSort(T[] a, Comparator<? super T> c) {
        T[] aux = a.clone();
        if (c==null)
            mergeSort(aux, a, 0, a.length, 0);
        else
            mergeSort(aux, a, 0, a.length, 0, c);
    }

    Sorts the specified range of the specified array of objects according to the order induced by the specified comparator. The range to be sorted extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be sorted is empty.) All elements in the range must be mutually comparable by the specified comparator (that is, c.compare(e1, e2) must not throw a ClassCastException for any elements e1 and e2 in the range). This sort is guaranteed to be stable:  equal elements will
not be reordered as a result of the sort.
Implementation note: This implementation is a stable, adaptive,
iterative mergesort that requires far fewer than n lg(n) comparisons
when the input array is partially sorted, while offering the
performance of a traditional mergesort when the input array is
randomly ordered.  If the input array is nearly sorted, the
implementation requires approximately n comparisons.  Temporary
storage requirements vary from a small constant for nearly sorted
input arrays to n/2 object references for randomly ordered input
arrays.
The implementation takes equal advantage of ascending and
descending order in its input array, and can take advantage of
ascending and descending order in different parts of the same
input array.  It is well-suited to merging two or more sorted arrays:
simply concatenate the arrays and sort the resulting array.
The implementation was adapted from Tim Peters's list sort for Python
(
TimSort).  It uses techniques from Peter McIlroy's "Optimistic
Sorting and Information Theoretic Complexity", in Proceedings of the
Fourth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp 467-474,
January 1993.
Params: a – the array to be sorted
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       sorted
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be sorted
c – the comparator to determine the order of the array. A null value indicates that the elements' natural ordering should be used.
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws: ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are not
        mutually comparable using the specified comparator.
IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex or (optional) if the comparator is found to violate the Comparator contract
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Sorts the specified range of the specified array of objects according
     * to the order induced by the specified comparator.  The range to be
     * sorted extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be sorted is empty.)  All elements in the range must be
     * <i>mutually comparable</i> by the specified comparator (that is,
     * {@code c.compare(e1, e2)} must not throw a {@code ClassCastException}
     * for any elements {@code e1} and {@code e2} in the range).
     *
     * <p>This sort is guaranteed to be <i>stable</i>:  equal elements will
     * not be reordered as a result of the sort.
     *
     * <p>Implementation note: This implementation is a stable, adaptive,
     * iterative mergesort that requires far fewer than n lg(n) comparisons
     * when the input array is partially sorted, while offering the
     * performance of a traditional mergesort when the input array is
     * randomly ordered.  If the input array is nearly sorted, the
     * implementation requires approximately n comparisons.  Temporary
     * storage requirements vary from a small constant for nearly sorted
     * input arrays to n/2 object references for randomly ordered input
     * arrays.
     *
     * <p>The implementation takes equal advantage of ascending and
     * descending order in its input array, and can take advantage of
     * ascending and descending order in different parts of the same
     * input array.  It is well-suited to merging two or more sorted arrays:
     * simply concatenate the arrays and sort the resulting array.
     *
     * <p>The implementation was adapted from Tim Peters's list sort for Python
     * (<a href="http://svn.python.org/projects/python/trunk/Objects/listsort.txt">
     * TimSort</a>).  It uses techniques from Peter McIlroy's "Optimistic
     * Sorting and Information Theoretic Complexity", in Proceedings of the
     * Fourth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, pp 467-474,
     * January 1993.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects to be sorted
     * @param a the array to be sorted
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        sorted
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be sorted
     * @param c the comparator to determine the order of the array.  A
     *        {@code null} value indicates that the elements'
     *        {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} should be used.
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are not
     *         <i>mutually comparable</i> using the specified comparator.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex} or
     *         (optional) if the comparator is found to violate the
     *         {@link Comparator} contract
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static <T> void sort(T[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                Comparator<? super T> c) {
        if (c == null) {
            sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex);
        } else {
            rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
            if (LegacyMergeSort.userRequested)
                legacyMergeSort(a, fromIndex, toIndex, c);
            else
                TimSort.sort(a, fromIndex, toIndex, c, null, 0, 0);
        }
    }

    To be removed in a future release. /** To be removed in a future release. */
    private static <T> void legacyMergeSort(T[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                            Comparator<? super T> c) {
        T[] aux = copyOfRange(a, fromIndex, toIndex);
        if (c==null)
            mergeSort(aux, a, fromIndex, toIndex, -fromIndex);
        else
            mergeSort(aux, a, fromIndex, toIndex, -fromIndex, c);
    }

    Src is the source array that starts at index 0
Dest is the (possibly larger) array destination with a possible offset
low is the index in dest to start sorting
high is the end index in dest to end sorting
off is the offset into src corresponding to low in dest
To be removed in a future release.
/**
     * Src is the source array that starts at index 0
     * Dest is the (possibly larger) array destination with a possible offset
     * low is the index in dest to start sorting
     * high is the end index in dest to end sorting
     * off is the offset into src corresponding to low in dest
     * To be removed in a future release.
     */
    @SuppressWarnings({"rawtypes", "unchecked"})
    private static void mergeSort(Object[] src,
                                  Object[] dest,
                                  int low, int high, int off,
                                  Comparator c) {
        int length = high - low;

        // Insertion sort on smallest arrays
        if (length < INSERTIONSORT_THRESHOLD) {
            for (int i=low; i<high; i++)
                for (int j=i; j>low && c.compare(dest[j-1], dest[j])>0; j--)
                    swap(dest, j, j-1);
            return;
        }

        // Recursively sort halves of dest into src
        int destLow  = low;
        int destHigh = high;
        low  += off;
        high += off;
        int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
        mergeSort(dest, src, low, mid, -off, c);
        mergeSort(dest, src, mid, high, -off, c);

        // If list is already sorted, just copy from src to dest.  This is an
        // optimization that results in faster sorts for nearly ordered lists.
        if (c.compare(src[mid-1], src[mid]) <= 0) {
           System.arraycopy(src, low, dest, destLow, length);
           return;
        }

        // Merge sorted halves (now in src) into dest
        for(int i = destLow, p = low, q = mid; i < destHigh; i++) {
            if (q >= high || p < mid && c.compare(src[p], src[q]) <= 0)
                dest[i] = src[p++];
            else
                dest[i] = src[q++];
        }
    }

    // Parallel prefix

    Cumulates, in parallel, each element of the given array in place, using the supplied function. For example if the array initially holds [2, 1, 0, 3] and the operation performs addition, then upon return the array holds [2, 3, 3, 6]. Parallel prefix computation is usually more efficient than sequential loops for large arrays. 
Params: array – the array, which is modified in-place by this method
op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
cumulation
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws: NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since: 1.8/**
     * Cumulates, in parallel, each element of the given array in place,
     * using the supplied function. For example if the array initially
     * holds {@code [2, 1, 0, 3]} and the operation performs addition,
     * then upon return the array holds {@code [2, 3, 3, 6]}.
     * Parallel prefix computation is usually more efficient than
     * sequential loops for large arrays.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the array
     * @param array the array, which is modified in-place by this method
     * @param op a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
     * cumulation
     * @throws NullPointerException if the specified array or function is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static <T> void parallelPrefix(T[] array, BinaryOperator<T> op) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(op);
        if (array.length > 0)
            new ArrayPrefixHelpers.CumulateTask<>
                    (null, op, array, 0, array.length).invoke();
    }

    Performs parallelPrefix(Object[], BinaryOperator<Object>) for the given subrange of the array. 
Params: array – the array
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive
op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
cumulation
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > array.length
NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since: 1.8/**
     * Performs {@link #parallelPrefix(Object[], BinaryOperator)}
     * for the given subrange of the array.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the array
     * @param array the array
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive
     * @param op a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
     * cumulation
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > array.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException if the specified array or function is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static <T> void parallelPrefix(T[] array, int fromIndex,
                                          int toIndex, BinaryOperator<T> op) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(op);
        rangeCheck(array.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        if (fromIndex < toIndex)
            new ArrayPrefixHelpers.CumulateTask<>
                    (null, op, array, fromIndex, toIndex).invoke();
    }

    Cumulates, in parallel, each element of the given array in place, using the supplied function. For example if the array initially holds [2, 1, 0, 3] and the operation performs addition, then upon return the array holds [2, 3, 3, 6]. Parallel prefix computation is usually more efficient than sequential loops for large arrays. 
Params: array – the array, which is modified in-place by this method
op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
cumulation
Throws: NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since: 1.8/**
     * Cumulates, in parallel, each element of the given array in place,
     * using the supplied function. For example if the array initially
     * holds {@code [2, 1, 0, 3]} and the operation performs addition,
     * then upon return the array holds {@code [2, 3, 3, 6]}.
     * Parallel prefix computation is usually more efficient than
     * sequential loops for large arrays.
     *
     * @param array the array, which is modified in-place by this method
     * @param op a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
     * cumulation
     * @throws NullPointerException if the specified array or function is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelPrefix(long[] array, LongBinaryOperator op) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(op);
        if (array.length > 0)
            new ArrayPrefixHelpers.LongCumulateTask
                    (null, op, array, 0, array.length).invoke();
    }

    Performs parallelPrefix(long[], LongBinaryOperator) for the given subrange of the array. 
Params: array – the array
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive
op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
cumulation
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > array.length
NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since: 1.8/**
     * Performs {@link #parallelPrefix(long[], LongBinaryOperator)}
     * for the given subrange of the array.
     *
     * @param array the array
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive
     * @param op a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
     * cumulation
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > array.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException if the specified array or function is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelPrefix(long[] array, int fromIndex,
                                      int toIndex, LongBinaryOperator op) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(op);
        rangeCheck(array.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        if (fromIndex < toIndex)
            new ArrayPrefixHelpers.LongCumulateTask
                    (null, op, array, fromIndex, toIndex).invoke();
    }

    Cumulates, in parallel, each element of the given array in place, using the supplied function. For example if the array initially holds [2.0, 1.0, 0.0, 3.0] and the operation performs addition, then upon return the array holds [2.0, 3.0, 3.0, 6.0]. Parallel prefix computation is usually more efficient than sequential loops for large arrays.  Because floating-point operations may not be strictly associative,
the returned result may not be identical to the value that would be
obtained if the operation was performed sequentially.
Params: array – the array, which is modified in-place by this method
op – a side-effect-free function to perform the cumulation
Throws: NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since: 1.8/**
     * Cumulates, in parallel, each element of the given array in place,
     * using the supplied function. For example if the array initially
     * holds {@code [2.0, 1.0, 0.0, 3.0]} and the operation performs addition,
     * then upon return the array holds {@code [2.0, 3.0, 3.0, 6.0]}.
     * Parallel prefix computation is usually more efficient than
     * sequential loops for large arrays.
     *
     * <p> Because floating-point operations may not be strictly associative,
     * the returned result may not be identical to the value that would be
     * obtained if the operation was performed sequentially.
     *
     * @param array the array, which is modified in-place by this method
     * @param op a side-effect-free function to perform the cumulation
     * @throws NullPointerException if the specified array or function is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelPrefix(double[] array, DoubleBinaryOperator op) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(op);
        if (array.length > 0)
            new ArrayPrefixHelpers.DoubleCumulateTask
                    (null, op, array, 0, array.length).invoke();
    }

    Performs parallelPrefix(double[], DoubleBinaryOperator) for the given subrange of the array. 
Params: array – the array
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive
op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
cumulation
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > array.length
NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since: 1.8/**
     * Performs {@link #parallelPrefix(double[], DoubleBinaryOperator)}
     * for the given subrange of the array.
     *
     * @param array the array
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive
     * @param op a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
     * cumulation
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > array.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException if the specified array or function is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelPrefix(double[] array, int fromIndex,
                                      int toIndex, DoubleBinaryOperator op) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(op);
        rangeCheck(array.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        if (fromIndex < toIndex)
            new ArrayPrefixHelpers.DoubleCumulateTask
                    (null, op, array, fromIndex, toIndex).invoke();
    }

    Cumulates, in parallel, each element of the given array in place, using the supplied function. For example if the array initially holds [2, 1, 0, 3] and the operation performs addition, then upon return the array holds [2, 3, 3, 6]. Parallel prefix computation is usually more efficient than sequential loops for large arrays. 
Params: array – the array, which is modified in-place by this method
op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
cumulation
Throws: NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since: 1.8/**
     * Cumulates, in parallel, each element of the given array in place,
     * using the supplied function. For example if the array initially
     * holds {@code [2, 1, 0, 3]} and the operation performs addition,
     * then upon return the array holds {@code [2, 3, 3, 6]}.
     * Parallel prefix computation is usually more efficient than
     * sequential loops for large arrays.
     *
     * @param array the array, which is modified in-place by this method
     * @param op a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
     * cumulation
     * @throws NullPointerException if the specified array or function is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelPrefix(int[] array, IntBinaryOperator op) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(op);
        if (array.length > 0)
            new ArrayPrefixHelpers.IntCumulateTask
                    (null, op, array, 0, array.length).invoke();
    }

    Performs parallelPrefix(int[], IntBinaryOperator) for the given subrange of the array. 
Params: array – the array
fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive
toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive
op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
cumulation
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > array.length
NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since: 1.8/**
     * Performs {@link #parallelPrefix(int[], IntBinaryOperator)}
     * for the given subrange of the array.
     *
     * @param array the array
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element, inclusive
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element, exclusive
     * @param op a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the
     * cumulation
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *     if {@code fromIndex < 0} or {@code toIndex > array.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException if the specified array or function is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelPrefix(int[] array, int fromIndex,
                                      int toIndex, IntBinaryOperator op) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(op);
        rangeCheck(array.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        if (fromIndex < toIndex)
            new ArrayPrefixHelpers.IntCumulateTask
                    (null, op, array, fromIndex, toIndex).invoke();
    }

