avoid_null_checks_in_equality_operators

Don't check for null in custom == operators.

NOTE: This lint has been replaced by the non_nullable_equals_parameter warning and is deprecated. Remove all inclusions of this lint from your analysis options.

DON'T check for null in custom == operators.

As null is a special value, no instance of any class (other than Null) can be equivalent to it. Thus, it is redundant to check whether the other instance is null.

BAD:

class Person {
  final String? name;

  @override
  operator ==(Object? other) =>
      other != null && other is Person && name == other.name;
}

GOOD:

class Person {
  final String? name;

  @override
  operator ==(Object? other) => other is Person && name == other.name;
}

To enable the avoid_null_checks_in_equality_operators rule, add avoid_null_checks_in_equality_operators under linter > rules in your analysis_options.yaml file:

linter:
  rules:
    - avoid_null_checks_in_equality_operators

If you're instead using the YAML map syntax to configure linter rules, add avoid_null_checks_in_equality_operators: true under linter > rules:

linter:
  rules:
    avoid_null_checks_in_equality_operators: true

Unless stated otherwise, the documentation on this site reflects Dart 3.6.0. Page last updated on 2025-01-27. View source or report an issue.