    // Searching

    Searches the specified array of longs for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted (as by the sort(long[]) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array of longs for the specified value using the
     * binary search algorithm.  The array must be sorted (as
     * by the {@link #sort(long[])} method) prior to making this call.  If it
     * is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the array contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     */
    public static int binarySearch(long[] a, long key) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array of longs for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted (as by the sort(long[], int, int) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array of longs for the specified value using the
     * binary search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted (as
     * by the {@link #sort(long[], int, int)} method)
     * prior to making this call.  If it
     * is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the range contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int binarySearch(long[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                   long key) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static int binarySearch0(long[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                     long key) {
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            long midVal = a[mid];

            if (midVal < key)
                low = mid + 1;
            else if (midVal > key)
                high = mid - 1;
            else
                return mid; // key found
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    Searches the specified array of ints for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted (as by the sort(int[]) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array of ints for the specified value using the
     * binary search algorithm.  The array must be sorted (as
     * by the {@link #sort(int[])} method) prior to making this call.  If it
     * is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the array contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     */
    public static int binarySearch(int[] a, int key) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array of ints for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted (as by the sort(int[], int, int) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array of ints for the specified value using the
     * binary search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted (as
     * by the {@link #sort(int[], int, int)} method)
     * prior to making this call.  If it
     * is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the range contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int binarySearch(int[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                   int key) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static int binarySearch0(int[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                     int key) {
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            int midVal = a[mid];

            if (midVal < key)
                low = mid + 1;
            else if (midVal > key)
                high = mid - 1;
            else
                return mid; // key found
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    Searches the specified array of shorts for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted (as by the sort(short[]) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array of shorts for the specified value using
     * the binary search algorithm.  The array must be sorted
     * (as by the {@link #sort(short[])} method) prior to making this call.  If
     * it is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the array contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     */
    public static int binarySearch(short[] a, short key) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array of shorts for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted (as by the sort(short[], int, int) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array of shorts for the specified value using
     * the binary search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted
     * (as by the {@link #sort(short[], int, int)} method)
     * prior to making this call.  If
     * it is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the range contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int binarySearch(short[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                   short key) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static int binarySearch0(short[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                     short key) {
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            short midVal = a[mid];

            if (midVal < key)
                low = mid + 1;
            else if (midVal > key)
                high = mid - 1;
            else
                return mid; // key found
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    Searches the specified array of chars for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted (as by the sort(char[]) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array of chars for the specified value using the
     * binary search algorithm.  The array must be sorted (as
     * by the {@link #sort(char[])} method) prior to making this call.  If it
     * is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the array contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     */
    public static int binarySearch(char[] a, char key) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array of chars for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted (as by the sort(char[], int, int) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array of chars for the specified value using the
     * binary search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted (as
     * by the {@link #sort(char[], int, int)} method)
     * prior to making this call.  If it
     * is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the range contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int binarySearch(char[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                   char key) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static int binarySearch0(char[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                     char key) {
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            char midVal = a[mid];

            if (midVal < key)
                low = mid + 1;
            else if (midVal > key)
                high = mid - 1;
            else
                return mid; // key found
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    Searches the specified array of bytes for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted (as by the sort(byte[]) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array of bytes for the specified value using the
     * binary search algorithm.  The array must be sorted (as
     * by the {@link #sort(byte[])} method) prior to making this call.  If it
     * is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the array contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     */
    public static int binarySearch(byte[] a, byte key) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array of bytes for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted (as by the sort(byte[], int, int) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array of bytes for the specified value using the
     * binary search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted (as
     * by the {@link #sort(byte[], int, int)} method)
     * prior to making this call.  If it
     * is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the range contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int binarySearch(byte[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                   byte key) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static int binarySearch0(byte[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                     byte key) {
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            byte midVal = a[mid];

            if (midVal < key)
                low = mid + 1;
            else if (midVal > key)
                high = mid - 1;
            else
                return mid; // key found
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    Searches the specified array of doubles for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted (as by the sort(double[]) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. This method considers all NaN values to be equivalent and equal. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array of doubles for the specified value using
     * the binary search algorithm.  The array must be sorted
     * (as by the {@link #sort(double[])} method) prior to making this call.
     * If it is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the array contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.  This method considers all NaN values to be
     * equivalent and equal.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     */
    public static int binarySearch(double[] a, double key) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array of doubles for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted (as by the sort(double[], int, int) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. This method considers all NaN values to be equivalent and equal. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array of doubles for the specified value using
     * the binary search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted
     * (as by the {@link #sort(double[], int, int)} method)
     * prior to making this call.
     * If it is not sorted, the results are undefined.  If the range contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.  This method considers all NaN values to be
     * equivalent and equal.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int binarySearch(double[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                   double key) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static int binarySearch0(double[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                     double key) {
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            double midVal = a[mid];

            if (midVal < key)
                low = mid + 1;  // Neither val is NaN, thisVal is smaller
            else if (midVal > key)
                high = mid - 1; // Neither val is NaN, thisVal is larger
            else {
                long midBits = Double.doubleToLongBits(midVal);
                long keyBits = Double.doubleToLongBits(key);
                if (midBits == keyBits)     // Values are equal
                    return mid;             // Key found
                else if (midBits < keyBits) // (-0.0, 0.0) or (!NaN, NaN)
                    low = mid + 1;
                else                        // (0.0, -0.0) or (NaN, !NaN)
                    high = mid - 1;
            }
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    Searches the specified array of floats for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted (as by the sort(float[]) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. This method considers all NaN values to be equivalent and equal. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1). The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array of floats for the specified value using
     * the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted
     * (as by the {@link #sort(float[])} method) prior to making this call. If
     * it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found. This method considers all NaN values to be
     * equivalent and equal.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>. The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     */
    public static int binarySearch(float[] a, float key) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array of floats for the specified value using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted (as by the sort(float[], int, int) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which one will be found. This method considers all NaN values to be equivalent and equal. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1). The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array of floats for the specified value using
     * the binary search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted
     * (as by the {@link #sort(float[], int, int)} method)
     * prior to making this call. If
     * it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains
     * multiple elements with the specified value, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found. This method considers all NaN values to be
     * equivalent and equal.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>. The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int binarySearch(float[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                   float key) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static int binarySearch0(float[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                     float key) {
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            float midVal = a[mid];

            if (midVal < key)
                low = mid + 1;  // Neither val is NaN, thisVal is smaller
            else if (midVal > key)
                high = mid - 1; // Neither val is NaN, thisVal is larger
            else {
                int midBits = Float.floatToIntBits(midVal);
                int keyBits = Float.floatToIntBits(key);
                if (midBits == keyBits)     // Values are equal
                    return mid;             // Key found
                else if (midBits < keyBits) // (-0.0, 0.0) or (!NaN, NaN)
                    low = mid + 1;
                else                        // (0.0, -0.0) or (NaN, !NaN)
                    high = mid - 1;
            }
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    Searches the specified array for the specified object using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted into ascending order according to the natural ordering of its elements (as by the sort(Object[]) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. (If the array contains elements that are not mutually comparable (for example, strings and integers), it cannot be sorted according
to the natural ordering of its elements, hence results are undefined.)
If the array contains multiple
elements equal to the specified object, there is no guarantee which
one will be found.
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: ClassCastException – if the search key is not comparable to the
        elements of the array.
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array for the specified object using the binary
     * search algorithm. The array must be sorted into ascending order
     * according to the
     * {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering}
     * of its elements (as by the
     * {@link #sort(Object[])} method) prior to making this call.
     * If it is not sorted, the results are undefined.
     * (If the array contains elements that are not mutually comparable (for
     * example, strings and integers), it <i>cannot</i> be sorted according
     * to the natural ordering of its elements, hence results are undefined.)
     * If the array contains multiple
     * elements equal to the specified object, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws ClassCastException if the search key is not comparable to the
     *         elements of the array.
     */
    public static int binarySearch(Object[] a, Object key) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array for the specified object using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted into ascending order according to the natural ordering of its elements (as by the sort(Object[], int, int) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. (If the range contains elements that are not mutually comparable (for example, strings and integers), it cannot be sorted according
to the natural ordering of its elements, hence results are undefined.)
If the range contains multiple
elements equal to the specified object, there is no guarantee which
one will be found.
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
Throws: ClassCastException – if the search key is not comparable to the
        elements of the array within the specified range.
IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array for the specified object using the binary
     * search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted into ascending order
     * according to the
     * {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering}
     * of its elements (as by the
     * {@link #sort(Object[], int, int)} method) prior to making this
     * call.  If it is not sorted, the results are undefined.
     * (If the range contains elements that are not mutually comparable (for
     * example, strings and integers), it <i>cannot</i> be sorted according
     * to the natural ordering of its elements, hence results are undefined.)
     * If the range contains multiple
     * elements equal to the specified object, there is no guarantee which
     * one will be found.
     *
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws ClassCastException if the search key is not comparable to the
     *         elements of the array within the specified range.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int binarySearch(Object[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                   Object key) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static int binarySearch0(Object[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                     Object key) {
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            @SuppressWarnings("rawtypes")
            Comparable midVal = (Comparable)a[mid];
            @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
            int cmp = midVal.compareTo(key);

            if (cmp < 0)
                low = mid + 1;
            else if (cmp > 0)
                high = mid - 1;
            else
                return mid; // key found
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    Searches the specified array for the specified object using the binary search algorithm. The array must be sorted into ascending order according to the specified comparator (as by the sort(T[], Comparator) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the array contains multiple elements equal to the specified object, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
c – the comparator by which the array is ordered. A null value indicates that the elements' natural ordering should be used.
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws: ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are not
        mutually comparable using the specified comparator,
        or the search key is not comparable to the
        elements of the array using this comparator.
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or a.length if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found./**
     * Searches the specified array for the specified object using the binary
     * search algorithm.  The array must be sorted into ascending order
     * according to the specified comparator (as by the
     * {@link #sort(Object[], Comparator) sort(T[], Comparator)}
     * method) prior to making this call.  If it is
     * not sorted, the results are undefined.
     * If the array contains multiple
     * elements equal to the specified object, there is no guarantee which one
     * will be found.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the array
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @param c the comparator by which the array is ordered.  A
     *        {@code null} value indicates that the elements'
     *        {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} should be used.
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element greater than the key, or {@code a.length} if all
     *         elements in the array are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws ClassCastException if the array contains elements that are not
     *         <i>mutually comparable</i> using the specified comparator,
     *         or the search key is not comparable to the
     *         elements of the array using this comparator.
     */
    public static <T> int binarySearch(T[] a, T key, Comparator<? super T> c) {
        return binarySearch0(a, 0, a.length, key, c);
    }

    Searches a range of the specified array for the specified object using the binary search algorithm. The range must be sorted into ascending order according to the specified comparator (as by the 
sort(T[], int, int, Comparator) method) prior to making this call. If it is not sorted, the results are undefined. If the range contains multiple elements equal to the specified object, there is no guarantee which one will be found. 
Params: a – the array to be searched
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
         searched
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
key – the value to be searched for
c – the comparator by which the array is ordered. A null value indicates that the elements' natural ordering should be used.
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws: ClassCastException – if the range contains elements that are not
        mutually comparable using the specified comparator,
        or the search key is not comparable to the
        elements in the range using this comparator.
IllegalArgumentException –  if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
Returns: index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
        within the specified range;
        otherwise, (-(insertion point) - 1).  The
        insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or toIndex if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since: 1.6/**
     * Searches a range of
     * the specified array for the specified object using the binary
     * search algorithm.
     * The range must be sorted into ascending order
     * according to the specified comparator (as by the
     * {@link #sort(Object[], int, int, Comparator)
     * sort(T[], int, int, Comparator)}
     * method) prior to making this call.
     * If it is not sorted, the results are undefined.
     * If the range contains multiple elements equal to the specified object,
     * there is no guarantee which one will be found.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the array
     * @param a the array to be searched
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *          searched
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched
     * @param key the value to be searched for
     * @param c the comparator by which the array is ordered.  A
     *        {@code null} value indicates that the elements'
     *        {@linkplain Comparable natural ordering} should be used.
     * @return index of the search key, if it is contained in the array
     *         within the specified range;
     *         otherwise, <code>(-(<i>insertion point</i>) - 1)</code>.  The
     *         <i>insertion point</i> is defined as the point at which the
     *         key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first
     *         element in the range greater than the key,
     *         or {@code toIndex} if all
     *         elements in the range are less than the specified key.  Note
     *         that this guarantees that the return value will be &gt;= 0 if
     *         and only if the key is found.
     * @throws ClassCastException if the range contains elements that are not
     *         <i>mutually comparable</i> using the specified comparator,
     *         or the search key is not comparable to the
     *         elements in the range using this comparator.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static <T> int binarySearch(T[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                       T key, Comparator<? super T> c) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key, c);
    }

    // Like public version, but without range checks.
    private static <T> int binarySearch0(T[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                                         T key, Comparator<? super T> c) {
        if (c == null) {
            return binarySearch0(a, fromIndex, toIndex, key);
        }
        int low = fromIndex;
        int high = toIndex - 1;

        while (low <= high) {
            int mid = (low + high) >>> 1;
            T midVal = a[mid];
            int cmp = c.compare(midVal, key);
            if (cmp < 0)
                low = mid + 1;
            else if (cmp > 0)
                high = mid - 1;
            else
                return mid; // key found
        }
        return -(low + 1);  // key not found.
    }

    // Equality Testing

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of longs are equal to one another. Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of longs are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  Two arrays are considered equal if both
     * arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs
     * of elements in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also,
     * two array references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     */
    public static boolean equals(long[] a, long[] a2) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, a2, length) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of longs, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of longs, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(long[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 long[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                      b, bFromIndex,
                                      aLength) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of ints are equal to one another. Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of ints are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  Two arrays are considered equal if both
     * arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs
     * of elements in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also,
     * two array references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     */
    public static boolean equals(int[] a, int[] a2) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, a2, length) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of ints, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of ints, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(int[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 int[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                      b, bFromIndex,
                                      aLength) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of shorts are equal to one another. Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of shorts are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  Two arrays are considered equal if both
     * arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs
     * of elements in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also,
     * two array references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     */
    public static boolean equals(short[] a, short a2[]) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, a2, length) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of shorts, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of shorts, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(short[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 short[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                      b, bFromIndex,
                                      aLength) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of chars are equal to one another. Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of chars are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  Two arrays are considered equal if both
     * arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs
     * of elements in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also,
     * two array references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     */
    @HotSpotIntrinsicCandidate
    public static boolean equals(char[] a, char[] a2) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, a2, length) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of chars, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of chars, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(char[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 char[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                      b, bFromIndex,
                                      aLength) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of bytes are equal to one another. Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of bytes are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  Two arrays are considered equal if both
     * arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs
     * of elements in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also,
     * two array references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     */
    @HotSpotIntrinsicCandidate
    public static boolean equals(byte[] a, byte[] a2) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, a2, length) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of bytes, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of bytes, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(byte[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 byte[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                      b, bFromIndex,
                                      aLength) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of booleans are equal to one another. Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of booleans are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  Two arrays are considered equal if both
     * arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs
     * of elements in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also,
     * two array references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     */
    public static boolean equals(boolean[] a, boolean[] a2) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, a2, length) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of booleans, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of booleans, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(boolean[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 boolean[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                      b, bFromIndex,
                                      aLength) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of doubles are equal to one another. Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. Two doubles d1 and d2 are considered equal if:  new Double(d1).equals(new Double(d2))
 (Unlike the == operator, this method considers NaN equals to itself, and 0.0d unequal to -0.0d.) 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
See Also: Double.equals(Object)
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of doubles are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  Two arrays are considered equal if both
     * arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs
     * of elements in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also,
     * two array references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * Two doubles {@code d1} and {@code d2} are considered equal if:
     * <pre>    {@code new Double(d1).equals(new Double(d2))}</pre>
     * (Unlike the {@code ==} operator, this method considers
     * {@code NaN} equals to itself, and 0.0d unequal to -0.0d.)
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     * @see Double#equals(Object)
     */
    public static boolean equals(double[] a, double[] a2) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, a2, length) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of doubles, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Two doubles d1 and d2 are considered equal if: 
 new Double(d1).equals(new Double(d2))
 (Unlike the == operator, this method considers NaN equals to itself, and 0.0d unequal to -0.0d.) 
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
See Also: Double.equals(Object)
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of doubles, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * <p>Two doubles {@code d1} and {@code d2} are considered equal if:
     * <pre>    {@code new Double(d1).equals(new Double(d2))}</pre>
     * (Unlike the {@code ==} operator, this method considers
     * {@code NaN} equals to itself, and 0.0d unequal to -0.0d.)
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @see Double#equals(Object)
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(double[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 double[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                      b, bFromIndex, aLength) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of floats are equal to one another. Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. Two floats f1 and f2 are considered equal if:  new Float(f1).equals(new Float(f2))
 (Unlike the == operator, this method considers NaN equals to itself, and 0.0f unequal to -0.0f.) 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
See Also: Float.equals(Object)
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of floats are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  Two arrays are considered equal if both
     * arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs
     * of elements in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also,
     * two array references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * Two floats {@code f1} and {@code f2} are considered equal if:
     * <pre>    {@code new Float(f1).equals(new Float(f2))}</pre>
     * (Unlike the {@code ==} operator, this method considers
     * {@code NaN} equals to itself, and 0.0f unequal to -0.0f.)
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     * @see Float#equals(Object)
     */
    public static boolean equals(float[] a, float[] a2) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, a2, length) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of floats, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Two floats f1 and f2 are considered equal if: 
 new Float(f1).equals(new Float(f2))
 (Unlike the == operator, this method considers NaN equals to itself, and 0.0f unequal to -0.0f.) 
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
See Also: Float.equals(Object)
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of floats, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * <p>Two floats {@code f1} and {@code f2} are considered equal if:
     * <pre>    {@code new Float(f1).equals(new Float(f2))}</pre>
     * (Unlike the {@code ==} operator, this method considers
     * {@code NaN} equals to itself, and 0.0f unequal to -0.0f.)
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @see Float#equals(Object)
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(float[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 float[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        return ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                      b, bFromIndex, aLength) < 0;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of Objects are equal to one another. The two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. Two objects e1 and e2 are considered equal if Objects.equals(e1, e2). In other words, the two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of Objects are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.  The two arrays are considered equal if
     * both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding
     * pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal.  Two objects {@code e1}
     * and {@code e2} are considered <i>equal</i> if
     * {@code Objects.equals(e1, e2)}.
     * In other words, the two arrays are equal if
     * they contain the same elements in the same order.  Also, two array
     * references are considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     */
    public static boolean equals(Object[] a, Object[] a2) {
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        for (int i=0; i<length; i++) {
            if (!Objects.equals(a[i], a2[i]))
                return false;
        }

        return true;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of Objects, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Two objects e1 and e2 are considered equal if Objects.equals(e1, e2). 
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of Objects, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * <p>Two objects {@code e1} and {@code e2} are considered <i>equal</i> if
     * {@code Objects.equals(e1, e2)}.
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static boolean equals(Object[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                 Object[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        for (int i = 0; i < aLength; i++) {
            if (!Objects.equals(a[aFromIndex++], b[bFromIndex++]))
                return false;
        }

        return true;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of Objects are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are equal. In other words, the two arrays are equal if they contain the same elements in the same order. Also, two array references are considered equal if both are null. 
Two objects e1 and e2 are considered equal if, given the specified comparator, cmp.compare(e1, e2) == 0. 
Params: a – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
cmp – the comparator to compare array elements
Type parameters: <T> – the type of array elements
Throws: NullPointerException – if the comparator is null
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays of Objects are
     * <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if both arrays contain the same number
     * of elements, and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays
     * are equal.  In other words, the two arrays are equal if they contain the
     * same elements in the same order.  Also, two array references are
     * considered equal if both are {@code null}.
     *
     * <p>Two objects {@code e1} and {@code e2} are considered <i>equal</i> if,
     * given the specified comparator, {@code cmp.compare(e1, e2) == 0}.
     *
     * @param a one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @param cmp the comparator to compare array elements
     * @param <T> the type of array elements
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     * @throws NullPointerException if the comparator is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static <T> boolean equals(T[] a, T[] a2, Comparator<? super T> cmp) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(cmp);
        if (a==a2)
            return true;
        if (a==null || a2==null)
            return false;

        int length = a.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        for (int i=0; i<length; i++) {
            if (cmp.compare(a[i], a2[i]) != 0)
                return false;
        }

        return true;
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays of Objects, over the specified
ranges, are equal to one another.
Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
in the same order.
Two objects e1 and e2 are considered equal if, given the specified comparator, cmp.compare(e1, e2) == 0. 
Params: a – the first array to be tested for equality
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested fro equality
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
cmp – the comparator to compare array elements
Type parameters: <T> – the type of array elements
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array or the comparator is null
Returns: true if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since: 9/**
     * Returns true if the two specified arrays of Objects, over the specified
     * ranges, are <i>equal</i> to one another.
     *
     * <p>Two arrays are considered equal if the number of elements covered by
     * each range is the same, and all corresponding pairs of elements over the
     * specified ranges in the two arrays are equal.  In other words, two arrays
     * are equal if they contain, over the specified ranges, the same elements
     * in the same order.
     *
     * <p>Two objects {@code e1} and {@code e2} are considered <i>equal</i> if,
     * given the specified comparator, {@code cmp.compare(e1, e2) == 0}.
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for equality
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested fro equality
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @param cmp the comparator to compare array elements
     * @param <T> the type of array elements
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are
     *         equal
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array or the comparator is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static <T> boolean equals(T[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                     T[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex,
                                     Comparator<? super T> cmp) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(cmp);
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        if (aLength != bLength)
            return false;

        for (int i = 0; i < aLength; i++) {
            if (cmp.compare(a[aFromIndex++], b[bFromIndex++]) != 0)
                return false;
        }

        return true;
    }

    // Filling

    Assigns the specified long value to each element of the specified array
of longs.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array/**
     * Assigns the specified long value to each element of the specified array
     * of longs.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     */
    public static void fill(long[] a, long val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified long value to each element of the specified range of the specified array of longs. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Assigns the specified long value to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of longs.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void fill(long[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex, long val) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified int value to each element of the specified array
of ints.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array/**
     * Assigns the specified int value to each element of the specified array
     * of ints.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     */
    public static void fill(int[] a, int val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified int value to each element of the specified range of the specified array of ints. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Assigns the specified int value to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of ints.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void fill(int[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex, int val) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified short value to each element of the specified array
of shorts.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array/**
     * Assigns the specified short value to each element of the specified array
     * of shorts.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     */
    public static void fill(short[] a, short val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified short value to each element of the specified range of the specified array of shorts. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Assigns the specified short value to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of shorts.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void fill(short[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex, short val) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified char value to each element of the specified array
of chars.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array/**
     * Assigns the specified char value to each element of the specified array
     * of chars.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     */
    public static void fill(char[] a, char val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified char value to each element of the specified range of the specified array of chars. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Assigns the specified char value to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of chars.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void fill(char[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex, char val) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified byte value to each element of the specified array
of bytes.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array/**
     * Assigns the specified byte value to each element of the specified array
     * of bytes.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     */
    public static void fill(byte[] a, byte val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified byte value to each element of the specified range of the specified array of bytes. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Assigns the specified byte value to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of bytes.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void fill(byte[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex, byte val) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified boolean value to each element of the specified
array of booleans.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array/**
     * Assigns the specified boolean value to each element of the specified
     * array of booleans.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     */
    public static void fill(boolean[] a, boolean val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified boolean value to each element of the specified range of the specified array of booleans. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Assigns the specified boolean value to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of booleans.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void fill(boolean[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,
                            boolean val) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified double value to each element of the specified
array of doubles.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array/**
     * Assigns the specified double value to each element of the specified
     * array of doubles.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     */
    public static void fill(double[] a, double val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified double value to each element of the specified range of the specified array of doubles. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Assigns the specified double value to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of doubles.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void fill(double[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex,double val){
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified float value to each element of the specified array
of floats.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array/**
     * Assigns the specified float value to each element of the specified array
     * of floats.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     */
    public static void fill(float[] a, float val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified float value to each element of the specified range of the specified array of floats. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length/**
     * Assigns the specified float value to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of floats.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     */
    public static void fill(float[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex, float val) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified Object reference to each element of the specified
array of Objects.
Params: a – the array to be filled
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: ArrayStoreException – if the specified value is not of a
        runtime type that can be stored in the specified array/**
     * Assigns the specified Object reference to each element of the specified
     * array of Objects.
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws ArrayStoreException if the specified value is not of a
     *         runtime type that can be stored in the specified array
     */
    public static void fill(Object[] a, Object val) {
        for (int i = 0, len = a.length; i < len; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    Assigns the specified Object reference to each element of the specified range of the specified array of Objects. The range to be filled extends from index fromIndex, inclusive, to index toIndex, exclusive. (If fromIndex==toIndex, the range to be filled is empty.) 
Params: a – the array to be filled
fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
       filled with the specified value
val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws: IllegalArgumentException – if fromIndex > toIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length
ArrayStoreException – if the specified value is not of a
        runtime type that can be stored in the specified array/**
     * Assigns the specified Object reference to each element of the specified
     * range of the specified array of Objects.  The range to be filled
     * extends from index {@code fromIndex}, inclusive, to index
     * {@code toIndex}, exclusive.  (If {@code fromIndex==toIndex}, the
     * range to be filled is empty.)
     *
     * @param a the array to be filled
     * @param fromIndex the index of the first element (inclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param toIndex the index of the last element (exclusive) to be
     *        filled with the specified value
     * @param val the value to be stored in all elements of the array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code fromIndex > toIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code fromIndex < 0} or
     *         {@code toIndex > a.length}
     * @throws ArrayStoreException if the specified value is not of a
     *         runtime type that can be stored in the specified array
     */
    public static void fill(Object[] a, int fromIndex, int toIndex, Object val) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, fromIndex, toIndex);
        for (int i = fromIndex; i < toIndex; i++)
            a[i] = val;
    }

    // Cloning

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with nulls (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain null. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. The resulting array is of exactly the same class as the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with nulls
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with nulls (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code null}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     * The resulting array is of exactly the same class as the original array.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the array
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with nulls
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <T> T[] copyOf(T[] original, int newLength) {
        return (T[]) copyOf(original, newLength, original.getClass());
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with nulls (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain null. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. The resulting array is of the class newType. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
newType – the class of the copy to be returned
Type parameters: <U> – the class of the objects in the original array
<T> – the class of the objects in the returned array
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
ArrayStoreException – if an element copied from original is not of a runtime type that can be stored in an array of class newType
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with nulls
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with nulls (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code null}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     * The resulting array is of the class {@code newType}.
     *
     * @param <U> the class of the objects in the original array
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the returned array
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @param newType the class of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with nulls
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @throws ArrayStoreException if an element copied from
     *     {@code original} is not of a runtime type that can be stored in
     *     an array of class {@code newType}
     * @since 1.6
     */
    @HotSpotIntrinsicCandidate
    public static <T,U> T[] copyOf(U[] original, int newLength, Class<? extends T[]> newType) {
        @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
        T[] copy = ((Object)newType == (Object)Object[].class)
            ? (T[]) new Object[newLength]
            : (T[]) Array.newInstance(newType.getComponentType(), newLength);
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain (byte)0. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code (byte)0}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     *
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static byte[] copyOf(byte[] original, int newLength) {
        byte[] copy = new byte[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain (short)0. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code (short)0}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     *
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static short[] copyOf(short[] original, int newLength) {
        short[] copy = new short[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain 0. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code 0}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     *
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int[] copyOf(int[] original, int newLength) {
        int[] copy = new int[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain 0L. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code 0L}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     *
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static long[] copyOf(long[] original, int newLength) {
        long[] copy = new long[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with null characters (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain '\\u000'. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with null characters
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with null characters (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are valid
     * in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain
     * identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the copy but not
     * the original, the copy will contain {@code '\\u000'}.  Such indices
     * will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of
     * the original array.
     *
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with null characters
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static char[] copyOf(char[] original, int newLength) {
        char[] copy = new char[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain 0f. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code 0f}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     *
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static float[] copyOf(float[] original, int newLength) {
        float[] copy = new float[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain 0d. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with zeros (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code 0d}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     *
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with zeros
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static double[] copyOf(double[] original, int newLength) {
        double[] copy = new double[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with false (if necessary) so the copy has the specified length. For all indices that are valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will contain identical values. For any indices that are valid in the copy but not the original, the copy will contain false. Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length is greater than that of the original array. 
Params: original – the array to be copied
newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Throws: NegativeArraySizeException – if newLength is negative
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with false elements
    to obtain the specified length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified array, truncating or padding with {@code false} (if necessary)
     * so the copy has the specified length.  For all indices that are
     * valid in both the original array and the copy, the two arrays will
     * contain identical values.  For any indices that are valid in the
     * copy but not the original, the copy will contain {@code false}.
     * Such indices will exist if and only if the specified length
     * is greater than that of the original array.
     *
     * @param original the array to be copied
     * @param newLength the length of the copy to be returned
     * @return a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with false elements
     *     to obtain the specified length
     * @throws NegativeArraySizeException if {@code newLength} is negative
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static boolean[] copyOf(boolean[] original, int newLength) {
        boolean[] copy = new boolean[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, 0, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case null is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
The resulting array is of exactly the same class as the original array.
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with nulls to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code null} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     * <p>
     * The resulting array is of exactly the same class as the original array.
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the array
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with nulls to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <T> T[] copyOfRange(T[] original, int from, int to) {
        return copyOfRange(original, from, to, (Class<? extends T[]>) original.getClass());
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case null is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. The resulting array is of the class newType. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
newType – the class of the copy to be returned
Type parameters: <U> – the class of the objects in the original array
<T> – the class of the objects in the returned array
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
ArrayStoreException – if an element copied from original is not of a runtime type that can be stored in an array of class newType.
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with nulls to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code null} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     * The resulting array is of the class {@code newType}.
     *
     * @param <U> the class of the objects in the original array
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the returned array
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @param newType the class of the copy to be returned
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with nulls to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @throws ArrayStoreException if an element copied from
     *     {@code original} is not of a runtime type that can be stored in
     *     an array of class {@code newType}.
     * @since 1.6
     */
    @HotSpotIntrinsicCandidate
    public static <T,U> T[] copyOfRange(U[] original, int from, int to, Class<? extends T[]> newType) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
        T[] copy = ((Object)newType == (Object)Object[].class)
            ? (T[]) new Object[newLength]
            : (T[]) Array.newInstance(newType.getComponentType(), newLength);
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case (byte)0 is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code (byte)0} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     *
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static byte[] copyOfRange(byte[] original, int from, int to) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        byte[] copy = new byte[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case (short)0 is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code (short)0} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     *
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static short[] copyOfRange(short[] original, int from, int to) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        short[] copy = new short[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case 0 is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code 0} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     *
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static int[] copyOfRange(int[] original, int from, int to) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        int[] copy = new int[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case 0L is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code 0L} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     *
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static long[] copyOfRange(long[] original, int from, int to) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        long[] copy = new long[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case '\\u000' is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with null characters to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code '\\u000'} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     *
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with null characters to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static char[] copyOfRange(char[] original, int from, int to) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        char[] copy = new char[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case 0f is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code 0f} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     *
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static float[] copyOfRange(float[] original, int from, int to) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        float[] copy = new float[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case 0d is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code 0d} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     *
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with zeros to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static double[] copyOfRange(double[] original, int from, int to) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        double[] copy = new double[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array. The initial index of the range (from) must lie between zero and original.length, inclusive. The value at original[from] is placed into the initial element of the copy (unless from == original.length or from == to). Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into subsequent elements in the copy. The final index of the range (to), which must be greater than or equal to from, may be greater than original.length, in which case false is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is greater than or equal to original.length - from. The length of the returned array will be to - from. 
Params: original – the array from which a range is to be copied
from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
    (This index may lie outside the array.)
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if from < 0 or from > original.length
IllegalArgumentException – if from > to
NullPointerException – if original is null
Returns: a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
    truncated or padded with false elements to obtain the required length
Since: 1.6/**
     * Copies the specified range of the specified array into a new array.
     * The initial index of the range ({@code from}) must lie between zero
     * and {@code original.length}, inclusive.  The value at
     * {@code original[from]} is placed into the initial element of the copy
     * (unless {@code from == original.length} or {@code from == to}).
     * Values from subsequent elements in the original array are placed into
     * subsequent elements in the copy.  The final index of the range
     * ({@code to}), which must be greater than or equal to {@code from},
     * may be greater than {@code original.length}, in which case
     * {@code false} is placed in all elements of the copy whose index is
     * greater than or equal to {@code original.length - from}.  The length
     * of the returned array will be {@code to - from}.
     *
     * @param original the array from which a range is to be copied
     * @param from the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive
     * @param to the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive.
     *     (This index may lie outside the array.)
     * @return a new array containing the specified range from the original array,
     *     truncated or padded with false elements to obtain the required length
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code from < 0}
     *     or {@code from > original.length}
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code from > to}
     * @throws NullPointerException if {@code original} is null
     * @since 1.6
     */
    public static boolean[] copyOfRange(boolean[] original, int from, int to) {
        int newLength = to - from;
        if (newLength < 0)
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(from + " > " + to);
        boolean[] copy = new boolean[newLength];
        System.arraycopy(original, from, copy, 0,
                         Math.min(original.length - from, newLength));
        return copy;
    }

    // Misc

    Returns a fixed-size list backed by the specified array. (Changes to the returned list "write through" to the array.) This method acts as bridge between array-based and collection-based APIs, in combination with Collection.toArray. The returned list is serializable and implements RandomAccess. This method also provides a convenient way to create a fixed-size
list initialized to contain several elements:
    List<String> stooges = Arrays.asList("Larry", "Moe", "Curly");

Params: a – the array by which the list will be backed
Type parameters: <T> – the class of the objects in the array
Returns: a list view of the specified array/**
     * Returns a fixed-size list backed by the specified array.  (Changes to
     * the returned list "write through" to the array.)  This method acts
     * as bridge between array-based and collection-based APIs, in
     * combination with {@link Collection#toArray}.  The returned list is
     * serializable and implements {@link RandomAccess}.
     *
     * <p>This method also provides a convenient way to create a fixed-size
     * list initialized to contain several elements:
     * <pre>
     *     List&lt;String&gt; stooges = Arrays.asList("Larry", "Moe", "Curly");
     * </pre>
     *
     * @param <T> the class of the objects in the array
     * @param a the array by which the list will be backed
     * @return a list view of the specified array
     */
    @SafeVarargs
    @SuppressWarnings("varargs")
    public static <T> List<T> asList(T... a) {
        return new ArrayList<>(a);
    }

    @serial include/**
     * @serial include
     */
    private static class ArrayList<E> extends AbstractList<E>
        implements RandomAccess, java.io.Serializable
    {
        private static final long serialVersionUID = -2764017481108945198L;
        private final E[] a;

        ArrayList(E[] array) {
            a = Objects.requireNonNull(array);
        }

        @Override
        public int size() {
            return a.length;
        }

        @Override
        public Object[] toArray() {
            return Arrays.copyOf(a, a.length, Object[].class);
        }

        @Override
        @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
        public <T> T[] toArray(T[] a) {
            int size = size();
            if (a.length < size)
                return Arrays.copyOf(this.a, size,
                                     (Class<? extends T[]>) a.getClass());
            System.arraycopy(this.a, 0, a, 0, size);
            if (a.length > size)
                a[size] = null;
            return a;
        }

        @Override
        public E get(int index) {
            return a[index];
        }

        @Override
        public E set(int index, E element) {
            E oldValue = a[index];
            a[index] = element;
            return oldValue;
        }

        @Override
        public int indexOf(Object o) {
            E[] a = this.a;
            if (o == null) {
                for (int i = 0; i < a.length; i++)
                    if (a[i] == null)
                        return i;
            } else {
                for (int i = 0; i < a.length; i++)
                    if (o.equals(a[i]))
                        return i;
            }
            return -1;
        }

        @Override
        public boolean contains(Object o) {
            return indexOf(o) >= 0;
        }

        @Override
        public Spliterator<E> spliterator() {
            return Spliterators.spliterator(a, Spliterator.ORDERED);
        }

        @Override
        public void forEach(Consumer<? super E> action) {
            Objects.requireNonNull(action);
            for (E e : a) {
                action.accept(e);
            }
        }

        @Override
        public void replaceAll(UnaryOperator<E> operator) {
            Objects.requireNonNull(operator);
            E[] a = this.a;
            for (int i = 0; i < a.length; i++) {
                a[i] = operator.apply(a[i]);
            }
        }

        @Override
        public void sort(Comparator<? super E> c) {
            Arrays.sort(a, c);
        }

        @Override
        public Iterator<E> iterator() {
            return new ArrayItr<>(a);
        }
    }

    private static class ArrayItr<E> implements Iterator<E> {
        private int cursor;
        private final E[] a;

        ArrayItr(E[] a) {
            this.a = a;
        }

        @Override
        public boolean hasNext() {
            return cursor < a.length;
        }

        @Override
        public E next() {
            int i = cursor;
            if (i >= a.length) {
                throw new NoSuchElementException();
            }
            cursor = i + 1;
            return a[i];
        }
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array. For any two long arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). The value returned by this method is the same value that would be obtained by invoking the hashCode method on a List containing a sequence of Long instances representing the elements of a in the same order. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.
     * For any two {@code long} arrays {@code a} and {@code b}
     * such that {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is the same value that would be
     * obtained by invoking the {@link List#hashCode() hashCode}
     * method on a {@link List} containing a sequence of {@link Long}
     * instances representing the elements of {@code a} in the same order.
     * If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose hash value to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(long a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;
        for (long element : a) {
            int elementHash = (int)(element ^ (element >>> 32));
            result = 31 * result + elementHash;
        }

        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array. For any two non-null int arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). The value returned by this method is the same value that would be obtained by invoking the hashCode method on a List containing a sequence of Integer instances representing the elements of a in the same order. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.
     * For any two non-null {@code int} arrays {@code a} and {@code b}
     * such that {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is the same value that would be
     * obtained by invoking the {@link List#hashCode() hashCode}
     * method on a {@link List} containing a sequence of {@link Integer}
     * instances representing the elements of {@code a} in the same order.
     * If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose hash value to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(int a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;
        for (int element : a)
            result = 31 * result + element;

        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array. For any two short arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). The value returned by this method is the same value that would be obtained by invoking the hashCode method on a List containing a sequence of Short instances representing the elements of a in the same order. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.
     * For any two {@code short} arrays {@code a} and {@code b}
     * such that {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is the same value that would be
     * obtained by invoking the {@link List#hashCode() hashCode}
     * method on a {@link List} containing a sequence of {@link Short}
     * instances representing the elements of {@code a} in the same order.
     * If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose hash value to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(short a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;
        for (short element : a)
            result = 31 * result + element;

        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array. For any two char arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). The value returned by this method is the same value that would be obtained by invoking the hashCode method on a List containing a sequence of Character instances representing the elements of a in the same order. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.
     * For any two {@code char} arrays {@code a} and {@code b}
     * such that {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is the same value that would be
     * obtained by invoking the {@link List#hashCode() hashCode}
     * method on a {@link List} containing a sequence of {@link Character}
     * instances representing the elements of {@code a} in the same order.
     * If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose hash value to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(char a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;
        for (char element : a)
            result = 31 * result + element;

        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array. For any two byte arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). The value returned by this method is the same value that would be obtained by invoking the hashCode method on a List containing a sequence of Byte instances representing the elements of a in the same order. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.
     * For any two {@code byte} arrays {@code a} and {@code b}
     * such that {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is the same value that would be
     * obtained by invoking the {@link List#hashCode() hashCode}
     * method on a {@link List} containing a sequence of {@link Byte}
     * instances representing the elements of {@code a} in the same order.
     * If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose hash value to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(byte a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;
        for (byte element : a)
            result = 31 * result + element;

        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array. For any two boolean arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). The value returned by this method is the same value that would be obtained by invoking the hashCode method on a List containing a sequence of Boolean instances representing the elements of a in the same order. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.
     * For any two {@code boolean} arrays {@code a} and {@code b}
     * such that {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is the same value that would be
     * obtained by invoking the {@link List#hashCode() hashCode}
     * method on a {@link List} containing a sequence of {@link Boolean}
     * instances representing the elements of {@code a} in the same order.
     * If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose hash value to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(boolean a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;
        for (boolean element : a)
            result = 31 * result + (element ? 1231 : 1237);

        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array. For any two float arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). The value returned by this method is the same value that would be obtained by invoking the hashCode method on a List containing a sequence of Float instances representing the elements of a in the same order. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.
     * For any two {@code float} arrays {@code a} and {@code b}
     * such that {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is the same value that would be
     * obtained by invoking the {@link List#hashCode() hashCode}
     * method on a {@link List} containing a sequence of {@link Float}
     * instances representing the elements of {@code a} in the same order.
     * If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose hash value to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(float a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;
        for (float element : a)
            result = 31 * result + Float.floatToIntBits(element);

        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array. For any two double arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). The value returned by this method is the same value that would be obtained by invoking the hashCode method on a List containing a sequence of Double instances representing the elements of a in the same order. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.
     * For any two {@code double} arrays {@code a} and {@code b}
     * such that {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is the same value that would be
     * obtained by invoking the {@link List#hashCode() hashCode}
     * method on a {@link List} containing a sequence of {@link Double}
     * instances representing the elements of {@code a} in the same order.
     * If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose hash value to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(double a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;
        for (double element : a) {
            long bits = Double.doubleToLongBits(element);
            result = 31 * result + (int)(bits ^ (bits >>> 32));
        }
        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.  If
the array contains other arrays as elements, the hash code is based on
their identities rather than their contents.  It is therefore
acceptable to invoke this method on an array that contains itself as an
element,  either directly or indirectly through one or more levels of
arrays.
For any two arrays a and b such that Arrays.equals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b). 
The value returned by this method is equal to the value that would be returned by Arrays.asList(a).hashCode(), unless a is null, in which case 0 is returned. 
Params: a – the array whose content-based hash code to compute
See Also: deepHashCode(Object[])
Returns: a content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the contents of the specified array.  If
     * the array contains other arrays as elements, the hash code is based on
     * their identities rather than their contents.  It is therefore
     * acceptable to invoke this method on an array that contains itself as an
     * element,  either directly or indirectly through one or more levels of
     * arrays.
     *
     * <p>For any two arrays {@code a} and {@code b} such that
     * {@code Arrays.equals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.hashCode(a) == Arrays.hashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is equal to the value that would
     * be returned by {@code Arrays.asList(a).hashCode()}, unless {@code a}
     * is {@code null}, in which case {@code 0} is returned.
     *
     * @param a the array whose content-based hash code to compute
     * @return a content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @see #deepHashCode(Object[])
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int hashCode(Object a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;

        for (Object element : a)
            result = 31 * result + (element == null ? 0 : element.hashCode());

        return result;
    }

    Returns a hash code based on the "deep contents" of the specified
array.  If the array contains other arrays as elements, the
hash code is based on their contents and so on, ad infinitum.
It is therefore unacceptable to invoke this method on an array that
contains itself as an element, either directly or indirectly through
one or more levels of arrays.  The behavior of such an invocation is
undefined.
For any two arrays a and b such that Arrays.deepEquals(a, b), it is also the case that Arrays.deepHashCode(a) == Arrays.deepHashCode(b). 
The computation of the value returned by this method is similar to that of the value returned by List.hashCode() on a list containing the same elements as a in the same order, with one difference: If an element e of a is itself an array, its hash code is computed not by calling e.hashCode(), but as by calling the appropriate overloading of Arrays.hashCode(e) if e is an array of a primitive type, or as by calling Arrays.deepHashCode(e) recursively if e is an array of a reference type. If a is null, this method returns 0. 
Params: a – the array whose deep-content-based hash code to compute
See Also: hashCode(Object[])
Returns: a deep-content-based hash code for a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a hash code based on the "deep contents" of the specified
     * array.  If the array contains other arrays as elements, the
     * hash code is based on their contents and so on, ad infinitum.
     * It is therefore unacceptable to invoke this method on an array that
     * contains itself as an element, either directly or indirectly through
     * one or more levels of arrays.  The behavior of such an invocation is
     * undefined.
     *
     * <p>For any two arrays {@code a} and {@code b} such that
     * {@code Arrays.deepEquals(a, b)}, it is also the case that
     * {@code Arrays.deepHashCode(a) == Arrays.deepHashCode(b)}.
     *
     * <p>The computation of the value returned by this method is similar to
     * that of the value returned by {@link List#hashCode()} on a list
     * containing the same elements as {@code a} in the same order, with one
     * difference: If an element {@code e} of {@code a} is itself an array,
     * its hash code is computed not by calling {@code e.hashCode()}, but as
     * by calling the appropriate overloading of {@code Arrays.hashCode(e)}
     * if {@code e} is an array of a primitive type, or as by calling
     * {@code Arrays.deepHashCode(e)} recursively if {@code e} is an array
     * of a reference type.  If {@code a} is {@code null}, this method
     * returns 0.
     *
     * @param a the array whose deep-content-based hash code to compute
     * @return a deep-content-based hash code for {@code a}
     * @see #hashCode(Object[])
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static int deepHashCode(Object a[]) {
        if (a == null)
            return 0;

        int result = 1;

        for (Object element : a) {
            final int elementHash;
            final Class<?> cl;
            if (element == null)
                elementHash = 0;
            else if ((cl = element.getClass().getComponentType()) == null)
                elementHash = element.hashCode();
            else if (element instanceof Object[])
                elementHash = deepHashCode((Object[]) element);
            else
                elementHash = primitiveArrayHashCode(element, cl);

            result = 31 * result + elementHash;
        }

        return result;
    }

    private static int primitiveArrayHashCode(Object a, Class<?> cl) {
        return
            (cl == byte.class)    ? hashCode((byte[]) a)    :
            (cl == int.class)     ? hashCode((int[]) a)     :
            (cl == long.class)    ? hashCode((long[]) a)    :
            (cl == char.class)    ? hashCode((char[]) a)    :
            (cl == short.class)   ? hashCode((short[]) a)   :
            (cl == boolean.class) ? hashCode((boolean[]) a) :
            (cl == double.class)  ? hashCode((double[]) a)  :
            // If new primitive types are ever added, this method must be
            // expanded or we will fail here with ClassCastException.
            hashCode((float[]) a);
    }

    Returns true if the two specified arrays are deeply
equal to one another. Unlike the equals(Object[], Object[]) method, this method is appropriate for use with nested arrays of arbitrary depth. Two array references are considered deeply equal if both are null, or if they refer to arrays that contain the same number of elements and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two arrays are deeply equal. 
Two possibly null elements e1 and e2 are deeply equal if any of the following conditions hold: 

    e1 and e2 are both arrays of object reference types, and Arrays.deepEquals(e1, e2) would return true 
 e1 and e2 are arrays of the same primitive type, and the appropriate overloading of Arrays.equals(e1, e2) would return true. 
 e1 == e2 
 e1.equals(e2) would return true. 
 Note that this definition permits null elements at any depth. If either of the specified arrays contain themselves as elements
either directly or indirectly through one or more levels of arrays,
the behavior of this method is undefined.
Params: a1 – one array to be tested for equality
a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
See Also: equals(Object[], Object[])
Objects.deepEquals(Object, Object)
Returns: true if the two arrays are equal
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns {@code true} if the two specified arrays are <i>deeply
     * equal</i> to one another.  Unlike the {@link #equals(Object[],Object[])}
     * method, this method is appropriate for use with nested arrays of
     * arbitrary depth.
     *
     * <p>Two array references are considered deeply equal if both
     * are {@code null}, or if they refer to arrays that contain the same
     * number of elements and all corresponding pairs of elements in the two
     * arrays are deeply equal.
     *
     * <p>Two possibly {@code null} elements {@code e1} and {@code e2} are
     * deeply equal if any of the following conditions hold:
     * <ul>
     *    <li> {@code e1} and {@code e2} are both arrays of object reference
     *         types, and {@code Arrays.deepEquals(e1, e2) would return true}
     *    <li> {@code e1} and {@code e2} are arrays of the same primitive
     *         type, and the appropriate overloading of
     *         {@code Arrays.equals(e1, e2)} would return true.
     *    <li> {@code e1 == e2}
     *    <li> {@code e1.equals(e2)} would return true.
     * </ul>
     * Note that this definition permits {@code null} elements at any depth.
     *
     * <p>If either of the specified arrays contain themselves as elements
     * either directly or indirectly through one or more levels of arrays,
     * the behavior of this method is undefined.
     *
     * @param a1 one array to be tested for equality
     * @param a2 the other array to be tested for equality
     * @return {@code true} if the two arrays are equal
     * @see #equals(Object[],Object[])
     * @see Objects#deepEquals(Object, Object)
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static boolean deepEquals(Object[] a1, Object[] a2) {
        if (a1 == a2)
            return true;
        if (a1 == null || a2==null)
            return false;
        int length = a1.length;
        if (a2.length != length)
            return false;

        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            Object e1 = a1[i];
            Object e2 = a2[i];

            if (e1 == e2)
                continue;
            if (e1 == null)
                return false;

            // Figure out whether the two elements are equal
            boolean eq = deepEquals0(e1, e2);

            if (!eq)
                return false;
        }
        return true;
    }

    static boolean deepEquals0(Object e1, Object e2) {
        assert e1 != null;
        boolean eq;
        if (e1 instanceof Object[] && e2 instanceof Object[])
            eq = deepEquals ((Object[]) e1, (Object[]) e2);
        else if (e1 instanceof byte[] && e2 instanceof byte[])
            eq = equals((byte[]) e1, (byte[]) e2);
        else if (e1 instanceof short[] && e2 instanceof short[])
            eq = equals((short[]) e1, (short[]) e2);
        else if (e1 instanceof int[] && e2 instanceof int[])
            eq = equals((int[]) e1, (int[]) e2);
        else if (e1 instanceof long[] && e2 instanceof long[])
            eq = equals((long[]) e1, (long[]) e2);
        else if (e1 instanceof char[] && e2 instanceof char[])
            eq = equals((char[]) e1, (char[]) e2);
        else if (e1 instanceof float[] && e2 instanceof float[])
            eq = equals((float[]) e1, (float[]) e2);
        else if (e1 instanceof double[] && e2 instanceof double[])
            eq = equals((double[]) e1, (double[]) e2);
        else if (e1 instanceof boolean[] && e2 instanceof boolean[])
            eq = equals((boolean[]) e1, (boolean[]) e2);
        else
            eq = e1.equals(e2);
        return eq;
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(long). Returns "null" if a is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements,
     * enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent elements are
     * separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma followed by a
     * space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(long)}.  Returns {@code "null"} if {@code a}
     * is {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(long[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";
        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(a[i]);
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(int). Returns "null" if a is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements,
     * enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent elements are
     * separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma followed by a
     * space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(int)}.  Returns {@code "null"} if {@code a} is
     * {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(int[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";
        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(a[i]);
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(short). Returns "null" if a is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements,
     * enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent elements are
     * separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma followed by a
     * space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(short)}.  Returns {@code "null"} if {@code a}
     * is {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(short[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";
        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(a[i]);
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(char). Returns "null" if a is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements,
     * enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent elements are
     * separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma followed by a
     * space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(char)}.  Returns {@code "null"} if {@code a}
     * is {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(char[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";
        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(a[i]);
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(byte). Returns "null" if a is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements,
     * enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent elements
     * are separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma followed
     * by a space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(byte)}.  Returns {@code "null"} if
     * {@code a} is {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(byte[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";
        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(a[i]);
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(boolean). Returns "null" if a is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements,
     * enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent elements are
     * separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma followed by a
     * space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(boolean)}.  Returns {@code "null"} if
     * {@code a} is {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(boolean[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";
        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(a[i]);
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(float). Returns "null" if a is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements,
     * enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent elements are
     * separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma followed by a
     * space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(float)}.  Returns {@code "null"} if {@code a}
     * is {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(float[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";

        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(a[i]);
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(double). Returns "null" if a is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements,
     * enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent elements are
     * separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma followed by a
     * space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(double)}.  Returns {@code "null"} if {@code a}
     * is {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(double[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";
        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(a[i]);
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array. If the array contains other arrays as elements, they are converted to strings by the Object.toString method inherited from Object, which describes their identities rather than
their contents.
The value returned by this method is equal to the value that would be returned by Arrays.asList(a).toString(), unless a is null, in which case "null" is returned. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
See Also: deepToString(Object[])
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the contents of the specified array.
     * If the array contains other arrays as elements, they are converted to
     * strings by the {@link Object#toString} method inherited from
     * {@code Object}, which describes their <i>identities</i> rather than
     * their contents.
     *
     * <p>The value returned by this method is equal to the value that would
     * be returned by {@code Arrays.asList(a).toString()}, unless {@code a}
     * is {@code null}, in which case {@code "null"} is returned.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @see #deepToString(Object[])
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String toString(Object[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";

        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1)
            return "[]";

        StringBuilder b = new StringBuilder();
        b.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {
            b.append(String.valueOf(a[i]));
            if (i == iMax)
                return b.append(']').toString();
            b.append(", ");
        }
    }

    Returns a string representation of the "deep contents" of the specified
array.  If the array contains other arrays as elements, the string
representation contains their contents and so on.  This method is
designed for converting multidimensional arrays to strings.
The string representation consists of a list of the array's elements, enclosed in square brackets ("[]"). Adjacent elements are separated by the characters ", " (a comma followed by a space). Elements are converted to strings as by String.valueOf(Object), unless they are themselves arrays. 
If an element e is an array of a primitive type, it is converted to a string as by invoking the appropriate overloading of Arrays.toString(e). If an element e is an array of a reference type, it is converted to a string as by invoking this method recursively. 
To avoid infinite recursion, if the specified array contains itself as an element, or contains an indirect reference to itself through one or more levels of arrays, the self-reference is converted to the string "[...]". For example, an array containing only a reference to itself would be rendered as "[[...]]". 
This method returns "null" if the specified array is null. 
Params: a – the array whose string representation to return
See Also: toString(Object[])
Returns: a string representation of a
Since: 1.5/**
     * Returns a string representation of the "deep contents" of the specified
     * array.  If the array contains other arrays as elements, the string
     * representation contains their contents and so on.  This method is
     * designed for converting multidimensional arrays to strings.
     *
     * <p>The string representation consists of a list of the array's
     * elements, enclosed in square brackets ({@code "[]"}).  Adjacent
     * elements are separated by the characters {@code ", "} (a comma
     * followed by a space).  Elements are converted to strings as by
     * {@code String.valueOf(Object)}, unless they are themselves
     * arrays.
     *
     * <p>If an element {@code e} is an array of a primitive type, it is
     * converted to a string as by invoking the appropriate overloading of
     * {@code Arrays.toString(e)}.  If an element {@code e} is an array of a
     * reference type, it is converted to a string as by invoking
     * this method recursively.
     *
     * <p>To avoid infinite recursion, if the specified array contains itself
     * as an element, or contains an indirect reference to itself through one
     * or more levels of arrays, the self-reference is converted to the string
     * {@code "[...]"}.  For example, an array containing only a reference
     * to itself would be rendered as {@code "[[...]]"}.
     *
     * <p>This method returns {@code "null"} if the specified array
     * is {@code null}.
     *
     * @param a the array whose string representation to return
     * @return a string representation of {@code a}
     * @see #toString(Object[])
     * @since 1.5
     */
    public static String deepToString(Object[] a) {
        if (a == null)
            return "null";

        int bufLen = 20 * a.length;
        if (a.length != 0 && bufLen <= 0)
            bufLen = Integer.MAX_VALUE;
        StringBuilder buf = new StringBuilder(bufLen);
        deepToString(a, buf, new HashSet<>());
        return buf.toString();
    }

    private static void deepToString(Object[] a, StringBuilder buf,
                                     Set<Object[]> dejaVu) {
        if (a == null) {
            buf.append("null");
            return;
        }
        int iMax = a.length - 1;
        if (iMax == -1) {
            buf.append("[]");
            return;
        }

        dejaVu.add(a);
        buf.append('[');
        for (int i = 0; ; i++) {

            Object element = a[i];
            if (element == null) {
                buf.append("null");
            } else {
                Class<?> eClass = element.getClass();

                if (eClass.isArray()) {
                    if (eClass == byte[].class)
                        buf.append(toString((byte[]) element));
                    else if (eClass == short[].class)
                        buf.append(toString((short[]) element));
                    else if (eClass == int[].class)
                        buf.append(toString((int[]) element));
                    else if (eClass == long[].class)
                        buf.append(toString((long[]) element));
                    else if (eClass == char[].class)
                        buf.append(toString((char[]) element));
                    else if (eClass == float[].class)
                        buf.append(toString((float[]) element));
                    else if (eClass == double[].class)
                        buf.append(toString((double[]) element));
                    else if (eClass == boolean[].class)
                        buf.append(toString((boolean[]) element));
                    else { // element is an array of object references
                        if (dejaVu.contains(element))
                            buf.append("[...]");
                        else
                            deepToString((Object[])element, buf, dejaVu);
                    }
                } else {  // element is non-null and not an array
                    buf.append(element.toString());
                }
            }
            if (i == iMax)
                break;
            buf.append(", ");
        }
        buf.append(']');
        dejaVu.remove(a);
    }


    Set all elements of the specified array, using the provided
generator function to compute each element.
If the generator function throws an exception, it is relayed to
the caller and the array is left in an indeterminate state.
Params: array – array to be initialized
generator – a function accepting an index and producing the desired
       value for that position
Type parameters: <T> – type of elements of the array
Throws: NullPointerException – if the generator is null
API Note: 
Setting a subrange of an array, using a generator function to compute
each element, can be written as follows:

IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
         .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.apply(i));
Since: 1.8/**
     * Set all elements of the specified array, using the provided
     * generator function to compute each element.
     *
     * <p>If the generator function throws an exception, it is relayed to
     * the caller and the array is left in an indeterminate state.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * Setting a subrange of an array, using a generator function to compute
     * each element, can be written as follows:
     * <pre>{@code
     * IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
     *          .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.apply(i));
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param <T> type of elements of the array
     * @param array array to be initialized
     * @param generator a function accepting an index and producing the desired
     *        value for that position
     * @throws NullPointerException if the generator is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static <T> void setAll(T[] array, IntFunction<? extends T> generator) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(generator);
        for (int i = 0; i < array.length; i++)
            array[i] = generator.apply(i);
    }

    Set all elements of the specified array, in parallel, using the
provided generator function to compute each element.
If the generator function throws an exception, an unchecked exception is thrown from parallelSetAll and the array is left in an indeterminate state. 
Params: array – array to be initialized
generator – a function accepting an index and producing the desired
       value for that position
Type parameters: <T> – type of elements of the array
Throws: NullPointerException – if the generator is null
API Note: 
Setting a subrange of an array, in parallel, using a generator function
to compute each element, can be written as follows:

IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
         .parallel()
         .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.apply(i));
Since: 1.8/**
     * Set all elements of the specified array, in parallel, using the
     * provided generator function to compute each element.
     *
     * <p>If the generator function throws an exception, an unchecked exception
     * is thrown from {@code parallelSetAll} and the array is left in an
     * indeterminate state.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * Setting a subrange of an array, in parallel, using a generator function
     * to compute each element, can be written as follows:
     * <pre>{@code
     * IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
     *          .parallel()
     *          .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.apply(i));
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param <T> type of elements of the array
     * @param array array to be initialized
     * @param generator a function accepting an index and producing the desired
     *        value for that position
     * @throws NullPointerException if the generator is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static <T> void parallelSetAll(T[] array, IntFunction<? extends T> generator) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(generator);
        IntStream.range(0, array.length).parallel().forEach(i -> { array[i] = generator.apply(i); });
    }

    Set all elements of the specified array, using the provided
generator function to compute each element.
If the generator function throws an exception, it is relayed to
the caller and the array is left in an indeterminate state.
Params: array – array to be initialized
generator – a function accepting an index and producing the desired
       value for that position
Throws: NullPointerException – if the generator is null
API Note: 
Setting a subrange of an array, using a generator function to compute
each element, can be written as follows:

IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
         .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsInt(i));
Since: 1.8/**
     * Set all elements of the specified array, using the provided
     * generator function to compute each element.
     *
     * <p>If the generator function throws an exception, it is relayed to
     * the caller and the array is left in an indeterminate state.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * Setting a subrange of an array, using a generator function to compute
     * each element, can be written as follows:
     * <pre>{@code
     * IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
     *          .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsInt(i));
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param array array to be initialized
     * @param generator a function accepting an index and producing the desired
     *        value for that position
     * @throws NullPointerException if the generator is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void setAll(int[] array, IntUnaryOperator generator) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(generator);
        for (int i = 0; i < array.length; i++)
            array[i] = generator.applyAsInt(i);
    }

    Set all elements of the specified array, in parallel, using the
provided generator function to compute each element.
If the generator function throws an exception, an unchecked exception is thrown from parallelSetAll and the array is left in an indeterminate state. 
Params: array – array to be initialized
generator – a function accepting an index and producing the desired
value for that position
Throws: NullPointerException – if the generator is null
API Note: 
Setting a subrange of an array, in parallel, using a generator function
to compute each element, can be written as follows:

IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
         .parallel()
         .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsInt(i));
Since: 1.8/**
     * Set all elements of the specified array, in parallel, using the
     * provided generator function to compute each element.
     *
     * <p>If the generator function throws an exception, an unchecked exception
     * is thrown from {@code parallelSetAll} and the array is left in an
     * indeterminate state.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * Setting a subrange of an array, in parallel, using a generator function
     * to compute each element, can be written as follows:
     * <pre>{@code
     * IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
     *          .parallel()
     *          .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsInt(i));
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param array array to be initialized
     * @param generator a function accepting an index and producing the desired
     * value for that position
     * @throws NullPointerException if the generator is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSetAll(int[] array, IntUnaryOperator generator) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(generator);
        IntStream.range(0, array.length).parallel().forEach(i -> { array[i] = generator.applyAsInt(i); });
    }

    Set all elements of the specified array, using the provided
generator function to compute each element.
If the generator function throws an exception, it is relayed to
the caller and the array is left in an indeterminate state.
Params: array – array to be initialized
generator – a function accepting an index and producing the desired
       value for that position
Throws: NullPointerException – if the generator is null
API Note: 
Setting a subrange of an array, using a generator function to compute
each element, can be written as follows:

IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
         .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsLong(i));
Since: 1.8/**
     * Set all elements of the specified array, using the provided
     * generator function to compute each element.
     *
     * <p>If the generator function throws an exception, it is relayed to
     * the caller and the array is left in an indeterminate state.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * Setting a subrange of an array, using a generator function to compute
     * each element, can be written as follows:
     * <pre>{@code
     * IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
     *          .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsLong(i));
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param array array to be initialized
     * @param generator a function accepting an index and producing the desired
     *        value for that position
     * @throws NullPointerException if the generator is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void setAll(long[] array, IntToLongFunction generator) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(generator);
        for (int i = 0; i < array.length; i++)
            array[i] = generator.applyAsLong(i);
    }

    Set all elements of the specified array, in parallel, using the
provided generator function to compute each element.
If the generator function throws an exception, an unchecked exception is thrown from parallelSetAll and the array is left in an indeterminate state. 
Params: array – array to be initialized
generator – a function accepting an index and producing the desired
       value for that position
Throws: NullPointerException – if the generator is null
API Note: 
Setting a subrange of an array, in parallel, using a generator function
to compute each element, can be written as follows:

IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
         .parallel()
         .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsLong(i));
Since: 1.8/**
     * Set all elements of the specified array, in parallel, using the
     * provided generator function to compute each element.
     *
     * <p>If the generator function throws an exception, an unchecked exception
     * is thrown from {@code parallelSetAll} and the array is left in an
     * indeterminate state.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * Setting a subrange of an array, in parallel, using a generator function
     * to compute each element, can be written as follows:
     * <pre>{@code
     * IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
     *          .parallel()
     *          .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsLong(i));
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param array array to be initialized
     * @param generator a function accepting an index and producing the desired
     *        value for that position
     * @throws NullPointerException if the generator is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSetAll(long[] array, IntToLongFunction generator) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(generator);
        IntStream.range(0, array.length).parallel().forEach(i -> { array[i] = generator.applyAsLong(i); });
    }

    Set all elements of the specified array, using the provided
generator function to compute each element.
If the generator function throws an exception, it is relayed to
the caller and the array is left in an indeterminate state.
Params: array – array to be initialized
generator – a function accepting an index and producing the desired
       value for that position
Throws: NullPointerException – if the generator is null
API Note: 
Setting a subrange of an array, using a generator function to compute
each element, can be written as follows:

IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
         .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsDouble(i));
Since: 1.8/**
     * Set all elements of the specified array, using the provided
     * generator function to compute each element.
     *
     * <p>If the generator function throws an exception, it is relayed to
     * the caller and the array is left in an indeterminate state.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * Setting a subrange of an array, using a generator function to compute
     * each element, can be written as follows:
     * <pre>{@code
     * IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
     *          .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsDouble(i));
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param array array to be initialized
     * @param generator a function accepting an index and producing the desired
     *        value for that position
     * @throws NullPointerException if the generator is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void setAll(double[] array, IntToDoubleFunction generator) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(generator);
        for (int i = 0; i < array.length; i++)
            array[i] = generator.applyAsDouble(i);
    }

    Set all elements of the specified array, in parallel, using the
provided generator function to compute each element.
If the generator function throws an exception, an unchecked exception is thrown from parallelSetAll and the array is left in an indeterminate state. 
Params: array – array to be initialized
generator – a function accepting an index and producing the desired
       value for that position
Throws: NullPointerException – if the generator is null
API Note: 
Setting a subrange of an array, in parallel, using a generator function
to compute each element, can be written as follows:

IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
         .parallel()
         .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsDouble(i));
Since: 1.8/**
     * Set all elements of the specified array, in parallel, using the
     * provided generator function to compute each element.
     *
     * <p>If the generator function throws an exception, an unchecked exception
     * is thrown from {@code parallelSetAll} and the array is left in an
     * indeterminate state.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * Setting a subrange of an array, in parallel, using a generator function
     * to compute each element, can be written as follows:
     * <pre>{@code
     * IntStream.range(startInclusive, endExclusive)
     *          .parallel()
     *          .forEach(i -> array[i] = generator.applyAsDouble(i));
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param array array to be initialized
     * @param generator a function accepting an index and producing the desired
     *        value for that position
     * @throws NullPointerException if the generator is null
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static void parallelSetAll(double[] array, IntToDoubleFunction generator) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(generator);
        IntStream.range(0, array.length).parallel().forEach(i -> { array[i] = generator.applyAsDouble(i); });
    }

    Returns a Spliterator covering all of the specified array. The spliterator reports Spliterator.SIZED, Spliterator.SUBSIZED, Spliterator.ORDERED, and Spliterator.IMMUTABLE. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
Type parameters: <T> – type of elements
Returns: a spliterator for the array elements
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a {@link Spliterator} covering all of the specified array.
     *
     * <p>The spliterator reports {@link Spliterator#SIZED},
     * {@link Spliterator#SUBSIZED}, {@link Spliterator#ORDERED}, and
     * {@link Spliterator#IMMUTABLE}.
     *
     * @param <T> type of elements
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @return a spliterator for the array elements
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static <T> Spliterator<T> spliterator(T[] array) {
        return Spliterators.spliterator(array,
                                        Spliterator.ORDERED | Spliterator.IMMUTABLE);
    }

    Returns a Spliterator covering the specified range of the specified array. The spliterator reports Spliterator.SIZED, Spliterator.SUBSIZED, Spliterator.ORDERED, and Spliterator.IMMUTABLE. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
startInclusive – the first index to cover, inclusive
endExclusive – index immediately past the last index to cover
Type parameters: <T> – type of elements
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if startInclusive is negative, endExclusive is less than startInclusive, or endExclusive is greater than the array size
Returns: a spliterator for the array elements
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a {@link Spliterator} covering the specified range of the
     * specified array.
     *
     * <p>The spliterator reports {@link Spliterator#SIZED},
     * {@link Spliterator#SUBSIZED}, {@link Spliterator#ORDERED}, and
     * {@link Spliterator#IMMUTABLE}.
     *
     * @param <T> type of elements
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @param startInclusive the first index to cover, inclusive
     * @param endExclusive index immediately past the last index to cover
     * @return a spliterator for the array elements
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code startInclusive} is
     *         negative, {@code endExclusive} is less than
     *         {@code startInclusive}, or {@code endExclusive} is greater than
     *         the array size
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static <T> Spliterator<T> spliterator(T[] array, int startInclusive, int endExclusive) {
        return Spliterators.spliterator(array, startInclusive, endExclusive,
                                        Spliterator.ORDERED | Spliterator.IMMUTABLE);
    }

    Returns a OfInt covering all of the specified array. The spliterator reports Spliterator.SIZED, Spliterator.SUBSIZED, Spliterator.ORDERED, and Spliterator.IMMUTABLE. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
Returns: a spliterator for the array elements
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a {@link Spliterator.OfInt} covering all of the specified array.
     *
     * <p>The spliterator reports {@link Spliterator#SIZED},
     * {@link Spliterator#SUBSIZED}, {@link Spliterator#ORDERED}, and
     * {@link Spliterator#IMMUTABLE}.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @return a spliterator for the array elements
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static Spliterator.OfInt spliterator(int[] array) {
        return Spliterators.spliterator(array,
                                        Spliterator.ORDERED | Spliterator.IMMUTABLE);
    }

    Returns a OfInt covering the specified range of the specified array. The spliterator reports Spliterator.SIZED, Spliterator.SUBSIZED, Spliterator.ORDERED, and Spliterator.IMMUTABLE. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
startInclusive – the first index to cover, inclusive
endExclusive – index immediately past the last index to cover
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if startInclusive is negative, endExclusive is less than startInclusive, or endExclusive is greater than the array size
Returns: a spliterator for the array elements
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a {@link Spliterator.OfInt} covering the specified range of the
     * specified array.
     *
     * <p>The spliterator reports {@link Spliterator#SIZED},
     * {@link Spliterator#SUBSIZED}, {@link Spliterator#ORDERED}, and
     * {@link Spliterator#IMMUTABLE}.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @param startInclusive the first index to cover, inclusive
     * @param endExclusive index immediately past the last index to cover
     * @return a spliterator for the array elements
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code startInclusive} is
     *         negative, {@code endExclusive} is less than
     *         {@code startInclusive}, or {@code endExclusive} is greater than
     *         the array size
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static Spliterator.OfInt spliterator(int[] array, int startInclusive, int endExclusive) {
        return Spliterators.spliterator(array, startInclusive, endExclusive,
                                        Spliterator.ORDERED | Spliterator.IMMUTABLE);
    }

    Returns a OfLong covering all of the specified array. The spliterator reports Spliterator.SIZED, Spliterator.SUBSIZED, Spliterator.ORDERED, and Spliterator.IMMUTABLE. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
Returns: the spliterator for the array elements
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a {@link Spliterator.OfLong} covering all of the specified array.
     *
     * <p>The spliterator reports {@link Spliterator#SIZED},
     * {@link Spliterator#SUBSIZED}, {@link Spliterator#ORDERED}, and
     * {@link Spliterator#IMMUTABLE}.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @return the spliterator for the array elements
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static Spliterator.OfLong spliterator(long[] array) {
        return Spliterators.spliterator(array,
                                        Spliterator.ORDERED | Spliterator.IMMUTABLE);
    }

    Returns a OfLong covering the specified range of the specified array. The spliterator reports Spliterator.SIZED, Spliterator.SUBSIZED, Spliterator.ORDERED, and Spliterator.IMMUTABLE. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
startInclusive – the first index to cover, inclusive
endExclusive – index immediately past the last index to cover
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if startInclusive is negative, endExclusive is less than startInclusive, or endExclusive is greater than the array size
Returns: a spliterator for the array elements
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a {@link Spliterator.OfLong} covering the specified range of the
     * specified array.
     *
     * <p>The spliterator reports {@link Spliterator#SIZED},
     * {@link Spliterator#SUBSIZED}, {@link Spliterator#ORDERED}, and
     * {@link Spliterator#IMMUTABLE}.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @param startInclusive the first index to cover, inclusive
     * @param endExclusive index immediately past the last index to cover
     * @return a spliterator for the array elements
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code startInclusive} is
     *         negative, {@code endExclusive} is less than
     *         {@code startInclusive}, or {@code endExclusive} is greater than
     *         the array size
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static Spliterator.OfLong spliterator(long[] array, int startInclusive, int endExclusive) {
        return Spliterators.spliterator(array, startInclusive, endExclusive,
                                        Spliterator.ORDERED | Spliterator.IMMUTABLE);
    }

    Returns a OfDouble covering all of the specified array. The spliterator reports Spliterator.SIZED, Spliterator.SUBSIZED, Spliterator.ORDERED, and Spliterator.IMMUTABLE. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
Returns: a spliterator for the array elements
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a {@link Spliterator.OfDouble} covering all of the specified
     * array.
     *
     * <p>The spliterator reports {@link Spliterator#SIZED},
     * {@link Spliterator#SUBSIZED}, {@link Spliterator#ORDERED}, and
     * {@link Spliterator#IMMUTABLE}.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @return a spliterator for the array elements
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static Spliterator.OfDouble spliterator(double[] array) {
        return Spliterators.spliterator(array,
                                        Spliterator.ORDERED | Spliterator.IMMUTABLE);
    }

    Returns a OfDouble covering the specified range of the specified array. The spliterator reports Spliterator.SIZED, Spliterator.SUBSIZED, Spliterator.ORDERED, and Spliterator.IMMUTABLE. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
startInclusive – the first index to cover, inclusive
endExclusive – index immediately past the last index to cover
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if startInclusive is negative, endExclusive is less than startInclusive, or endExclusive is greater than the array size
Returns: a spliterator for the array elements
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a {@link Spliterator.OfDouble} covering the specified range of
     * the specified array.
     *
     * <p>The spliterator reports {@link Spliterator#SIZED},
     * {@link Spliterator#SUBSIZED}, {@link Spliterator#ORDERED}, and
     * {@link Spliterator#IMMUTABLE}.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @param startInclusive the first index to cover, inclusive
     * @param endExclusive index immediately past the last index to cover
     * @return a spliterator for the array elements
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code startInclusive} is
     *         negative, {@code endExclusive} is less than
     *         {@code startInclusive}, or {@code endExclusive} is greater than
     *         the array size
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static Spliterator.OfDouble spliterator(double[] array, int startInclusive, int endExclusive) {
        return Spliterators.spliterator(array, startInclusive, endExclusive,
                                        Spliterator.ORDERED | Spliterator.IMMUTABLE);
    }

    Returns a sequential Stream with the specified array as its source. 
Params: array – The array, assumed to be unmodified during use
Type parameters: <T> – The type of the array elements
Returns: a Stream for the array
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a sequential {@link Stream} with the specified array as its
     * source.
     *
     * @param <T> The type of the array elements
     * @param array The array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @return a {@code Stream} for the array
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static <T> Stream<T> stream(T[] array) {
        return stream(array, 0, array.length);
    }

    Returns a sequential Stream with the specified range of the specified array as its source. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
startInclusive – the first index to cover, inclusive
endExclusive – index immediately past the last index to cover
Type parameters: <T> – the type of the array elements
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if startInclusive is negative, endExclusive is less than startInclusive, or endExclusive is greater than the array size
Returns: a Stream for the array range
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a sequential {@link Stream} with the specified range of the
     * specified array as its source.
     *
     * @param <T> the type of the array elements
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @param startInclusive the first index to cover, inclusive
     * @param endExclusive index immediately past the last index to cover
     * @return a {@code Stream} for the array range
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code startInclusive} is
     *         negative, {@code endExclusive} is less than
     *         {@code startInclusive}, or {@code endExclusive} is greater than
     *         the array size
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static <T> Stream<T> stream(T[] array, int startInclusive, int endExclusive) {
        return StreamSupport.stream(spliterator(array, startInclusive, endExclusive), false);
    }

    Returns a sequential IntStream with the specified array as its source. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
Returns: an IntStream for the array
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a sequential {@link IntStream} with the specified array as its
     * source.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @return an {@code IntStream} for the array
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static IntStream stream(int[] array) {
        return stream(array, 0, array.length);
    }

    Returns a sequential IntStream with the specified range of the specified array as its source. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
startInclusive – the first index to cover, inclusive
endExclusive – index immediately past the last index to cover
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if startInclusive is negative, endExclusive is less than startInclusive, or endExclusive is greater than the array size
Returns: an IntStream for the array range
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a sequential {@link IntStream} with the specified range of the
     * specified array as its source.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @param startInclusive the first index to cover, inclusive
     * @param endExclusive index immediately past the last index to cover
     * @return an {@code IntStream} for the array range
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code startInclusive} is
     *         negative, {@code endExclusive} is less than
     *         {@code startInclusive}, or {@code endExclusive} is greater than
     *         the array size
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static IntStream stream(int[] array, int startInclusive, int endExclusive) {
        return StreamSupport.intStream(spliterator(array, startInclusive, endExclusive), false);
    }

    Returns a sequential LongStream with the specified array as its source. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
Returns: a LongStream for the array
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a sequential {@link LongStream} with the specified array as its
     * source.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @return a {@code LongStream} for the array
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static LongStream stream(long[] array) {
        return stream(array, 0, array.length);
    }

    Returns a sequential LongStream with the specified range of the specified array as its source. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
startInclusive – the first index to cover, inclusive
endExclusive – index immediately past the last index to cover
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if startInclusive is negative, endExclusive is less than startInclusive, or endExclusive is greater than the array size
Returns: a LongStream for the array range
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a sequential {@link LongStream} with the specified range of the
     * specified array as its source.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @param startInclusive the first index to cover, inclusive
     * @param endExclusive index immediately past the last index to cover
     * @return a {@code LongStream} for the array range
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code startInclusive} is
     *         negative, {@code endExclusive} is less than
     *         {@code startInclusive}, or {@code endExclusive} is greater than
     *         the array size
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static LongStream stream(long[] array, int startInclusive, int endExclusive) {
        return StreamSupport.longStream(spliterator(array, startInclusive, endExclusive), false);
    }

    Returns a sequential DoubleStream with the specified array as its source. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
Returns: a DoubleStream for the array
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a sequential {@link DoubleStream} with the specified array as its
     * source.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @return a {@code DoubleStream} for the array
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static DoubleStream stream(double[] array) {
        return stream(array, 0, array.length);
    }

    Returns a sequential DoubleStream with the specified range of the specified array as its source. 
Params: array – the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
startInclusive – the first index to cover, inclusive
endExclusive – index immediately past the last index to cover
Throws: ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if startInclusive is negative, endExclusive is less than startInclusive, or endExclusive is greater than the array size
Returns: a DoubleStream for the array range
Since: 1.8/**
     * Returns a sequential {@link DoubleStream} with the specified range of the
     * specified array as its source.
     *
     * @param array the array, assumed to be unmodified during use
     * @param startInclusive the first index to cover, inclusive
     * @param endExclusive index immediately past the last index to cover
     * @return a {@code DoubleStream} for the array range
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException if {@code startInclusive} is
     *         negative, {@code endExclusive} is less than
     *         {@code startInclusive}, or {@code endExclusive} is greater than
     *         the array size
     * @since 1.8
     */
    public static DoubleStream stream(double[] array, int startInclusive, int endExclusive) {
        return StreamSupport.doubleStream(spliterator(array, startInclusive, endExclusive), false);
    }


    // Comparison methods

    // Compare boolean

    Compares two boolean arrays lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Boolean.compare(boolean, boolean), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(boolean[], boolean[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Boolean.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code boolean} arrays lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Boolean#compare(boolean, boolean)}, at an index within the
     * respective arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(boolean[], boolean[])} for the definition of a
     * common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(boolean[], boolean[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Boolean.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(boolean[] a, boolean[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Boolean.compare(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two boolean arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Boolean.compare(boolean, boolean), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(boolean[], int, int, boolean[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Boolean.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code boolean} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Boolean#compare(boolean, boolean)}, at a
     * relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the
     * prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(boolean[], int, int, boolean[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(boolean[], int, int, boolean[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Boolean.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(boolean[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                              boolean[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Boolean.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    // Compare byte

    Compares two byte arrays lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Byte.compare(byte, byte), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(byte[], byte[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Byte.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code byte} arrays lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Byte#compare(byte, byte)}, at an index within the respective
     * arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(byte[], byte[])} for the definition of a common and
     * proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(byte[], byte[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Byte.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(byte[] a, byte[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Byte.compare(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two byte arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Byte.compare(byte, byte), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(byte[], int, int, byte[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Byte.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code byte} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Byte#compare(byte, byte)}, at a relative index
     * within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(byte[], int, int, byte[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(byte[], int, int, byte[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Byte.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(byte[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                              byte[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Byte.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    Compares two byte arrays lexicographically, numerically treating elements as unsigned. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Byte.compareUnsigned(byte, byte), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(byte[], byte[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Byte.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code byte} arrays lexicographically, numerically treating
     * elements as unsigned.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Byte#compareUnsigned(byte, byte)}, at an index within the
     * respective arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(byte[], byte[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Byte.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are
     *         equal and contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compareUnsigned(byte[] a, byte[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Byte.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }


    Compares two byte arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges, numerically treating elements as unsigned. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Byte.compareUnsigned(byte, byte), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(byte[], int, int, byte[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException – 
        if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Byte.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code byte} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges, numerically treating elements as unsigned.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Byte#compareUnsigned(byte, byte)}, at a
     * relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the
     * prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(byte[], int, int, byte[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Byte.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is null
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compareUnsigned(byte[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                      byte[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Byte.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    // Compare short

    Compares two short arrays lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Short.compare(short, short), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(short[], short[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Short.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code short} arrays lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Short#compare(short, short)}, at an index within the respective
     * arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(short[], short[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(short[], short[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Short.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(short[] a, short[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Short.compare(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two short arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Short.compare(short, short), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(short[], int, int, short[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Short.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code short} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Short#compare(short, short)}, at a relative
     * index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(short[], int, int, short[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(short[], int, int, short[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Short.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(short[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                              short[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Short.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    Compares two short arrays lexicographically, numerically treating elements as unsigned. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Short.compareUnsigned(short, short), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(short[], short[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Short.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code short} arrays lexicographically, numerically treating
     * elements as unsigned.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Short#compareUnsigned(short, short)}, at an index within the
     * respective arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(short[], short[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Short.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are
     *         equal and contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compareUnsigned(short[] a, short[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Short.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two short arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges, numerically treating elements as unsigned. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Short.compareUnsigned(short, short), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(short[], int, int, short[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException – 
        if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Short.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code short} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges, numerically treating elements as unsigned.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Short#compareUnsigned(short, short)}, at a
     * relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the
     * prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(short[], int, int, short[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Short.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is null
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compareUnsigned(short[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                      short[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Short.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    // Compare char

    Compares two char arrays lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Character.compare(char, char), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(char[], char[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Character.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code char} arrays lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Character#compare(char, char)}, at an index within the respective
     * arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(char[], char[])} for the definition of a common and
     * proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(char[], char[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Character.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(char[] a, char[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Character.compare(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two char arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Character.compare(char, char), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(char[], int, int, char[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Character.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code char} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Character#compare(char, char)}, at a relative
     * index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(char[], int, int, char[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(char[], int, int, char[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Character.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(char[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                              char[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Character.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    // Compare int

    Compares two int arrays lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Integer.compare(int, int), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(int[], int[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Integer.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code int} arrays lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Integer#compare(int, int)}, at an index within the respective
     * arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(int[], int[])} for the definition of a common and
     * proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(int[], int[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Integer.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(int[] a, int[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Integer.compare(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two int arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Integer.compare(int, int), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(int[], int, int, int[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Integer.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code int} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Integer#compare(int, int)}, at a relative index
     * within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(int[], int, int, int[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(int[], int, int, int[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Integer.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(int[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                              int[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Integer.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    Compares two int arrays lexicographically, numerically treating elements as unsigned. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Integer.compareUnsigned(int, int), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(int[], int[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Integer.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code int} arrays lexicographically, numerically treating
     * elements as unsigned.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Integer#compareUnsigned(int, int)}, at an index within the
     * respective arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(int[], int[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Integer.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are
     *         equal and contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compareUnsigned(int[] a, int[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Integer.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two int arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges, numerically treating elements as unsigned. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Integer.compareUnsigned(int, int), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(int[], int, int, int[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException – 
        if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Integer.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code int} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges, numerically treating elements as unsigned.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Integer#compareUnsigned(int, int)}, at a
     * relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the
     * prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(int[], int, int, int[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Integer.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is null
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compareUnsigned(int[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                      int[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Integer.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    // Compare long

    Compares two long arrays lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Long.compare(long, long), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(long[], long[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Long.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code long} arrays lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Long#compare(long, long)}, at an index within the respective
     * arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(long[], long[])} for the definition of a common and
     * proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(long[], long[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Long.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(long[] a, long[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Long.compare(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two long arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Long.compare(long, long), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(long[], int, int, long[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Long.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code long} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Long#compare(long, long)}, at a relative index
     * within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(long[], int, int, long[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(long[], int, int, long[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Long.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(long[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                              long[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Long.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    Compares two long arrays lexicographically, numerically treating elements as unsigned. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Long.compareUnsigned(long, long), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(long[], long[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Long.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code long} arrays lexicographically, numerically treating
     * elements as unsigned.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Long#compareUnsigned(long, long)}, at an index within the
     * respective arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(long[], long[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Long.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are
     *         equal and contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compareUnsigned(long[] a, long[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Long.compareUnsigned(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two long arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges, numerically treating elements as unsigned. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Long.compareUnsigned(long, long), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(long[], int, int, long[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException – 
        if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Long.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code long} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges, numerically treating elements as unsigned.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Long#compareUnsigned(long, long)}, at a
     * relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the
     * prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(long[], int, int, long[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Long.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is null
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compareUnsigned(long[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                                      long[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Long.compareUnsigned(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    // Compare float

    Compares two float arrays lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Float.compare(float, float), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(float[], float[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Float.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code float} arrays lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Float#compare(float, float)}, at an index within the respective
     * arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(float[], float[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(float[], float[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Float.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(float[] a, float[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Float.compare(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two float arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Float.compare(float, float), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(float[], int, int, float[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Float.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code float} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Float#compare(float, float)}, at a relative
     * index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(float[], int, int, float[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(float[], int, int, float[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Float.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(float[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                              float[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Float.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    // Compare double

    Compares two double arrays lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Double.compare(double, double), at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(double[], double[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return Double.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code double} arrays lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by
     * {@link Double#compare(double, double)}, at an index within the respective
     * arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(double[], double[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(double[], double[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return Double.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(double[] a, double[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b,
                                       Math.min(a.length, b.length));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Double.compare(a[i], b[i]);
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two double arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements, as if by Double.compare(double, double), at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(double[], int, int, double[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if:

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return Double.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code double} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements, as if by {@link Double#compare(double, double)}, at a relative
     * index within the respective arrays that is the length of the prefix.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(double[], int, int, double[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(double[], int, int, double[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return Double.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int compare(double[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                              double[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       Math.min(aLength, bLength));
        if (i >= 0) {
            return Double.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    // Compare objects

    Compares two Object arrays, within comparable elements, lexicographically. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements of type T at an index i within the respective arrays that is the prefix length, as if by: 

    Comparator.nullsFirst(Comparator.<T>naturalOrder()).
        compare(a[i], b[i])
 Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(Object[], Object[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. A null array element is considered lexicographically than a non-null array element. Two null array elements are considered equal. 
The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b: 

    Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
Type parameters: <T> – the type of comparable array elements
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references and elements): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return a[i].compareTo(b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code Object} arrays, within comparable elements,
     * lexicographically.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing two elements of type {@code T} at
     * an index {@code i} within the respective arrays that is the prefix
     * length, as if by:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Comparator.nullsFirst(Comparator.<T>naturalOrder()).
     *         compare(a[i], b[i])
     * }</pre>
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(Object[], Object[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     * A {@code null} array element is considered lexicographically than a
     * non-{@code null} array element.  Two {@code null} array elements are
     * considered equal.
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with {@link #equals(Object[], Object[]) equals},
     * more specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b}:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, b) == (Arrays.compare(a, b) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references
     * and elements):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return a[i].compareTo(b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param <T> the type of comparable array elements
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @since 9
     */
    public static <T extends Comparable<? super T>> int compare(T[] a, T[] b) {
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        // A null array is less than a non-null array
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length);
        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            T oa = a[i];
            T ob = b[i];
            if (oa != ob) {
                // A null element is less than a non-null element
                if (oa == null || ob == null)
                    return oa == null ? -1 : 1;
                int v = oa.compareTo(ob);
                if (v != 0) {
                    return v;
                }
            }
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two Object arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two elements of type T at a relative index i within the respective arrays that is the prefix length, as if by: 

    Comparator.nullsFirst(Comparator.<T>naturalOrder()).
        compare(a[aFromIndex + i, b[bFromIndex + i])
 Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(Object[], int, int, Object[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) The comparison is consistent with equals, more specifically the following holds for arrays a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively: 

    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
        (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)

Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
Type parameters: <T> – the type of comparable array elements
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array elements): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return a[aFromIndex + i].compareTo(b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code Object} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing two
     * elements of type {@code T} at a relative index {@code i} within the
     * respective arrays that is the prefix length, as if by:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Comparator.nullsFirst(Comparator.<T>naturalOrder()).
     *         compare(a[aFromIndex + i, b[bFromIndex + i])
     * }</pre>
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(Object[], int, int, Object[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>The comparison is consistent with
     * {@link #equals(Object[], int, int, Object[], int, int) equals}, more
     * specifically the following holds for arrays {@code a} and {@code b} with
     * specified ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) ==
     *         (Arrays.compare(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex, b, bFromIndex, bToIndex) == 0)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array elements):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return a[aFromIndex + i].compareTo(b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @param <T> the type of comparable array elements
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static <T extends Comparable<? super T>> int compare(
            T[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
            T[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            T oa = a[aFromIndex++];
            T ob = b[bFromIndex++];
            if (oa != ob) {
                if (oa == null || ob == null)
                    return oa == null ? -1 : 1;
                int v = oa.compareTo(ob);
                if (v != 0) {
                    return v;
                }
            }
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }

    Compares two Object arrays lexicographically using a specified comparator. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing with the specified comparator two elements at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths. (See mismatch(Object[], Object[]) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
A null array reference is considered lexicographically less than a non-null array reference. Two null array references are considered equal. 
Params: a – the first array to compare
b – the second array to compare
cmp – the comparator to compare array elements
Type parameters: <T> – the type of array elements
Throws: NullPointerException – if the comparator is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array references): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b, cmp);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
        return cmp.compare(a[i], b[i]);
    return a.length - b.length;
Returns: the value 0 if the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code Object} arrays lexicographically using a specified
     * comparator.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing with the specified comparator two
     * elements at an index within the respective arrays that is the prefix
     * length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two array lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(Object[], Object[])} for the definition of a common
     * and proper prefix.)
     *
     * <p>A {@code null} array reference is considered lexicographically less
     * than a non-{@code null} array reference.  Two {@code null} array
     * references are considered equal.
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array references):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, b, cmp);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     *         return cmp.compare(a[i], b[i]);
     *     return a.length - b.length;
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param cmp the comparator to compare array elements
     * @param <T> the type of array elements
     * @return the value {@code 0} if the first and second array are equal and
     *         contain the same elements in the same order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if the first array is
     *         lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws NullPointerException if the comparator is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static <T> int compare(T[] a, T[] b,
                                  Comparator<? super T> cmp) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(cmp);
        if (a == b)
            return 0;
        if (a == null || b == null)
            return a == null ? -1 : 1;

        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length);
        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            T oa = a[i];
            T ob = b[i];
            if (oa != ob) {
                // Null-value comparison is deferred to the comparator
                int v = cmp.compare(oa, ob);
                if (v != 0) {
                    return v;
                }
            }
        }

        return a.length - b.length;
    }

    Compares two Object arrays lexicographically over the specified ranges. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing with the specified comparator two elements at a relative index within the respective arrays that is the prefix length. Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths. (See mismatch(Object[], int, int, Object[], int, int) for the definition of a common and proper prefix.) 
Params: a – the first array to compare
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be compared
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be compared
b – the second array to compare
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be compared
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be compared
cmp – the comparator to compare array elements
Type parameters: <T> – the type of array elements
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array or the comparator is null
API Note: 
This method behaves as if (for non-null array elements): 

    int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
                            b, bFromIndex, bToIndex, cmp);
    if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
        return cmp.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
    return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
Returns: the value 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first and second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same order; a value less than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and a value greater than 0 if, over the specified ranges, the first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
Since: 9/**
     * Compares two {@code Object} arrays lexicographically over the specified
     * ranges.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the lexicographic comparison is the result of comparing with the
     * specified comparator two elements at a relative index within the
     * respective arrays that is the prefix length.
     * Otherwise, one array is a proper prefix of the other and, lexicographic
     * comparison is the result of comparing the two range lengths.
     * (See {@link #mismatch(Object[], int, int, Object[], int, int)} for the
     * definition of a common and proper prefix.)
     *
     * @apiNote
     * <p>This method behaves as if (for non-{@code null} array elements):
     * <pre>{@code
     *     int i = Arrays.mismatch(a, aFromIndex, aToIndex,
     *                             b, bFromIndex, bToIndex, cmp);
     *     if (i >= 0 && i < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     *         return cmp.compare(a[aFromIndex + i], b[bFromIndex + i]);
     *     return (aToIndex - aFromIndex) - (bToIndex - bFromIndex);
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to compare
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be compared
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be compared
     * @param b the second array to compare
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be compared
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be compared
     * @param cmp the comparator to compare array elements
     * @param <T> the type of array elements
     * @return the value {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the first and
     *         second array are equal and contain the same elements in the same
     *         order;
     *         a value less than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically less than the second array; and
     *         a value greater than {@code 0} if, over the specified ranges, the
     *         first array is lexicographically greater than the second array
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array or the comparator is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static <T> int compare(
            T[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
            T[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex,
            Comparator<? super T> cmp) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(cmp);
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            T oa = a[aFromIndex++];
            T ob = b[bFromIndex++];
            if (oa != ob) {
                // Null-value comparison is deferred to the comparator
                int v = cmp.compare(oa, ob);
                if (v != 0) {
                    return v;
                }
            }
        }

        return aLength - bLength;
    }


    // Mismatch methods

    // Mismatch boolean

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two boolean arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    a[pl] != b[pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code boolean} arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The
     * index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive)
     * of the smaller array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     a[pl] != b[pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(boolean[] a, boolean[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b, length);
        return (i < 0 && a.length != b.length) ? length : i;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two boolean arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code boolean} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if
     * no mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up
     * to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(boolean[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                               boolean[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       length);
        return (i < 0 && aLength != bLength) ? length : i;
    }

    // Mismatch byte

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two byte arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    a[pl] != b[pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two {@code byte}
     * arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The index will be
     * in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller
     * array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     a[pl] != b[pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(byte[] a, byte[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b, length);
        return (i < 0 && a.length != b.length) ? length : i;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two byte arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code byte} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no
     * mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to
     * the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(byte[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                               byte[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       length);
        return (i < 0 && aLength != bLength) ? length : i;
    }

    // Mismatch char

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two char arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    a[pl] != b[pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two {@code char}
     * arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The index will be
     * in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller
     * array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     a[pl] != b[pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(char[] a, char[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b, length);
        return (i < 0 && a.length != b.length) ? length : i;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two char arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code char} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no
     * mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to
     * the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(char[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                               char[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       length);
        return (i < 0 && aLength != bLength) ? length : i;
    }

    // Mismatch short

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two short arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    a[pl] != b[pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two {@code short}
     * arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The index will be
     * in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller
     * array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     a[pl] != b[pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(short[] a, short[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b, length);
        return (i < 0 && a.length != b.length) ? length : i;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two short arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code short} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no
     * mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to
     * the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(short[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                               short[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       length);
        return (i < 0 && aLength != bLength) ? length : i;
    }

    // Mismatch int

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two int arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    a[pl] != b[pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two {@code int}
     * arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The index will be
     * in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller
     * array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     a[pl] != b[pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(int[] a, int[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b, length);
        return (i < 0 && a.length != b.length) ? length : i;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two int arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code int} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no
     * mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to
     * the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(int[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                               int[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       length);
        return (i < 0 && aLength != bLength) ? length : i;
    }

    // Mismatch long

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two long arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    a[pl] != b[pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two {@code long}
     * arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The index will be
     * in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller
     * array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     a[pl] != b[pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(long[] a, long[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b, length);
        return (i < 0 && a.length != b.length) ? length : i;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two long arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code long} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no
     * mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to
     * the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     a[aFromIndex + pl] != b[bFromIndex + pl]
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(long[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                               long[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       length);
        return (i < 0 && aLength != bLength) ? length : i;
    }

    // Mismatch float

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two float arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    Float.compare(a[pl], b[pl]) != 0
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two {@code float}
     * arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The index will be
     * in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller
     * array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     Float.compare(a[pl], b[pl]) != 0
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(float[] a, float[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b, length);
        return (i < 0 && a.length != b.length) ? length : i;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two float arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    Float.compare(a[aFromIndex + pl], b[bFromIndex + pl]) != 0
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code float} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no
     * mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to
     * the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     Float.compare(a[aFromIndex + pl], b[bFromIndex + pl]) != 0
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(float[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                               float[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       length);
        return (i < 0 && aLength != bLength) ? length : i;
    }

    // Mismatch double

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two double arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    Double.compare(a[pl], b[pl]) != 0
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code double} arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The
     * index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive)
     * of the smaller array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     Double.compare(a[pl], b[pl]) != 0
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(double[] a, double[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, b, length);
        return (i < 0 && a.length != b.length) ? length : i;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two double arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    Double.compare(a[aFromIndex + pl], b[bFromIndex + pl]) != 0
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code double} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if
     * no mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up
     * to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     Double.compare(a[aFromIndex + pl], b[bFromIndex + pl]) != 0
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(double[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
                               double[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        int i = ArraysSupport.mismatch(a, aFromIndex,
                                       b, bFromIndex,
                                       length);
        return (i < 0 && aLength != bLength) ? length : i;
    }

    // Mismatch objects

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two Object arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
    !Objects.equals(a[pl], b[pl])
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code Object} arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.  The
     * index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive)
     * of the smaller array.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl) &&
     *     !Objects.equals(a[pl], b[pl])
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(Object[] a, Object[] b) {
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            if (!Objects.equals(a[i], b[i]))
                return i;
        }

        return a.length != b.length ? length : -1;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two Object arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
    !Objects.equals(a[aFromIndex + pl], b[bFromIndex + pl])
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code Object} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if
     * no mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up
     * to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl) &&
     *     !Objects.equals(a[aFromIndex + pl], b[bFromIndex + pl])
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex))
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static int mismatch(
            Object[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
            Object[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex) {
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            if (!Objects.equals(a[aFromIndex++], b[bFromIndex++]))
                return i;
        }

        return aLength != bLength ? length : -1;
    }

    Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two Object arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller array. The specified comparator is used to determine if two array elements
from the each array are not equal.
If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
valid for the larger array.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl, cmp)
    cmp.compare(a[pl], b[pl]) != 0
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b, share a proper prefix if the following expression is true: 

    a.length != b.length &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
                  cmp)

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
cmp – the comparator to compare array elements
Type parameters: <T> – the type of array elements
Throws: NullPointerException –  if either array or the comparator is null
Returns: the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code Object} arrays, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found.
     * The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length
     * (inclusive) of the smaller array.
     *
     * <p>The specified comparator is used to determine if two array elements
     * from the each array are not equal.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays share a common prefix then the returned index is the
     * length of the common prefix and it follows that there is a mismatch
     * between the two elements at that index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other then the returned index is
     * the length of the smaller array and it follows that the index is only
     * valid for the larger array.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(a.length, b.length) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, pl, b, 0, pl, cmp)
     *     cmp.compare(a[pl], b[pl]) != 0
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b}, share a proper
     * prefix if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     a.length != b.length &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(a.length, b.length),
     *                   cmp)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param cmp the comparator to compare array elements
     * @param <T> the type of array elements
     * @return the index of the first mismatch between the two arrays,
     *         otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array or the comparator is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static <T> int mismatch(T[] a, T[] b, Comparator<? super T> cmp) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(cmp);
        int length = Math.min(a.length, b.length); // Check null array refs
        if (a == b)
            return -1;

        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            T oa = a[i];
            T ob = b[i];
            if (oa != ob) {
                // Null-value comparison is deferred to the comparator
                int v = cmp.compare(oa, ob);
                if (v != 0) {
                    return i;
                }
            }
        }

        return a.length != b.length ? length : -1;
    }

    Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two Object arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if no mismatch is found. The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range. If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
relative index within the respective arrays.
If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
larger range.
Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a common prefix of length pl if the following expression is true: 

    pl >= 0 &&
    pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl, cmp) &&
    cmp.compare(a[aFromIndex + pl], b[bFromIndex + pl]) != 0
 Note that a common prefix length of 0 indicates that the first elements from each array mismatch. Two non-null arrays, a and b with specified ranges [aFromIndex, atoIndex) and [bFromIndex, btoIndex) respectively, share a proper if the following expression is true: 

    (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
    Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
                  cmp)

Params: a – the first array to be tested for a mismatch
aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  first array to be tested
aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                first array to be tested
b – the second array to be tested for a mismatch
bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
                  second array to be tested
bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
                second array to be tested
cmp – the comparator to compare array elements
Type parameters: <T> – the type of array elements
Throws: IllegalArgumentException –  if aFromIndex > aToIndex or if bFromIndex > bToIndex
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException –  if aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length or if bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length
NullPointerException –  if either array or the comparator is null
Returns: the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise -1.
Since: 9/**
     * Finds and returns the relative index of the first mismatch between two
     * {@code Object} arrays over the specified ranges, otherwise return -1 if
     * no mismatch is found.  The index will be in the range of 0 (inclusive) up
     * to the length (inclusive) of the smaller range.
     *
     * <p>If the two arrays, over the specified ranges, share a common prefix
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the common prefix and
     * it follows that there is a mismatch between the two elements at that
     * relative index within the respective arrays.
     * If one array is a proper prefix of the other, over the specified ranges,
     * then the returned relative index is the length of the smaller range and
     * it follows that the relative index is only valid for the array with the
     * larger range.
     * Otherwise, there is no mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a common
     * prefix of length {@code pl} if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     pl >= 0 &&
     *     pl < Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, aFromIndex, aFromIndex + pl, b, bFromIndex, bFromIndex + pl, cmp) &&
     *     cmp.compare(a[aFromIndex + pl], b[bFromIndex + pl]) != 0
     * }</pre>
     * Note that a common prefix length of {@code 0} indicates that the first
     * elements from each array mismatch.
     *
     * <p>Two non-{@code null} arrays, {@code a} and {@code b} with specified
     * ranges [{@code aFromIndex}, {@code atoIndex}) and
     * [{@code bFromIndex}, {@code btoIndex}) respectively, share a proper
     * if the following expression is true:
     * <pre>{@code
     *     (aToIndex - aFromIndex) != (bToIndex - bFromIndex) &&
     *     Arrays.equals(a, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   b, 0, Math.min(aToIndex - aFromIndex, bToIndex - bFromIndex),
     *                   cmp)
     * }</pre>
     *
     * @param a the first array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param aFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   first array to be tested
     * @param aToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 first array to be tested
     * @param b the second array to be tested for a mismatch
     * @param bFromIndex the index (inclusive) of the first element in the
     *                   second array to be tested
     * @param bToIndex the index (exclusive) of the last element in the
     *                 second array to be tested
     * @param cmp the comparator to compare array elements
     * @param <T> the type of array elements
     * @return the relative index of the first mismatch between the two arrays
     *         over the specified ranges, otherwise {@code -1}.
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex > aToIndex} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex > bToIndex}
     * @throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
     *         if {@code aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length} or
     *         if {@code bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length}
     * @throws NullPointerException
     *         if either array or the comparator is {@code null}
     * @since 9
     */
    public static <T> int mismatch(
            T[] a, int aFromIndex, int aToIndex,
            T[] b, int bFromIndex, int bToIndex,
            Comparator<? super T> cmp) {
        Objects.requireNonNull(cmp);
        rangeCheck(a.length, aFromIndex, aToIndex);
        rangeCheck(b.length, bFromIndex, bToIndex);

        int aLength = aToIndex - aFromIndex;
        int bLength = bToIndex - bFromIndex;
        int length = Math.min(aLength, bLength);
        for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
            T oa = a[aFromIndex++];
            T ob = b[bFromIndex++];
            if (oa != ob) {
                // Null-value comparison is deferred to the comparator
                int v = cmp.compare(oa, ob);
                if (v != 0) {
                    return i;
                }
            }
        }

        return aLength != bLength ? length : -1;
    }
}
Params:	a – the array to be sorted fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive, to be sorted toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive, to be sorted
Throws:	IllegalArgumentException – if `fromIndex > toIndex` ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if `fromIndex < 0` or `toIndex > a.length`
Params:	a – the array to be sorted
Implementation Note:	The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate `Arrays.sort` method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate `Arrays.sort` method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The `ForkJoin common pool` is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since:	1.8
Params:	a – the array to be sorted
Type parameters:	<T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws:	ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are not mutually comparable (for example, strings and integers) IllegalArgumentException – (optional) if the natural ordering of the array elements is found to violate the `Comparable` contract
Implementation Note:	The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate `Arrays.sort` method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate `Arrays.sort` method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The `ForkJoin common pool` is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since:	1.8
Params:	a – the array to be sorted cmp – the comparator to determine the order of the array. A `null` value indicates that the elements' natural ordering should be used.
Type parameters:	<T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws:	ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are not mutually comparable using the specified comparator IllegalArgumentException – (optional) if the comparator is found to violate the `Comparator` contract
Implementation Note:	The sorting algorithm is a parallel sort-merge that breaks the array into sub-arrays that are themselves sorted and then merged. When the sub-array length reaches a minimum granularity, the sub-array is sorted using the appropriate `Arrays.sort` method. If the length of the specified array is less than the minimum granularity, then it is sorted using the appropriate `Arrays.sort` method. The algorithm requires a working space no greater than the size of the original array. The `ForkJoin common pool` is used to execute any parallel tasks.
Since:	1.8
Params:	a – the array to be sorted c – the comparator to determine the order of the array. A `null` value indicates that the elements' natural ordering should be used.
Type parameters:	<T> – the class of the objects to be sorted
Throws:	ClassCastException – if the array contains elements that are not mutually comparable using the specified comparator IllegalArgumentException – (optional) if the comparator is found to violate the `Comparator` contract
Params:	array – the array, which is modified in-place by this method op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the cumulation
Type parameters:	<T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws:	NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since:	1.8
Params:	array – the array fromIndex – the index of the first element, inclusive toIndex – the index of the last element, exclusive op – a side-effect-free, associative function to perform the cumulation
Type parameters:	<T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws:	IllegalArgumentException – if `fromIndex > toIndex` ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if `fromIndex < 0` or `toIndex > array.length` NullPointerException – if the specified array or function is null
Since:	1.8
Params:	a – the array to be searched fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be searched toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be searched key – the value to be searched for
Throws:	IllegalArgumentException – if `fromIndex > toIndex` ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if `fromIndex < 0 or toIndex > a.length`
Returns:	index of the search key, if it is contained in the array within the specified range; otherwise, `(-(insertion point) - 1)`. The insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element in the range greater than the key, or `toIndex` if all elements in the range are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Since:	1.6
Params:	a – the array to be searched key – the value to be searched for
Throws:	ClassCastException – if the search key is not comparable to the elements of the array.
Returns:	index of the search key, if it is contained in the array; otherwise, `(-(insertion point) - 1)`. The insertion point is defined as the point at which the key would be inserted into the array: the index of the first element greater than the key, or `a.length` if all elements in the array are less than the specified key. Note that this guarantees that the return value will be >= 0 if and only if the key is found.
Params:	a – one array to be tested for equality a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
Returns:	`true` if the two arrays are equal
Params:	a – the first array to be tested for equality aFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the first array to be tested aToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the first array to be tested b – the second array to be tested fro equality bFromIndex – the index (inclusive) of the first element in the second array to be tested bToIndex – the index (exclusive) of the last element in the second array to be tested
Throws:	IllegalArgumentException – if `aFromIndex > aToIndex` or if `bFromIndex > bToIndex` ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if `aFromIndex < 0 or aToIndex > a.length` or if `bFromIndex < 0 or bToIndex > b.length` NullPointerException – if either array is `null`
Returns:	`true` if the two arrays, over the specified ranges, are equal
Since:	9
Params:	a – one array to be tested for equality a2 – the other array to be tested for equality
See Also:	Double.equals(Object)
Returns:	`true` if the two arrays are equal
Params:	a – the array to be filled fromIndex – the index of the first element (inclusive) to be filled with the specified value toIndex – the index of the last element (exclusive) to be filled with the specified value val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws:	IllegalArgumentException – if `fromIndex > toIndex` ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if `fromIndex < 0` or `toIndex > a.length`
Params:	a – the array to be filled val – the value to be stored in all elements of the array
Throws:	ArrayStoreException – if the specified value is not of a runtime type that can be stored in the specified array
Params:	original – the array to be copied newLength – the length of the copy to be returned
Type parameters:	<T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws:	NegativeArraySizeException – if `newLength` is negative NullPointerException – if `original` is null
Returns:	a copy of the original array, truncated or padded with nulls to obtain the specified length
Since:	1.6
Params:	original – the array from which a range is to be copied from – the initial index of the range to be copied, inclusive to – the final index of the range to be copied, exclusive. (This index may lie outside the array.)
Type parameters:	<T> – the class of the objects in the array
Throws:	ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException – if `from < 0` or `from > original.length` IllegalArgumentException – if `from > to` NullPointerException – if `original` is null
Returns:	a new array containing the specified range from the original array, truncated or padded with nulls to obtain the required length
Since:	1.6
Params:	a – the array by which the list will be backed
Type parameters:	<T> – the class of the objects in the array
Returns:	a list view of the specified array
Params:	a – the array whose hash value to compute
Returns:	a content-based hash code for `a`
Since:	1.5
Params:	a – the array whose content-based hash code to compute
See Also:	deepHashCode(Object[])
Returns:	a content-based hash code for `a`
Since:	1.5
Params:	a – the array whose deep-content-based hash code to compute
See Also:	hashCode(Object[])
Returns:	a deep-content-based hash code for `a`
Since:	1.5
/

java/ 11/ java.base/java/util/Arrays.java
